Hornblower: The Even Chance (1998)

Simply Perfect

From my favorite movies..

Admirable film.

To all those who have watched it: I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do.

My first exposure to Horatio Hornblower was, of course, the books. The first of these films I watched was "The Wrong War", which was absolutely enjoyable. So I was really surprised to go back and watch the first movie--the Duel--which I didn't even finish due to its content. While the acting and story are excellent (can't really go wrong with Ioan Gruffudd in a period drama) I was very surprised at how much objectionable content there was; this is coming from a familywoman (is that a word?) Anyway, make your own judgment, I'll simply supply the details.Objectionable Content:Sex & Nudity: When Hornblower first gets on the ship, there are plenty of women, and raucous behavior is implied but not shown.Jack asks Hornblower if he is "a fancier of other boys" and if his mother "makes a living on her back." A character calls another character a "whore's son".Profanity: 1 use of the A-word, 1 use of the H-word, 2 uses of the P-word, and more than 10 instances of the D-word. Blasphemy, such as "Jesu" and "God" are used as exclamations.

I'm quite sure Forester would have approved.I think that almost any novel (or series of novels) which achieves 'favorite' status is at a competitive disadvantage when turned into a film. The most notable exceptions are works written, either consciously or not, with a screenplay in mind (I'm convinced Michael Crichton ONLY writes screenplays).I think it safe to assume that C. S. Forester was not writing with the screen, either large or small, in mind so I have to say that this series is hands down the best series of films (they're not really a miniseries because they're not really interdependent) ever produced from another media.The series is well paced, the characters well developed and wonderfully cast, the action scenes excellently shot, but to my way of thinking the series best feature is the development and maturation of the character of Hornblower himself..I've always been a fan of 'coming of age' films (my all time favorite – A Bronx Tale), but to watch the growing relationships which Hornblower develops with Mathews, Styles, Captain Foster, Taping, and particularly with Captain/Admiral Sir Edward Pellew is truly a joy.Ioan Gruffudd's portrayal produces an honorable man, a character which every guy should secretly want to be and which every woman should want to hook up with. This series is a 'must have' for every film library. Ten stars!

Ioan may have been a minor, perhaps overlooked character as a crewmember aboard the TITANIC; yet he's a true hero named Horatio Hornblower who proves himself endlessly. One of the best historical films ever produced! Way to go, A&E.

I viewed this show with some trepidation, as the name Hornblower to me (as with many others) is synonymous with Gregory Peck. But this is a different Hornblower and the magic is very much the same - fancy uniforms, good guys and bad guys, lots of sailing ships and lot of blood and thunder. What more can one ask for?Add to this an excellent cast, from the principals down and you come up with a rip roaring piece of entertainment. The producers on the whole avoided the urge to "modernise" the story, the speech and demeanour of all concerned rang true, this in itself is worthy of note.So, if like me , you were reluctant to see this show as you didn't want your memories of the Peck movie spoilt - do take the opportunity if it comes to your screen again. It is a classic example of when the British do something well, they do it extra well - Recommended.