Blackbeard (2006)

IF U LIKE PIRATE MOVIES, THIS IS VERY INTERESTING

Very interesting 3-hour historical tv mini-series about the famous blood-thirsty pirate Blackbeard. The battle scenes are very real looking considering that this is not a Hollywood film. As for historical accuracy, like any movie or series now-a-days, is somewhat obscured. For example, in real life, Blackbeard was famous for his devilsh appearance; he had smoke coming out of his beard to scare off anyone. But the movie was at least shot in exotic locations and the actors were very fullfilling in thier roles. If you like historical films and pirates, this is highly recommended. It has everything one could ask from a mini-series; action, adventure, danger, and of course romance. December 12, 2008

Blackbeard.......

At the dawn of the 18th century, Blackbeard stood out among the lawless rogues as the most vicious, fearsome and notorious seafarer of them all. This movie tells the true story of the legendary pirate although the core of the movie is a fictionalized account of Blackbeard's obsession with Captain Kid's treasure. Directed by Kevin Conner, the movie stars: Richard Chamberlain, Angus Macfadyen, Mark Umbers, Jessica Chastain, Rachel Ward,and Stacy Keach. Angus Macfayden plays the title role(some of you may remember him in Braveheart, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood & TV's Miracles) and does a great job at it, too. I'm not big on pirate movies, I must admit. Treasure Island, Pirates of The Caribbean & Cutthroat Island are about the only pirate movies I've ever really liked. This movie, however, has changed my mind about such movies. I absolutely loved this movie. I was quite surprised by the quality of the film as, like with most TV films, it was made on a pretty modest budget. It is a little slow in some places but, overall, Blackbeard rocks. November 18, 2008

Historical Fiction Pirate Movie

This movie has a few truthful elements but is 90% historical fiction. However, it is a great pirate adventure movie and needs to be viewed as such to enjoy. Historians will be disappointed but pirate fans in general will like the action, costumes, and setting. Few movies have portrayed island life in the Caribbean during the early 1700's, but this movie does a great job of that. This is a movie worth watching. November 11, 2008

Good, REALISTIC pirate adventure

"Blackbeard" is a two-part tv film released in 2005 based on the exploits of the infamous pirate Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard. The two parts clock in at 2 hours and 50 minutes.

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 it's presentation of the basic Caribbean pirate lifestyle. Not to mention, it successfully captures the spirit of Blackbeard. Another reviewer rightly pointed out that as he was watching the film it occured to him, "I bet the real Blackbeard would have been able to relate to how he was portrayed in this film."

One thing that turns me off to pirate flicks like "Pirates of the Caribbean" (all three) and "Cutthroat Island" is that they feature such a goofy, unbelievable vibe that the viewer can't take the stories serious for even a moment (and, don't get me wrong, those types of films have their place). 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 (1700s).

In regards to the historical inaccuracies of the story, how much do we really know about Blackbeard and the many adventures he experienced in his life? Did he have a scribe with him at all times detailing every detail of his life and adventures? 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" 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 film 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."

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 (he should go on to greater things); and Jessica Chastain is a fine choice as the adopted daughter of the governor of New Providence (Chamberlin).

Jessica is a redhead who is 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. No kidding. 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.

BOTTOM LINE: If you're in the mood for a realistic pirate adventure flick you can't go wrong with "Blackbeard." This dvd was a pleasant surprise. It's the best pirate film I've ever seen and certainly blows away goofy drek like "Pirates of the Caribbean." Not to mention I'd pop in "Blackbeard" before "Braveheart" any day.

PERSONAL GRADE: B+ September 30, 2008

Blackbeard

The Blackbeard DVD was great!! I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to watch it again! July 18, 2008

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