The backstory of Treasure Island looks great even without reading the book, but knowing what fate is for some characters gives a twist. Moreover, it is not yet known whether the narrative will enter this rut or, as with some historical figures, the plot will beat the known facts in its own way.
A beautiful picture of nature, fascinating ships, impressive battles - everything is done qualitatively and atmospherically. So, looking at the heroes, you want to get out of the stocks buried on the shore, a bottle of rum and continue to follow the events. Separately, it is worth saying about the characters: they are thought out. Sometimes to trifles like manner of speech: Captain Wayne speaks indescribably deaf, with some inner growl, Jack Rackham does not shine with some special timbre, but his speech is very fast, sometimes jerky. They are small in nature, but they form a whole image. So the characters are really alive, evolving over time. One should not be surprised at how, over time and sometimes more than once, attitudes towards them and their actions change. Like real life situations, it can be difficult to tell who did the right thing and who did it wrong. Each party is only guided by its own goals.
Of the minuses: the dialogue in some lines, and the lines in general, are not interesting, but by the third season there are few of them, and a share of humor along with interesting quotes compensate for this. Also, by the end, Hannah New could not convey the character of Eleanor Guthrie well: her cold facial expression and some very unnatural emotions made her stumble in really important scenes.
But still "Black Sails" - one of the few cases when the second season, as often happens, was weaker than the first, but the third looked in one breath, ending so that before the release of the fourth season I want to count the days.
With the hope of continuing the war that began in the third season,
10 out of 10
"Black Sails" is another "historic" series, which, after "Vikings" fell into flaps and became absolutely unseeable after the first, relatively smooth, series. And it started out more or less decently. For example, I liked that the authors spent enough time to show that in fact the romance of the seas — boarding, fighting, looting — occupied a rather meager part of the life of pirates. Much more effort and time was spent on the preparation of the campaign, the sale of the loot, contracts with the buyer, etc. completely ordinary things. And, frankly, I had already outgrown such romance, I was much more interested in how the relationship developed inside the pirate raspberries and the points of interaction with civilization: the same sales, secret treaties, intelligence and much more. I wanted to see a beautiful world.
What'd they give us? For example, the authors sacrificed logic and common sense in order to introduce lesbian love into the plot (the feeling that they had to get some quota because there was no need for this line).
We are painted the great love of the port whore and the daughter of the local monopolist who keeps all the sales of the loot - Eleanor Guthrie, who in the absence of her father confidently runs all the affairs. That's funny. The whore is trying to pull off a deal that is relatively large (for her) in the amount of five thousand. I would venture to assume that at best her share is 50% (it is worth mentioning that before this Eleanor calmly gives Flint a thousand). And who would have thought that the intent of the whore was to persuade Eleanor to drop everything and with that money to run with her from the island to nowhere. Do you feel the scale of the drama unfolding?!
By the way, in the series all female characters as a selection - strong independent women. I seriously suspect that each writer was assigned a feminist lawyer who dictated how to write to the first one so that there would be no problems.
Bottom line:
In many thought-out worlds, fans look for small inconsistencies and put up with it, because the world itself is alive, but when, in an unformed fruit, you see such “royals” – you are instantly disappointed and it is already impossible to wait for some coherent story. It's like adding coffee and condensed borscht. Now the writers can shove any nonsense into the series, for example, aliens from “Men in Black” – it will not get worse.
Pity. The story was promising.
Since childhood, I was interested in stories about pirates, about their free way of life, lack of obligations to anyone and anything: the state, morality, etc.
The division of looted by the team, charka rum pouring over the edge, the sea breeze, the roar of guns on the gun deck... Ehh... romance in one word, even given the harsh medical conditions of that century. I am sure that many who left reviews here are not indifferent to the listed associations of the golden age of piracy. So, in order:
1. Plot. As such, it is based on the periphery of real historical pirate characters (Hornigold, Wayne, Rackham, etc.) and fictional pirates (Flint, Silver, etc.). The result is a non-trivial narrative that makes the viewer think about the finale, and, which is commendable for the writers, more often the viewer is mistaken and lost in his guesses. All 3 seasons are distinguished by colorful characters and intrigues.
2. Soundtrack. Great. No complaints. Immersion in the atmosphere of the series.
3. Acting. I especially liked the players: Wayne, Flint, Miss Guthrie, Max, Scott, but in general everyone is on top. There is no one to blame.
4. Visualization. Fight scenes. Delight. Especially for the show. Ships, forts, cities, settlements of maroons, allow the viewer to feel belonging to one of the parties to the conflict, so to speak, the atmosphere has.
