awg-07529
I was looking forward to this film. With roots in the Netherlands, and a fan of historical adventure films, this was to be a fun experience. But the film quickly started to seem suspect. The cinematography was cheep. Lots of low angle shots of people on ships so all you saw was the actor and sky. An old technique used when on a set. Worked 75 years ago but not so much now. And the music...blasting throughout. It became clear someone felt the movie needed lots of loud thunderous music in every second and every frame to cover over an otherwise thin dialogue and stock visuals. Sure it has action. But the production values are just not real or gritty. No comparison to a film like Master and Commander. As though this project was desperately trying to be Hollywood and by the time it got there Hollywood and British production values passed it by a decade before.
k-thomas
I was interested in to see this movie Admiral, because i come from Chatham in England. In 1967 on the 300th anniversary of the Battle Of Chatham a Dutch band visit Chatham and tour some our schools. We were taught about the battle. The film itself, i thought was very good. I disagree one reviewer, that us English were portrayed as dumb. It showed that we were arrogant. Our politician Samuel Pepys warned England and not underrated the Dutch. It showed that, the Dutch took a gamble. If they had lost, Holland would be open to invasion by England, France and Germany. It is good that two versions have been made, so younger viewers can watch it. Dutch and English. Nice to see some good actors from Holland. Frank Lammers, Dereck Le Lint, Barry Atsma and of course Rutger Hauer in a small role and English Actor, Charles Dance as King Charles 11. I hope at this movie will be shown at least on English television.
Joe_Eagles
***Contains some spoilers**** I like the movie for the action, the settings, the cloths, the ships, etc. although for sure there will be errors made there. A movie like this will always have some historical inaccuracies. European history is complicated and Dutch history is no exception. That being said, there is a line between inaccuracies and plain distortion of the facts. I am Dutch and not a royalist at all, on the contrary. But I wonder if the producers and directors had some anti-Orange agenda. First of all the insinuation of homosexuality with William the 3rd. It was too much. At the time -when he became king of England, Scotland and Ireland- there were rumors. But he married. His wife had a miscarriage and could not conceive afterwards. They apparently loved each other very much, although he also had a mistress. Bentinck (his insinuated lover) had a bunch of children. Next thing, his implication in the assassination of de DeWitt brothers. There is no historical proof of that although it cannot be excluded. Who was part of that conspiracy was Tromp and Kievit of course. Then the scene that William forced de Ruyter to a 'suicide' mission, threatening the safety of his family if he wouldn't go. Again, no proof of that.The struggle between the Statists and the Organgist was hard, often brutal but let's not taint this history with invented stories to spice up the movie. That period in Dutch history was indeed epic and defined a nation. De Ruyter saved the Republic on more than one occasion. He was a brilliant sailor and commander.
Bob
Great story and how loyalty is horrifying.In all aspect perfect movie. Story, actors, acting, horror the pictures, dress, the setting.1. The strugle with England and the king there is great. It is in short a bit Games of Thrones. 2. Great story about Michiel de Ruyter and Johan de Wit. The horrorfying scenes how a crowed takes a man apart is shocking bit it gives an idea how things went. Maybe there will be a TV show with these fellows or a spin-off 3, because there is a lot to tell about Johan de Wit and the development of the Netherlands. Although not really highlighted the movie occurs in the V.O.C. and slavery setting. It was in the original scenes but removed before release. The dutch were very successful in international trading in that age and also busy with slave trading. Very curious about this material. 4. Great music supporting the battle and other emotional scenes, great soundtrack. 5. If you like Black Sail then you will like this movie too. Who knows this could be the opportunity to make a great international TV show about VOC, how the church had influence, development of slave workers and development of kingdoms.
AD
