Well, what is there to say about this one? There is a thin but persistent political undercurrent - a recurring theme of bondage, of masters and slaves in various (and fluctuating) relationships, leading unequivocally to the conclusion that servants owe nothing to an unjust leader. Sortof the lighthearted, blockbuster version of The Battleship Potemkin. Potentially heady stuff in another time and place, but here it's pure, escapist entertainment, painted with broad, bold strokes and absolutely unapologetic about it. That's what makes it great. These days it's hard to make a film like this, largely because there are only so many variations possible without diluting the purity of the essential story. Usually they either come out as a ripoff or a convoluted mess. The key is all in the performance. You have to set aside doubt and go straight at it with the strength and certainty of Errol Flynn's chin.
March 27, 2011
Captain Blood (1935)
This is easily my favorite movie that we've watched thus far. HIGHLY entertaining, well acted (mostly - but more on that later), well paced, good action, etc. I honestly have next to no complaints about this film. I was very interested to see how influential Errol Flynn is though. Amazingly enough, this is the first Errol Flynn movie I have ever seen (and yes, I do have a bit of a crush on him...or at least on his character of Peter Blood. What a FOX.)
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