Customer Ratings & Reviews

We witness the growth of a novice into a compentent seaman. Gruffudd starts as self-conscious "snotty" who endures the bullying of a fellow sailor who takes out his jealousy on those with whom he feels are making him look bad. Given command of a motley group of sailors he wins over their loyalty and gains there respect. While as a prisoner of war witnessing a Spanish war ship being crushed on the rocks he begs the person in charge to allow he and his men go out and rescue the survivors giving his word the both he and his men will return when it is safe. When his ship rescues them he tells his capitian he gave his word that he and his men would return. While understanding about his word of honor he gives the men the option to remain. To a man they all declined. Great minii-series, wish there were more episodes.

We watched the Emmy award winning Hornblower series after seeing Master and Commander starring Russell Crowe, and found it at least as good, if not better an experience. The acting is excellent all around, and the production values are top notch. They apparently filmed on an actual frigate for the production (which is why they aren't making more; too costly). The DVDs have historical and behind the scenes info, and we learned a bit about life in the british navy from it. Apparently rum was integral to the operation of the Navy. I would believe it considering they grabbed people from bars and forced them to be sailors for years at a time. Ioan Gruffudd and the other actors bring their characters to life over the course of the fictional Hornblower's life from low ranking ensign to Captain of his own ship. If you are looking for a good period piece in the 18th century British navy, this is an excellent series.