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Rating:  - Great Film... Nearly true to the book
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.
Rating: - Horatio Hornblower - The Boy Begins to Be a Man
In the days right before the French Revolution, British ships sat in harbor, their crew and officers bored stiff. Men drank and prostitutes came on board to entertain, while the officers were forced to entertain themselves with cards and learning the ways of the sea and the ship.
Young Horatio Hornblower (Ioan Gruffund-102 Dalmatians) was thrust right into the middle of it. As an aspiring mid-shipman who had never been to sea, Horatio had to learn quickly and overcome his seasickness as well as his fear of heights. A good-natured lad he quickly made friends ... as well as a very dangerous enemy. Still sore from having his commission for lieutenant rejected, Mid-Shipman Simpson decides to pick on Hornblower who is obviously much better mannered and better liked by the rest of the officers. After getting severely beaten for nothing, Horatio determines to put an end to Simpson's torture of him. Challenging the wicked officer to a duel, Horatio faces two paths ... will he kill his opponent or will he be killed?
Horatio Hornblower, The Duel is the beginning of a long tale about a young English Officer in the British Navy who goes from a boy to a man, but never once loses his integrity, honesty, or honor.
I enjoyed this movie for its accurate portrayal of the life of a British officer in the navy and for its clean cut characters who are honorable young men with respect for their betters, for each other, and for themselves. Joining Ioan Gruffund in the cast are Jamie Bamber, as Horatio's friend Archie, Robert Linsday, as Captain Edward Pellew, and Paul Copley, as the loveable old sailor Matthews.
The story is taken from the classic series by author C.S. Forrestor.
Rating: - Great TV movie !
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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