Yes, "Captain Phillips" is based on a true story. The film, released in 2013 and directed by Paul Greengrass, depicts the 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates. Captain Richard Phillips, played by Tom Hanks, was the ship's captain during the incident. The movie portrays the tense standoff between Phillips and the pirates, ultimately leading to his rescue by the U.S. Navy. The real-life events inspired Phillips to write a book titled "A Captain's Duty," detailing his experiences during the ordeal.

The crew of the Maersk Alabama sued Captain Richard Phillips following the events of the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates. They claimed that Phillips had put them in danger by not following safety protocols and making decisions that led to the hijacking. Specifically, they argued that his actions, such as failing to adequately assess risks and forgoing certain safety measures, contributed to the traumatic experience they endured during the crisis. The lawsuit highlighted tensions between crew safety and leadership decisions during high-stress situations.

"Captain Phillips," directed by Paul Greengrass, is based on the true story of the 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates. While the film captures the overall events and themes of heroism and survival, some details have been dramatized for cinematic effect. For instance, the portrayal of Captain Richard Phillips is somewhat idealized, and certain interactions between him and the pirates, particularly with their leader Abduwali Muse, may not reflect reality. However, it effectively highlights the broader issues of piracy and maritime security.

In real life, Captain Richard Phillips was held hostage for about five days. He was taken captive by Somali pirates on April 8, 2009, after they hijacked the Maersk Alabama. The standoff ended on April 12, 2009, when U.S. Navy SEALs intervened, leading to Phillips' rescue. The events were later depicted in the 2013 film "Captain Phillips," starring Tom Hanks.