Shattered City: The Halifax Explosion Soundtrack (

Shattered City: The Halifax Explosion Soundtrack (2003) cover

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Rating: 6.80/10 from 380 votes
Tags: mont blanc, relief ship, halifax explosion
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

La explosión de Halifax
Title in Italiano:

Shattered City: The Halifax Explosion
Title in Português:

A Explosão de Halifax

Synopsis

Shattered City: The Halifax Explosion is an epic two-part mini-series that dramatizes a compelling piece of Canadian history. It tells the story of how a tragic incident during the First World War became a living metaphor for the worldwide conflict, and how Halifax rebuilt itself after facing severe destruction and devastation.

In the early hours of December 6, 1917, the Mont Blanc, a French-owned freighter carrying thousands of tons of TNT, collided with a Belgian relief ship and exploded in the Halifax Harbour. The explosion was so massive that it resulted in the deaths of over 2,000 people, with 9,000 more injured, and completely flattened two square kilometers of northern Halifax.

The series focuses on the Collins family, particularly on their eldest son Charlie, a captain in the Royal Canadian Army. Charlie searches for his family members, including his fatally injured father, mother, and siblings, amidst the rubble. He later becomes a lawyer defending the Mont Blanc's captain, Le Medec, and the harbor helmsman, Francis Mackay, in court against vindictive authorities seeking a scapegoat for the tragedy.

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Shattered City: The Halifax Explosion

User reviews

Michael Johnson
10/10

The haunting melodies and powerful orchestration elevate the storytelling to a whole new level, immersing the audience in the heart-wrenching tale of loss, survival, and ultimately, rebuilding. The music perfectly complements the narrative, evoking a range of emotions from sorrow to hope, making the viewing experience truly unforgettable.

Melissa Lewis
5/10

The use of haunting melodies and somber tones in the soundtrack effectively conveys the sense of loss and devastation experienced by the characters and the community of Halifax.

Donald Robinson
7/10

The music expertly conveys the tragedy and resilience of the Halifax Explosion, immersing the audience in the historical events and the personal struggles of the Collins family.

Paul Lewis
8/10

The soundtrack's use of orchestral arrangements and poignant melodies creates a sense of drama and tension, effectively complementing the gripping narrative of the mini-series.

Timothy Johnson
6/10

The composer's ability to blend orchestral arrangements with subtle ambient sounds creates a deeply immersive listening experience that enhances the storytelling of the series.

Jennifer Turner
6/10

The soundtrack's pacing and dynamics mirror the tension and drama of the plot, drawing the audience deeper into the narrative and heightening the emotional impact of key moments.

George Wilson
4/10

The music felt generic and uninspired, failing to evoke a sense of empathy or connection with the characters and their struggles during the aftermath of the explosion.

Donald Evans
6/10

The incorporation of traditional Canadian folk music elements into the score adds a layer of authenticity and cultural richness to the overall sound of the soundtrack.

Dorothy Davis
1/10

Furthermore, the use of repetitive motifs and lackluster orchestration added to the overall underwhelming listening experience, missing an opportunity to enhance the storytelling and amplify the impact of the historical narrative.