You won't be disappointed!

Wonderful Movie

Don't listen to the negative reviews

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

This movie should have been released in the cinema, as this was the most faithful adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's compelling novel which I've ever seen, as the plot follows the book very closely and rarely deviates from it. The cast were on the whole perfect for their roles, Charlton Heston was unrecognisable in the role of Long John Sliver which is testimony as to how well he played the part, he was charming, conniving and ruthless and Christian Bale who gave us a taste of things to come with this performance as the resourceful and courageous cabin boy Jim Hawkins, and this is the only adaptation I've seen get this character right, it was refreshing to see this character not portrayed as a young boy whose in way over his head. Also Julian Glover brought Dr Livesey to life perfectly, and again this adaptation is the only one I've seen get this character right, likewise the rest of the cast were all outstanding. The soundtrack by the Chieftains fitted the scenes very well and if anything added to it, particularly at the beginning when Billy Bones comes ashore and makes his way to the Admiral Benbow. Also this one of the few movies I've seen do narration right, as in the novel its mainly Jim telling the story. The only downside to the movie was the narration from Dr Livesey which forms a big part of the novel wasn't included, as was the gradual demise of Billy Bones and the death of Jim's father however this could be considered minor plots of the novel so maybe the producers deemed it unnecessary. But apart from that I couldn't fault it and really loved it. If you want to use a perfect example of a classic novel brought to life, this is it.

I have always loved Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, it is such a great story and a real page-turner. Of the four versions I've seen so far- this, 1950, the Muppet film and the recent one aired over the Christmas break- I do agree with those that say this is the best one.The wonderful story is still as compelling as before, throughout here it is well paced and interesting. The dialogue is witty and complex as well as maintaining the basic feel of the book's prose. Add to that assured direction, authentic locations that are rich in atmosphere, sumptuous costuming and photography, energetic action sequences and a music score that is both rousing and with a Celtic lilt and you have a treasure. But you cannot mention the cast mentioning this Treasure Island. To me at least three cast members are definitive, they are Charlton Heston as Long John Silver, Christian Bale as Jim Hawkins and Nicolas Amer as Ben Gunn.Heston is perfectly cast in a role he was born to play, his interpretation is charismatic and complex being both menacing and human, and it is easily one of my favourite performances of his. Likewise with Bale, whose appealing, never overly-sentimental and easy-to-identify-with Jim Hawkins has only been surpassed I feel by his performances in American Psycho and Empire of the Sun. Amer's Ben Gunn is both amusing and poignant, a perfect balance and the only performance of the character so far I've seen to have that perfect balance.That's not all. We also have Richard Johnson's generous Squire Trelawny and Julian Glover's gutsy Dr Livesey, as well the most vivid and most dangerous Billy Bones in Oliver Reed, a genuinely scary Blind Pew in Christopher Lee, an excellent Clive Wood as Captain Smollet and standout turns from Pete Postlethwaite, Isla Blair and Michael Halsey.Overall, a fantastic version, both as an adaptation and on its own terms with a wonderful cast especially. 10/10 Bethany Cox

I have read the book many times and have every version of this classic available. I am a devotee of pirate history as well so I hope to speak with some qualification.This is, without doubt, the finest, richest version of Treasure Island I have ever seen. The director seems to capture the mood of the story and the broad strokes are well directed making for a well told tale. But, the movie is marvelously rich in detail.The ensemble acting is .......with good chemistry. No one actor steps out as a soloist ......as it should be. And the young man acts a lad should.Why, why, oh, why is this not on DVD?

I am a life-long fan of the book. This film captures wonderfully the book's spirit (Adventure!). Prior to this film, I had always disliked Charlton Heston for his pompous saintliness. In this film, however, as a villain, he is a WONDERFUL villain - refreshingly non-stereotypical, and a good translator of the author's ambiguous character (the amoral ship's cook). And Israel Hands, the quintessential pirate-up-the-mast, with his, " Ahhh, Jim, you didn't keep your powder dry!" lends a great flavor to the translation. Mr. Bale, as the hero, has good substance, though older than the original character. After thinking about this film for years - both my thumbs up.