Rating: Summary: But why not try sticking to the historical facts?? Review: Mr. Forester did a more than impressive job of portraying the Admirals life. As a purist in matters of history and having read more than the average "fan" I am disappointed in the entertainment industry once again. Please note fellow travelers, Hornblower effected history as we know it today. As "intreging" as documentation revealed his life to be, some things in those days were only spoken of behind the closed doors of the highest levels of governments and very seldom documented anywhere. (Here lies the opportunity for artistic licence; or a career in investigative historical research!)Other "trivial" things he was connected with can make history that much more interesting to learn. But while I complain about inconsistancies, I have to say my scrupals will not prevent me from watching all eight hours of this production over and over!!!! Thank you A&E, one and all, for a fine piece of work !!! (Did I misspell anything?)
Rating: Summary: WOW Review: I'm not sure if I can find any other words to describe "Hornblower". Ioan Grufford provided the looks for the teenage girls, the action for the teenage boy, and the great plot for the whole family.
Rating: Summary: Excellent Realization of Hornblower Books Review: Hronblower fans will love this television adaptation of Mr. Midshipment Hornblower and Lieutenant Hronblower. The episodes progress throught the series of short stories that make up these two books.The actors are well cast and do an excellent job. Both the actor who plays Hornblower and especially the actor playing Capt. Sir Edward Pellow are excellent. The costumes and scenary are very well done and overall it is well directed and well produced. A must see for Hornblower fans.
Rating: Summary: Five stars isn't enough Review: This is one great story, very exceptional. I'd give it at least ten stars. I've only seen the last two episodes (as of yet), and I really loved them. It seems like modern TV and movies can't get through a story line, not to mention a little romance, without trashing it up. But this series seems to have left out the supposed "glamour" of an affair or the like, which seems to be so popular at the current time, without sacrificing the story line. I find it rather irritating when a historic movie, set in a time of honor and propriety, sacrifices the values of the time to satisfy a shallow desire for cheap "romance" and trash. But this series is completely in keeping with the time and its system of respect and morality. Every one of the actors was excellent (particularly Ioan Gruffudd, whom I've never seen before in anything, and who, in my opinion, could not have improved on his interpretation of the character), the scenes and ships and dialogue were authentic, and the episodes were exciting, putting an occasional unexpected twist on the story line--particularly in the Duchess and the Devil. This series is a breath of fresh air--it is made of historic situations, respect, romance, the unchangeable sea, and, most refreshing and magnatizing of all, it is made of honor.
Rating: Summary: A job well done Review: When I first heard about A&E's Horotio Hornblower series, I thought it would be a boring look into a time long ago. Much to my surprise, I looked forward to seeing it every Sunday. The actors (Gruffuld and Lindsey) were remarkable and the rest of the cast was equally talented. I would recommend this video set, without hesitation.
Rating: Summary: Another great set...Keep them coming... Review: This is another great set of movies. I hope that the decide to continue the series. I would highly recomend this and Sharpe's for any that like the historical type of movies.
Rating: Summary: A compelling story, beautifully filmed! Review: A compelling story, beautifully filmed. The soundtrack is excellent, as well. Whether you have read the Forestor books or not, you will become engrossed in this account of a young man and the sea. If you have read the Forestor books, you will find this film to be absolutely faithful to the novels.
Rating: Summary: FLAWLESS, FAST, EXCITING, SMART, all in the 1st five minutes Review: Ioan is outstanding in his role, although I have never seen him before. His remarkable performance boosted him into my favorite actor elite. The Fire Ship is pure action, and naval adventure. The Duchess and the Devil displays the strategy and skill within the integral Hornblower, and the Wrong War is the saddest movie I've seen in a while. His loss, and tragedy makes him realize the pointlessness in war, and the lack of honor. He becomes a man, and this film covers the first book alone. His growth is demonstrated effectivly, and I loved the acting and wittiness in the script. When the gorgeous French school teacher is killed, it brought tears to my eyes. The recreations were beautiful though.
Rating: Summary: Truly, television at its best! Review: Kudos to the cast, crew, producers, and director of the Hornblower series! I purchased the videos and have watched them over and over; each time more impressed with the excellent scripting, acting, and cinematography. The costume and set detail are astounding, but they would fall short without the brilliant character adaptations. Ioan Gruffudd was outstanding, but Robert Lindsay as Cpt. Pellew---well, words fail me. PLEASE, A&E, MORE, MORE, MORE!
Rating: Summary: The highest quality entertainment in years Review: Extremely well-done down to every detail. The acting is superb; dialog is intelligent; historical detail is accurate. There is something to appeal to all generations and all walks of life. You will find yourself watching the series over and over and then quoting it to your family and friends.
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