Strong and Moving!

Did you people see the same film I saw?

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

My first exposure to Horatio Hornblower was, of course, the books. The first of these films I watched was "The Wrong War", which was absolutely enjoyable. So I was really surprised to go back and watch the first movie--the Duel--which I didn't even finish due to its content. While the acting and story are excellent (can't really go wrong with Ioan Gruffudd in a period drama) I was very surprised at how much objectionable content there was; this is coming from a familywoman (is that a word?) Anyway, make your own judgment, I'll simply supply the details.Objectionable Content:Sex & Nudity: When Hornblower first gets on the ship, there are plenty of women, and raucous behavior is implied but not shown.Jack asks Hornblower if he is "a fancier of other boys" and if his mother "makes a living on her back." A character calls another character a "whore's son".Profanity: 1 use of the A-word, 1 use of the H-word, 2 uses of the P-word, and more than 10 instances of the D-word. Blasphemy, such as "Jesu" and "God" are used as exclamations.

In my opinion the film does not exploit the full potential of the story. Ioan Gruffudd is great in the Hornblower role, but at least some of the supporting actors play not as convincing as he does. For example Dorian Healy, the bad guy, appeals threatening primarily through the lighting and the music, not so much through his acting. The captains are portrayed in a rather static way. At times the cutting is clumsy, in particular during naval battles. There are no aesthetically outstanding images. The music is expectable and too conventional. You immediately realize that this is a TV production with less resources behind it than a cinema production such as "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" (2003), which is far more impressive.

The first in the Horatio Hornblower series, this installment is absolutely stunning. After watching this, you will find yourself longing for more. There is enough action, drama, and humor to satisfy just about anyone.The acting is wonderful. Ioan Gruffudd in particular in the leading role, but all the supporting actors put out great performances as well.The costumes are flawless. That, combined with the set design and ships, make you feel as though you have gone back in time.I would recommend this miniseries to anyone I know (And I've done much of that already).

I Have just finished watching the entire series of Hornblower and must say that few seafaring adventures can beat it.It ranks up there with the original Mutiny on the Bounty,The Sea Hawk and Master And Commander as one of the greatest of its kind. Ioan Gruffudd is perfectly cast as young Hornblower,a seasick midshipman who tranforms gradually into a courageous leader of men. Robert Lindsay offers great support as Capt.Edward Pellew,one of the most important characters in the story who guides Hornblower along his journeys.Jamie Bamber,Paul Copley and Sean Gilder are all excellent as Hornblower's loyal shipmates. Ireally can't pick any one episode as they are all magnificent.I also liked Paul McGann who portrays Lt.Bush. All in all i just hope that in the future their will be more parts to this truly brilliant adventure series!!! EASILY 10 OUT OF 10 !