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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Strength and honour, February 17, 2004
The first instalment of this wonderful and swashbuckling Horatio Hornblower t.v. series introduces a very young Horatio -he is only 17, although already too old to be a really good navy official, he is told by his comrades. For him, entering the Navy is a real rite of passage, a non-too-easy, life-changing experience that is useful for the hero to clarify his objectives and priorities in life: at the end of the movie he knows that he really wants to be a navy officer, and he also knows that he prefers death rather than submitting himself to the indignities and dishonour that the victims of the bully of the ship, Sympson, must undergo. He understands that dignity and honour can only be gained at a price, and he learns that he is prepared to pay this price, which in his case will involve to fight a life-or-death duel against his now enemy, Sympson. Wonderful acting, superb setting and photography in this really good naval adventure set in the Napoleonic wars. Not to be missed if you liked Sharpe and, in general, adventures set in this period: the last heroic period in European warfare. Watch it and, as Hornblower would have it, "Confound Robespierre!"
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great TV movie !, May 29, 2001
I'm a long time fan of Horatio Hornblower books, and when I've read about TV film based on Forester's novels I was worry that TV production cannot bring Hornblower times to life.... I cannot be mistaken more. Quality of production is superb, acting is very good. Some Forester's fans may don't like some changes in story, but I've found them acceptable. As for DVD - image quality is medicore, sometimes there are visible artifacts, but the sound is good (or very good). If you feel exitement when you see frigate under full sails it's a must buy for you !
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Film... Nearly true to the book, September 13, 2002
This is a really well made film. The attention to detail is astounding. The clothes, the ships, the language. Everything is just right for this date and time. The film contains the main theme of the first half of the first book in the series. There were a few deviations from the book, but they do not detract from this film. It's great to actually see the workings of the ships. I especially enjoyed seeing the 'tween decks area and the great cabin of the larger ships. A picture is worth a thousand words. The only problem that I have with the film is the fact that some of the characters are not introduced. Also, if you never read the book, you might be a little lost. I kept trying to figure out which officers were which. Consciously listening to the names. Aside from that, the film was great. Just about everything I expected. The seamen that are under Hornblower's command are well played. I plan on getting the next DVD in the series very soon.
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