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Summary: Essential viewing for any fan of the British Navy
Review: After having read (and loved) all 20 of the Aubrey/Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian, I was a bit hesitant to watch the Hornblower series. The O'brian books are just so good, it was hard to think that Horatio could live up to what I was expecting. After receiving this series as a gift from my wife, however, I felt that I had to watch them. I regret every day I postponed the experience. They are exhilerating thrill rides through 18th century British naval escapades. They have an excellent mix of accuracy and thrills and the casting is pretty much perfect. I cannot wait to see the what will come next and hope that A&E continues to put quality storytelling first in the further adventures of Mr. Hornblower.
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Summary: Swashbuckling at its best!
Review: Midshipman (and, later, Lieutenant) Horatio Hornblower comes to life in this beautifully filmed series, which is enriched by stunning cinematography, a stirring soundtrack, and a faithful rendering of naval life in the late 18th Century. Any episode of this four part series could hold its own as a feature film, but the continuity between episodes prevents them from seeming incoherent when viewed together.Ioan Gruffudd is brilliantly smoldering in his performance as Hornblower. The series follows Hornblower's rise from a stammering adolescent to a powerful leader, much admired by the men who serve with him - inferiors and superiors alike. Gruffudd's portrayal of his character shows Hornblower's education and development with a sensitivity that is a joy to watch. There is absolutely nothing I can say against this series. It is a delight, with all the excitement of a classic swashbuckling adventure story, and all of the emotion of an in-depth character study.
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Summary: MAGNIFICENT DISPLAYS OF SAILING & NAVAL TACTICS
Review: I rabidly watched these four movies on TV, and though they sometimes lag, as with the episode shot entirely on land, they are a terrific rendidion of Forester's stories, with magnificent displays of sailing and of naval tactics. I recommend them heartily to anyone who loves sailing or stories from the days of the old British Navy. Their production values are beautiful and glorious - a rock-solid A&E approach to the famous stories. More episodes are coming from A&E and Ioan Gruffyd, and I can't wait! Note: These are the adventures of the Young Horatio Hornblower, penned later by Forester -- starting with how he first went to sea. Forester's first books, of Hornblower's later adventures, are represented in Gregory Peck's 1951 movie "Captain Horatio Hornblower", a fine followup to see Hornblower later in life.
Rating:
Summary: Good feel for the books
Review: The Hornblower TV shows give a good feel for the atmosphere of the books and inspired me to go back and read one or two of them again. I particularly like the development of Sir Edward Pellew's patronage over young Hornblower. Although not present until the second set of movies (Mutiny & Retribution), the portayal of William Bush gave the character a substance that I could never entirely get from the books.
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Summary: Bravo!!
Review: This film series is a beautiful picture of what it means to serve one's country. We have seen endless garbage come out of the film industry and it is good to know that people are still making movies that inspire honor, duty, sacrifice, and integrity! I highly recommend this series and "The Adventure Continues" series. Enjoy, And be inspired to do the right thing.
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Summary: Iron Men and Wooden Ships
Review: This series brings to life the adventures of Mr. Hornblower on his way up the Naval Ladder. This is a great set of movies for those that love tales of the "Tall Ships" as they are now called. If you have read the books you will be delighted, if you haven't you are still in for a good time. If you enjoy the show read the books or others, by O'Brian, Kent or Pope to name but a few. It was an interesting era, and this movie gives up a glimpse into what that world might have been like.
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Summary: You go A&E!!
Review: Hornblower and Co are trapped in port under a siege by a Spanish fire ship(huge mortor-like vessles). In a strange twist of fate this is also the time for Hornblower to become an actual Lt, and not just an acting one. A&E does it agian, if you like Richard Sharpe you will like this DVD.
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Summary: Horatio Hornblower Rules!
Review: I had never read any of the Hornblower series before I saw these films but I have since and enjoyed every single book. Although the films do not follow the books too closely, they are even better. They are inspired and the actors seem as if the books were written just for their characterizations. Ioan Gruffudd is perfect as Hornblower and I think will be one of our great actors of the future. If you think you won't enjoy seafaring adventures such as these, you may be suprised to find yourself thoroughly engrossed in these films.
Rating:
Summary: Engaging, well-written, well-acted, well-produced
Review: This series is well-written, well-produced, and well-acted. The story of a young midshipman in the Royal Navy prior to and during the Napoleonic Wars had me hooked from the start. I first felt sympathy, then pride as Hornblower overcomes adversity to rise through the ranks of the navy. The movies illustrate his growth as an office and as a human being. He has intelligence and integrity--something lacking in the characters in most movies today. The producers worked very hard to get the movies as historically accurate as possible, which made them all the more enjoyable. I highly recommend these movies to anyone looking to escape the dreck in the movie theatres.
Rating:
Summary: Love Mr. Hornblower
Review: Excellent series, very well written, great affects and Ioan plays a believable and loving character in Mr. Hornblower. If you love naval stories and watching the underdog grow and succeed then buy this movie!
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