Home
search
more | tips
IMDb > Blackbeard: Terror at Sea (2006) (TV)

Blackbeard: Terror at Sea (2006) (TV) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 1 | slideshow)

Overview

User Rating:
5.6/10   244 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 6% in popularity this week. See rank & trends on IMDbPro.
Writer:
Andrew Bampfield (writer)
Contact:
View company contact information for Blackbeard: Terror at Sea on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
12 March 2006 (USA) more
Genre:
Drama more
User Comments:
Above average documentary film more

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
Blackbeard (UK)
Blackbeard - Der wahre Fluch der Karibik (Germany)
Blackbeard: Terror at Sea (USA)
Blackbeard: The Real Pirate of the Caribbean (UK) (DVD box title)
more
Runtime:
UK:120 min (DVD) | Germany:98 min (25 fps) | Finland:101 min (DVD)
Country:
Germany | France | UK
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
1.78 : 1 more
Filming Locations:
Malta

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The name of the narrator character, Israel Hands, is the name of a pirate in Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island". more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
3 out of 4 people found the following comment useful:-
Above average documentary film, 15 January 2008
7/10
Author: Laurel (Laurel962@worldnetoh.com) from Cleveland Heights

This was a pleasant surprise. My husband rented it, and I thought we were in for a kind of dull, droning PBS-sort of "talking heads" and "sleepy slides" documentary. Instead, "Blackbeard:Terror at Sea" is mostly filmed like a rather high quality theatrical movie, with a very professional cast, good costumes, sets and realistic ships. It compares very well with theatrical films such as "Master and Commander" or "Pirates of the Caribbean" in terms of look and feel.

Where it is lacking is in plot and back story -- they are rather thin. The film uses voice-over from a secondary character to tie together individual scenes, and some kind of lame plot devices (like the age-old "girl in boy's clothing" -- did this ever really occur? biological factors make it seem to me to be nearly impossible). But where the film shines -- and again, where it was most unexpected -- was in some excellent performances. The most notable of course is James Purefoy as Blackbeard: this is outstanding work. In a regular theatrical film, I think he would have been singled out for award nominations for this -- he's sexy and genuinely scary (and unrecognizable under all that beard). Blackbeard is the kind of role, especially in the light of Johnny Depp's indelible Jack Sparrow, that can either be done amusingly OR it can veer dangerously into parody -- it's all too easy for a "pirate" character to seem like something out of a Saturday Night Live skit. Purefoy neatly avoids either of these stereotypes and creates a genuine and believable and unforgettable characterization.

One oddity of the documentary (on DVD) was that Purefoy is the ONLY actor credited. I've never seen credits that did not mention the entire cast before and wonder why? The entire cast is excellent, and special mention should be made of Mark Noble for the role of "Mr. Hands", co-star and narrator; he is also very good.

Despite some slight shortcomings (such as: there are obvious edits designed around commercials, where scenes and dialog are repeated), this is well worth a rental, or even purchase. It's a bracing antidote to more humorous pirate films, or the sloppy sequels to Pirates of the Caribbean, and enjoyable for anyone who likes sea-themed movies such as Mutiny on the Bounty or Master & Commander.

I have renewed respect for National Geographic for producing something of this caliber -- it has the look of a several million dollar production.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Blackbeard: Terror at Sea (2006) (TV)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Wrong photo shown at top of main page lemner
Accurate? What a joke viking04
Anyone know ricmilstokes
Shoot me but.... professor-drake
Quote.. Jamesjupe57
Aye! pirate accent, ses I! ? obin_gam
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
The Quiet American Dear Wendy Skagerrak Angus Barry Lyndon
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
IMDb Drama section IMDb Germany section Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.