Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Published 2011-10-02
Film info
- Title Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
- Director Gore Verbinski
- Year 2003
- Run time 2hr 23m
- Genres Fantasy, Action, Adventure
- Tagline Prepare to be blown out of the water
- Cast Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Pryce, Zoe Saldaña
When Elizabeth, the daughter of Governor Swann, is kidnapped by Captain Barbossa and his band of pirates, lovelorn Will Turner goes to her rescue. Needing help to get on board the pirates' ship, Will enlists eccentric captain Jack Sparrow and quickly sets off in pursuit. However, with the crew of the Black Pearl cursed to spend their time between the living and the dead and only the blood of Elizabeth able to lift the spell, the pair face a race against time to overcome the undead crew and rescue her before it's too late.
Live Blog
| Time | Comment |
|---|---|
| 0:46 | If I remember correctly, she grew up to be in that sitcom with Caroline Quentin. Quite a step down, I'd say. |
| 1:49 | Mmm, Jonathan Pryce. |
| 3:11 | It's fascinating how really quite horrible pirates are and yet we are usually sympathetic towards them. Bit like vampires, I suppose. |
| 8:19 | "At least once more, Miss Swan, as always." |
| 8:50 | Keira and Orlando are really quite shocking in this. It's a wonder they were invited back. |
| 10:08 | Way to make an entrance. |
| 13:51 | I love the concept of telling someone not to lie, as if that will make a difference. |
| 17:21 | She said Commodore without flinching. I would be getting confused for weeks after someone got promoted. |
| 20:03 | Captain Jack Sparrow has just the right balance of genius and ineptitude. |
| 27:21 | Love that fight sequence. Utterly preposterous but brilliant. |
| 30:56 | Ooh, I forgot Mackenzie Crook was in this. What is he doing these days? |
| 37:16 | "So there is a curse. That's interesting." |
| 51:03 | I love the idea of the ports being shining lights for weary sailors. I don't suppose it is quite the same these days. |
| 58:08 | I always thought a monkey would be a fun pet, but Friends and this make me think otherwise. |
| 1:03:13 | Why is it bad luck to have a woman on board? That's not fair. |
| 1:11:26 | Wait for the opportune moment. |
| 1:16:46 | How is it that Mr Gibbs is a pirate now? |
| 1:21:08 | It is impossible not to love Sparrow though. |
| 1:29:27 | Technically she forgot about him, so clearly doesn't really love him. |
| 1:36:30 | There is usually a sensible explanation, and it doesn't involve back hair! |
| 1:43:22 | Just realised there are two lots of comedy duos in thus. The pirates and the red coated soldiers. |
| 1:46:47 | What's the difference between a Captain and a Commodore? |
| 1:47:52 | It must be so hard for him to call him Commodore. |
| 1:52:59 | For me, his yellow eyes are the worst bit. |
| 1:57:01 | The effects are very good, particularly running in and out of the moonlight. |
| 2:08:52 | That parrot has a lot to answer for. |
| 2:12:33 | Doesn't he still owe her a boat then? |
Thoughts
I've seen this one before, and I know I liked it. I'm not sure whether I've seen the second one or not, I think perhaps I have. The others I have not yet seen but have heard mixed reports about. Nevertheless, this first movie remains excellent - good fun, a little stilted here and there, but a good story, and plenty to ponder as it goes along.
I had forgotten Keira and Orlando's potential wooden acting in this, although I must say it got better as the film went on and they seemed to gain something of a rapport. Of course, it doesn't matter much because the real hero is Captain Jack Sparrow. There are plenty of moments in the film that are preposterous - particularly the sword fight next to the donkey, but it doesn't matter because it's all feel good fun, and that's what matters in a movie like this.
Rating: 5 / 5