Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Eddie Izzard | ... | Long John Silver | |
Toby Regbo | ... | Jim Hawkins | |
Rupert Penry-Jones | ... | Squire Trelawney | |
Daniel Mays | ... | Dr. David Livesey | |
Philip Glenister | ... | Captain Smollett | |
Donald Sutherland | ... | Flint | |
Elijah Wood | ... | Ben Gunn | |
Shirley Henderson | ... | Meg Hawkins | |
Nina Sosanya | ... | Alibe Silver | |
Geoff Bell | ... | Israel Hands | |
Shaun Parkes | ... | George Merry | |
David Harewood | ... | Billy Bones | |
Keith Allen | ... | Pew | |
Sean Gilder | ... | Black Dog | |
Clinton Blake | ... | Freddie Arrow |
Young Jim Hawkins is the only one who can sucessfully get a schooner to a legendary Island known for buried Treasure. But aboard the ship is a mysterious cook named John Silver, whose true motivation on the journey challenges Jim's trust in the entire crew. Written by Anonymous
I enjoyed this short series even though, like another viewer, I have not read the book or seen other film interpretations. Having watched it, I am going to read the book. After, I might rant at the screen for 3 hours as another reviewer says, but as a first impression, I thought it was good entertainment.
I particularly liked how the film had these moments which hinted at sinister forces and "black magic"—how they break into a haunting, mournful sea shanty as they're weighing anchor etc.
Eddie Izzard is superb—very likable and very real. A hard but pragmatic man, he steals the show. Yes, it must have been easy money for Donnie Sutherland but what the hey.
The difference between this film and Pirates of the Caribbean, is that this is a drama (gutsy, real) and Pirates is a comedy. Sure the film has it flaws but it gripped me from the beginning to the end. Very good.