Paul Magne Haakonsen If you are expecting a high seas swashbuckling pirate movie then this 1998 version of "Frenchman's Creek" is not the movie for you, nor is it one that romanticizes pirates and piracy. However if you want to see a historical drama where the pirates is a backstory then you should watch this movie.I haven't read the book nor seen the 1944 version, so I can't compare the 1998 version to previous works.The story in "Frenchman's Creek" was interesting, although I had initially thought it would have more pirates, given it was released under the title "Pirate's Creek" in Scandinavia for some reason. And the DVD cover also made it appear to be focused on high seas adventure and swashbuckling pirates.What really worked for the movie was the costumes, props and locations. There was a very historical authenticity to it. And that was awesome, because it adds such a detailed level to the movie.It should also be said that the acting in the movie, by everyone on the cast list, were doing really good jobs in bringing their characters to life on the screen. A lot of talents that I never have seen before, but I think it is always refreshing to see new faces in movies."Frenchman's Creek" is an entertaining movie if you enjoy historical dramas. I was genuinely entertained by the movie.

DaniO I love pirate movies especially with lots of galleons and period houses (1600s) set in ethereal far away places. This is probably my favorite movie but I prefer the 1944 version with Olivia deHaviland and Arturo Decordova.I thought Anthony Delon was very credible and played his part sensitively. I am always grateful to the casting directors when they use native speakers or real musicians in a film. I am very sensitive to manufactured accents and someone whose fingers are flying all over the place hitting high notes on low keys and vice versa. Mr. Delon pacing was nice, I found myself becoming lost in his character but the shots were so short I frequently lost the connection. But he was quick to recover it and take you along for the ride. That's good acting.I was disappointed in Lady St. Column. While Dona was used to the gaming houses she didn't like the company; this portrayal did not show Dona as a lady but closer to a street tart. When it came time for her to care about her children you didn't believe her; this portrayal was too cold and, in some instances, mechanical; I thought I was watching a stage play rehersal. I think Phoebe Cates would have been a better choice; she can act up a storm and she would have been an inspiring counter to Mr. Delon's efforts.Also, "William" was flat and left me feeling uncomfortable. Support roles are just as important as the leads; they provide the credible ground to launch the other characters. (Look at Mathew Broderick in LadyHawke; with all of the heavies in that picture, he walked off with the show.) All I could think of was the butler from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Also, I think the character of Henrietta was allowed to get away from the overall control of the picture; because she was so strident, too much so for her age, she was upstaging the picture and it was annoying.Penultimately, I would like to see a version where Dona goes to sea; I'm tired of politically correct; let's have the real ending.I am glad to see, though, that there is still an interest in this story. I am always glad to watch this tale being told again and again.

Maggie36 I own the book. Reading it after seeing this movie is going to make it that much more enjoyable. Ms. Fitzgerald was captivating, and Mr. Delon is the pirate any woman would love. This was the first time I'd seen any of these actors. I also thought Tim Dutton and Danny Webb II were great. Many times what you find in European actors is the best kind of acting, subtle changes in expression, something Americans could work on. This movie stands out as one of my all time favorites. I recommend this to anyone who loves romance/adventure!

tomw6314 Slickly done costumer with lavish production. Played very straightforward. Tara Fitzgerald plays an English Catholic mother of two young children who flees London during the Protestant / Catholic fighting to return to her ancestral home on the coast of England. She meets a French pirate hiding on her land and re-evaluates her life. Just sit back and enjoy the action or the romance.