Barba Negra

Based on the descriptions appearing on the front and back cover of the movie case, one would expect this movie to chronicle the life and times of Blackbeard. Instead the movie focuses more on a fictional love story than the historical figure for which it is titled.

Blackbeard's more notable conquests and actions are not even eluded to. One would think given 169 minutes they might have squeezed in a little something more. His reputation with no specifics is only referenced.

This film unfortunately is primarily focused on a fictional love story. There are far more elements of fiction than fact in this film.

In short, much like judging a book by it's cover, do not buy/view this movie based on it's box.

The acting and filming were quite good, however the historical facts were quite distorted. Pirates are portrayed as as evil villains as they are in this film however as in the case of Captain James Kidd they were probably pawns of the wealthy. Maybe future serious pirate movies could address the fact that most pirates were either government assisted employees or scapegoats for a corrupt society. Personally I liked Errol Flynn better, unbelievable but more swashbuckling. The person who portrays Blackbeard in this film (McFayden)is a very good actor but does not come across as the strange person that history suggests he was, for example the smoking beard.Finally it was too long and in parts disjointed.

The recent popularity of Captain Jack Sparrow as essayed by Johnny Depp in several films gave someone at Hallmark Channel the idea of making a movie about the real deal on whom Jack Sparrow is based. That would be on Edward Teach known down in history and legend as Blackbeard. But sad to say that not only is Angus MacFayden competing against Depp on the big screen, but also against an actor gone from us since 1957, but one who made the role of Blackbeard truly his own.

Robert did a wonderful film about the demise of Blackbeard back in 1952 and no doubt Johnny Depp must have studied that portrayal intensely because he got so much of it in Jack Sparrow. It's not Angus MacFayden's fault, but next to Newton giving one of the great pork product performances in a role that called for it, MacFayden taking it down a notch was disappointing.

Young British naval lieutenant Mark Umbers is given orders straight from the Admiralty in London. Find out about this Blackbeard guy and take him however and trust no one in your mission because we don't know who is in with Blackbeard. This he does. Along the way he has to rescue Jessica Chastain, ward of British Island governor Richard Chamberlain who has plans for her that neither she or Umbers is in favor of.

This version of Blackbeard is all right, but once you've seen Robert Newton you can't settle for anything else.

RELEASED IN 2005 and directed by Kevin Connor, "Blackbeard" is a two-part TV film from Hallmark loosely based on the exploits of the infamous pirate Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard (born circa 1680 and died November 22, 1718).

Although "Blackbeard" features real-life people and other items, like the ship Queen Anne's Revenge and Blackbeard's relationship with the governor, the story is essentially fictional. Those knowledgeable about the life of Blackbeard should know this up front otherwise it will ruin their experience. Still, even though this is a fictional story, the film IS realistic in its presentation of the basic Caribbean pirate lifestyle. Not to mention, it successfully captures the spirit of Blackbeard.

One thing that turns me off to pirate flicks like "Pirates of the Caribbean" (all of them) and "Cutthroat Island" (1995) is that they feature such a goofy, unbelievable vibe that the viewer can't take the stories seriously for more than a few moments. Well, you don't have to worry about that with "Blackbeard" because, again, this is a believable portrayal of the pirate lifestyle. The film certainly helps the viewer catch a glimpse of what it must have been like to be a pirate back in that era, the 1600s-1700s.

In regards to the historical inaccuracies of the story, how much do we really know about Blackbeard and the many adventures he experienced? Did he have a personal scribe with him detailing every detail of his life and misadventures? Of course not. The story in "Blackbeard" features events that very well COULD have happened to him and other pirates of the era. In light of all this, I don't get the rigid criticisms about the supposed lack of historical accuracy. Besides, the overrated "Braveheart" (1995) is hailed as a masterpiece, but is it historically accurate? Please (Mel Gibson portrayed Wallace as the next thing to Jesus Christ himself).

Although this is a TV flick with a small budget compared to major theatrical releases, it is comparable in spirit to films like "Last of the Mohicans" (1992) and "The Count of Monte Cristo" (2002). So if you enjoy adventure movies like these you'll likely appreciate "Blackbeard," as long as you can handle the TV budget.

Regarding the major characters, Angus Macfadyen does a good job in bringing Blackbeard to life; Richard Chamberlain is effective as the foppish aristocratic villain; Mark Umbers is a great masculine and noble protagonist; and Jessica Chastain is a fine choice as the adopted daughter of the governor of New Providence (Chamberlin).

Redheaded Jessica certainly attractive but not drop-dead gorgeous, which isn't a problem since these types of women almost always outshine the ultra-hot babes anyway (less outward beauty often creates greater inward beauty, although there are exceptions). In the second half of the film there are scenes where Blackbeard & his motley crew have Jessica captive as they camp in the jungle and there are some shots of Jessica that are absolutely stunning. Somehow the jungle brings out her enchanting beauty.

The story takes place in the Caribbean but the film was shot in Thailand. Although I would have preferred the real Caribbean, these locations are certainly magnificent. It's just that the real New Providence isn't hilly as depicted. Also, there weren't any Asian people living in the West Indies during that time period, general speaking.

BOTTOM LINE: If you're in the mood for a realistic pirate adventure and don't mind the limitations of TV productions, you can't go wrong with "Blackbeard." If you want pirates, Caribbean Islands, the Royal Navy, hidden treasures, corrupt officials, jungle adventure, ship battles, caves, castaways and damsels you can't go wrong with "Blackbeard." It's the best pirate film I've seen (not that I've seen many) and is superior to goofy fantasy dreck like "Pirates of the Caribbean," not to mention more compelling than "Master and Commander" (2003), although it's nowhere near as good as "Mutiny on the Bounty" (1962) or "The Bounty" (1984).

THE MOVIE RUNS 2 hours, 49 minutes (both parts combined). WRITER: Bryce Zabel.

GRADE: B/B- (6.5/10)

I know this is coming more than 7 years late, but no worries.

I watched this one several months ago and completely forgot about it until after I watched 'Blackbeard: Terror at Sea', also a UK TV movie, which was released one week after this one on the 10th September, 2006. I came looking for the cast of Terror at Sea and came across two conflicting films from the same month and year and realized I had in fact watched this one as well and wasn't so impressed.

This 'Pirates: The True Story of Blackbeard' truly is a 'mummers farce'(to borrow from Game of Thrones). Okay acting and costuming but terrible story line and characterization, that seems more fiction than anything, made for simple minded audiences to believe.

If you want more accuracy and less swashbuckling fiction type storyline I suggest looking at Blackbeard: Terror at Sea. It is narrated by Hands as if he wrote Blackbeards memoirs (not sure how accurate that is) and much better acting, with character focus and realistic storyline all round. It is more documentary style with the narration this way. Some of the music, especially at the beginning, is a little annoying with the narration, but maybe it was a poor audio version I watched, but when that drops off and they really get into the story.

Blackbeard is certainly a character you love to hate and hate to love.