re: "Captain Phillips" is the most intense movie I've seen since _______?

The movie.

I've seen plenty of documentaries about significantly worse tragedies, but I don't believe any film in recent memory has been as intense as this one. I knew exactly how it would end, but I found myself clutching my arm rest and tensing my legs as the events transpired. I was spent by the time the movie was over. Despite the slow pace and long run time, once the film grabbed me, it did not let go.