Protraph
Lack of good storyline.
Listonixio
Fresh and Exciting
Married Baby
Just intense enough to provide a much-needed diversion, just lightweight enough to make you forget about it soon after it’s over. It’s not exactly “good,” per se, but it does what it sets out to do in terms of putting us on edge, which makes it … successful?
Fluke_Skywalker
With its high end production values, 'Horatio Hornblower: The Duel' never belies its made for TV origins. The ships are real, the sets are real, and never once do they try to pass off cut rate CGI for the real thing. It may lack slick, Hollywood style action, but every frame of it feels absolutely authentic.If I had one complain it would be about its brevity. Hornblower's journey from seasick landlubber to competent midshipman feels way too rushed, robbing the final act of some of its dramatic punch. But once the buckles begin swashing you won't care about all that other stuff anyway.
Sheriff_Of_Nottingham
Just finished watching the first episode of the Hornblower series and I must say that it is excellent. The late 1990s and twenty first century is an exciting period for fans of historical epics as the production aspects of the films are perhaps the best ever. It is as though someone placed a camera in the 1790s and filmed everything live. The shots of the battles between the English clipper ship and the French corvettes are by far the best I have ever seen. The British accents, codes of conduct, and smart uniforms are very authentic. And the scenes filmed in the small seaport on the English coast establish a real sense of place.The story centers around a young midshipman attempting to prove his worth in the Kings Navy while at the same time confronting a malicious fellow officer. Even though the series is set in the late 1790s, it deals with the timeless issues of honor, courage, loyalty, and duty to which almost anyone can relate.For fans of British history and sea faring adventure, it does not get any better than this. 10/10
Maedhros35
There is an iron law about some series' first episode: the hero enters the stage, green as grass, learns the ropes, makes some friends and an enemy; gets accepted and finally saves the day, applauded by (nearly) all of them - in the mean time defeating the enemy utterly. See Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for another example or many series.Unfortunately, despite the great costumes; the stunning ships, the good-looking battles and all, the story can be summed up as described above. Which is a pity, since many of the other episodes of this mini-series have a much better story. Still, given all the good points, it's watchable and gives you a small tasting of what is yet to come.
ember_firedrake
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).
