Hornblower: The Examination for Lieutenant Review
15 January 2013
This second movie in the Hornblower series introduces new circumstances such as a mutiny-threat, the Black plague, and Spanish fire-ships. Also it introduces a new side of Horatio… but more about that later. :)
Of the first two Hornblower movies, it’s pretty tough to pick a favourite, each is different – and good – in their own right. Each shows a different side of Horatio, and a different life lesson can be learned in each movie.
One thing that really impresses me with this series (so far, of what I have seen) is that there is a very high respect for authority that I
think is lost in our modern world. Horatio shows extreme respect for Captain Pellew and obeys him even if he doesn’t quite agree with the decisions of his Captain. He never argues, never contradicts, and never goes behind his back to do his own thing. I’m not recommending blind obedience, but his ‘Yes Sir’ attitude just impresses me.
SYNOPSIS
Of the first two Hornblower movies, it’s pretty tough to pick a favourite, each is different – and good – in their own right. Each shows a different side of Horatio, and a different life lesson can be learned in each movie.
One thing that really impresses me with this series (so far, of what I have seen) is that there is a very high respect for authority that I
think is lost in our modern world. Horatio shows extreme respect for Captain Pellew and obeys him even if he doesn’t quite agree with the decisions of his Captain. He never argues, never contradicts, and never goes behind his back to do his own thing. I’m not recommending blind obedience, but his ‘Yes Sir’ attitude just impresses me.
SYNOPSIS
The Indefatigable puts into Gibraltar where three survivors from a wrecked brig are rescued, one of whom is the legendary Captain Foster who Hornblower comes to admire.
Supplies are much reduced so Hornblower leads a mission to Algiers to replenish them. The crew finds itself quarantined when exposed to plague but Hornblower utilizes his time to study for his pending Lieutenant's Examination.
Back in Gibraltar, Hornblower sits his exam but fails to impress his Commanding Officers until an alarm is raised when a Spanish attack looms...
SCENERY
Again, most of the scenery is of water and on board ships, but there are a couple of scenes in Gibraltar and Algiers, and the one in particular I thought was quite pretty...
Supplies are much reduced so Hornblower leads a mission to Algiers to replenish them. The crew finds itself quarantined when exposed to plague but Hornblower utilizes his time to study for his pending Lieutenant's Examination.
Back in Gibraltar, Hornblower sits his exam but fails to impress his Commanding Officers until an alarm is raised when a Spanish attack looms...
SCENERY
Again, most of the scenery is of water and on board ships, but there are a couple of scenes in Gibraltar and Algiers, and the one in particular I thought was quite pretty...
(If you want to avoid spoilers, jump to 3:48 and stop at about 5:00)
STORY
Because of his intelligence and bravery, Horatio is now a respected seaman on Captain Pellew’s ship by the officers and his fellow midshipmen alike. Captain Pellew recommends him for the lieutenant examination, and he begins studying. The story progresses as Horatio is forced to take command of a quarantined supply ship, deal with a seaman bent on desertion and mutiny, and heroically save the Indefatigable from a Spanish fire-ship.
Because of his intelligence and bravery, Horatio is now a respected seaman on Captain Pellew’s ship by the officers and his fellow midshipmen alike. Captain Pellew recommends him for the lieutenant examination, and he begins studying. The story progresses as Horatio is forced to take command of a quarantined supply ship, deal with a seaman bent on desertion and mutiny, and heroically save the Indefatigable from a Spanish fire-ship.
CHARACTERS
Iaon Gruffudd again displays the youthfulness of Horatio very well. This time, Horatio had more to learn about what makes a good leader. There is a measure of force, a measure of empathy, and a measure of control that has to be effectively balanced. He also has to learn the difference between heroism and recklessness, and when to save a life or let it go.
Iaon Gruffudd again displays the youthfulness of Horatio very well. This time, Horatio had more to learn about what makes a good leader. There is a measure of force, a measure of empathy, and a measure of control that has to be effectively balanced. He also has to learn the difference between heroism and recklessness, and when to save a life or let it go.
Andrew Tiernan plays Bunting… I can’t help but feel terribly sorry for him. He goes through so much and Horatio does his ultimate best to help him, but he still can’t regain his love for life. Spoiler I know he acted like a spoiled little child about the cut in food rations and his attitude at times was far from obedient, but after watching his dear friend die, then going through the gauntlet because he was caught stealing food, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. End of spoiler
Tapling played by Ian McNeice – He was a very amusing character! He added a humorous proud indignance that made Horatio grow as a leader and gave us a chance to laugh between the seriousness of the shortage of food, the Black Plague and Bunting. Spoiler I really loved how Tapling was forced to work as the cook’s mate, and thus lost some of his pride and became a tolerable person End of spoiler
Captain 'Dreadnought' Foster was played by Denis Lawson. Captain Foster was described as a very heroic man, but sometimes to the point of being reckless. Horatio is greatly enamoured by this great man, but I believe he gets frustrated with Foster's desire to do as he pleases and get what he wants. Spoiler I'm not sure if I like Captain Foster particularly, but I do admire the fact that he came onto the fire ship to help Horatio save the Indefatigable End of Spoiler ... and is it just me, or is he trying to hide a Scottish accent throughout most of the film? He seems to let it slip when he argues with Captain Hammond near the end of the film... one of the funniest parts!
COSTUMES/HAIRSTYLES
All very similar to the first movie, and thus just as accurate. New costumes of Spanish naval wear and African/Middle Eastern style is introduced.
All very similar to the first movie, and thus just as accurate. New costumes of Spanish naval wear and African/Middle Eastern style is introduced.
RATING
Between 1 and 5, I’d give this movie a 4.
Again it is ‘M for medium level violence’ - understandable, there are battle scenes and casualties. Also there is some swearing. Less than in the first movie, but still some.
Again, I wouldn’t recommend anyone younger than 15 sees this movie.
Between 1 and 5, I’d give this movie a 4.
Again it is ‘M for medium level violence’ - understandable, there are battle scenes and casualties. Also there is some swearing. Less than in the first movie, but still some.
Again, I wouldn’t recommend anyone younger than 15 sees this movie.