Hornblower - Vergeltung

I found that Retribution was the most interesting part of the Hornblower series. David Warner as the insane Captain Sawyer was fantastic, and the most interesting character in the movie. What I liked about this movie {and all the other Hornblower movies} is how the writers turned barely mention characters in the book, and made them into people who help to drive the story. James Bamber as Kennedy was well defined and was an excellent addition to the movie. This was most definitely the best Hornblower movie.

The 'Mutiny' and 'Retribution' parts of the Hornblower series are the best till now. Even when the books do not develop characters much, and the previous parts give some lines, it is in these two parts that the series comes to an height. Good acting and beautiful photography, and a good story; it all makes this series worth watching, and especially these parts. Themes like good leadership, loyalty, honour, friendship are in potential not very easy to be communicated in these times, but in this case it is done in the right and proper way... never overdone, never unbalanced. In short, a good cast, nice story, good photography, good plot, very good acting: *****

Though they are listed as separate movies, A&E's _Hornblower: Mutiny_ and _Hornblower: Retribution_ together form a 4-hour movie that I found simply riveting. They are taken from the second book in C.S. Forester's Hornblower series, _Lieutenant Hornblower_; and while keeping the spirit of the book, add substantially to its drama and characterization.

The first book in the series -- _Midshipman Hornblower_ -- was the basis for the first four movies produced by A&E. The original movies were wonderful as well, but the new movies are far more mature and well-produced in comparison.

I highly recommend these movies to fans of historical drama, tall ships and Horatio Hornblower.

The trial begins proper. Will the lieutenants be found guilty of mutiny, and if so, which of them? And what were the circumstances surrounding Sawyer's(Warner, embodying the desperation, the strong if frail mind, and the madness) fall? We get the rest of what happened between the then and now. This cuts tautly, always leaving us in suspense, back and forth between that, and the investigation - where Pellew(Lindsay, balancing the pride of a father-figure with the strict discipline of a military officer) must be part of the tribunal that may end up calling for the execution of his protégé, Hornblower(Gruffudd, just a man of clever ruses, who sometimes lets his sympathies get the better of him).

The pace and sheer amount of twists and developments is ruthless. So much happens in such little time, and the layers keep even the least patient viewer well occupied. A dinner between several men held in high regard is packed with weighted words, hidden meaning, each of them in a different place. Realism(with just a couple of forgivable, and badass, exceptions), filming(hardly ever betraying that this was not made for the silver screen), action, character study, etc. All this accomplished with the utmost expertise.

Themes include that it is lonely at the top, loyalty, friendship and reputation. This is a heartbreaking entry, and not everyone will make it through, as new challenges are discovered, attempts are made to salvage what may be lost, and the fortitude of many will be tested. Acting is beyond reproach. Dialog quotable, tight and allowing for some humor to release the thick tension. This is an astounding second half to the story started in the episode immediately prior to it.

There is some bloody, disturbing and violent content in this. I recommend this to any fan of adventure and drama. 9/10

Now here's some uncomplicated Sunday night entertainment for us armchair sailors. Adventure and action on the high sea and the odd hot country, lots of friction among the officers and men, a captain nearly round the twist, and of course the heroic Horny who saves the situation. He winds up before a court martial in Jamaica but we need not fear for him with his old captain and mentor Sir Edward Pellow presiding.

This show cost a lot of money, though I don't think they went as far as James Cameron did in `Titanic' and build a full-sized replica of an 18th century ship of the line. The re-creation of the period detail – weapons, uniforms, boats and tackle, the wardroom, even the brutal medical procedures, brings you right into the action. The personality clashes between officers seem a bit contrived at times – particularly the Billy Budd syndrome – older officers of marginal competence resenting their brighter juniors – but the fellowship amongst Horny and his mates rings true.

Ioan Gruffudd is darkly romantic in appearance but uses this somewhat brooding exterior to show Horny as someone who thinks a bit and then acts quickly and decisively, a very good combination in military matters. He makes it plausible that his friends, Kennedy (James Bamber) and Bush (Paul McGann) should support him, even at considerable risk to themselves.

As is usual in this sort of production, the major and minor roles are all well done. David Warner is convincing as Captain Sawyer, a sort of nautical King Lear, and Nicolas Smith as the aging, fearful first lieutenant Buckland, fits the bill well (albeit playing the role as a less devious version of Jeremy from Kavanagh Q.C.) There is a nicely judged performance by David Rintoul as the wily ship's doctor, and Dobbin is very effective as the Captains's loyal supporter Hobbs. Robert Lindsay does a good senior partner number as Commodore Sir Edward Pellew, actually an historical figure with some islands in the Gulf of Carpentaria named after him, though Hornblower himself is total fiction.

It's funny. In some ways it might have been a film about a law firm, such is the universality of professional culture. Deference to seniority has to be matched against the need to exercise independent professional judgment. Just obeying orders is the lot of the mere technician. A professional officer has to cultivate independence of mind in a milleu that demands obedience to orders. Not an easy task and we can well understand how it proves too much for the unfortunate Buckland.

Anyway, good derring-do stuff, even if Horny doesn't get to kiss anyone.