5. Directing. The whole picture. It looks like a breath. There are very few quality series, especially about pirates. I can only praise the directors and wish them not to relax in the next seasons, or sometimes you will praise them and high self-esteem beats the results.
Over. Connoisseurs of marine themes, admirers of R. Sabbatini, R. Stevenson, fans of the series of games Corsara, films Island of thugs, Master of the Seas, PCM, etc. I recommend you to watch.
I look forward to season 4.
Pretty good and cheerfully ended season 4 of a good series about pirates. The theme is graceful, but for some reason not particularly taken into service. Except for the unsuccessful series Skull and Bones with Malkovich, nothing comes to mind immediately.
If you haven’t seen any of the Black Sails, I recommend it. Excellent scenery, bright characters, interesting storylines. The main theme is the confrontation between the pirate island and England. The main characters in the bulk, if so deal not particularly good guys. Cruel, mercantile, cunning, mean. If a man is a bandit, if a woman is a whore. There are exceptions, of course. At the same time, again, if you look at it, then there are very few unscrupulous villains too. What to do, life is like that. The characters are all very bright and charismatic. Who you don't look at is a personality. Naturally, you start to worry and sympathize with them.
In addition to the confrontation between England and the pirate island, there are many secondary lines of greater or lesser importance. Treasures, betrayals, interpersonal relationships, etc.
The series is quite violent and with scenes of sex and naked body parts that children under 16 can not watch.
By season 4, new bright characters appeared, killed a couple of the main characters and several main characters changed quite a lot. The general plot situation escalated, but the atmospheric fuse began to disappear somewhere. There is already a feeling that the creators are gradually experiencing a crisis of ideas. For some reason, sex and violence have decreased. It is still very interesting to watch, but not so fun anymore.
The series is not over yet and season 5 will be out for sure. I'll definitely look.
We say "pirate"; we mean "Treasure Island". We say treasure island, we mean John Silver, triangular, crutch, parrot, piastres, piastres, what our imagination draws. Brave reckless guys board ships, and in their spare time they drink rum and please the port girls. We owe these romantic images, in particular, to Stevenson, who wrote his Treasure Island, when the era of pirates had already died out and only the words of the Long One remained from their former glory. The prequel slowly but surely reveals this phrase, and by the end of the third season, John departs from the image of a curly boy and confident Fordevind goes to the image of our cartoon sweet and treacherous Silver with the voice of Dzhigarkhanyan. And as in Stevenson's novel, Silver's chief weapon is the word. The word hurts, the word heals, but the main thing - the word gives power!
Earth and sea, the darkness of power and the rage of the elements, inhuman strategy and fateful farce, James Flint and Charles Wayne. Between the two most charismatic captains lie the semantic guides of the plot, between them the fate of the island and all piracy: to keep independence with a hard hand or to wrest from the knots of necessity dashing freedom to spite everyone. Beginning as enemies, opposites converge and generate a spirit of rebellion, but already purposeful and prudent, for in the battle against the bureaucratic empire even death becomes a bargaining chip.
Not everyone has so much strength, courage and recklessness - the eternal doubts of the mentally sensitive Billy Bones and the vain plans of the vain Jack Rackham are an excellent illustration that if the viewer was born three hundred years ago, in an ordinary family, a small tragedy of small people and fate, no, no, but will throw on the slippery path of robbery and debauchery, but in fact, will provide the only chance to survive and remain a person. Who would have been orphan Bones or Rackham, who inherited tons of debt, if it had not been for Nassau and the pirate trade? And although the characters are not the first plan, as Rackham said, “sometimes it’s very important to be underestimated.” Only in this way do Jack’s Macchiavelist twist and tenacity to Bones’ life allow us to write the true history of the Island against the backdrop of the battle of pirate titans and world civilization.
An island for a sailor is a place of secret lust, something that is unbearably waited for days, weeks, months. On the shore, male courage and sober reason fade away and female nature reigns. The penetrating insidiousness of the blond beast Gatri creates Nassau, and the gift of gossip of the hot brunette Max stores it. Fulhouse of the ladies is closed by a red-haired boy Anne Bonnie, by the way, the same historical character as two eternal Valts Wayne and Rackham. In the same set and all love conflicts. Eleanor and Charles’ relationship is on a steady march from love to hate. The Max-Anne-Rackham triangle threatens to crumble all the time, but despite all the worries remains a safe haven of honor, friendship and sometimes very passionate love.
In fact, a successful combination of such different and complementary figures seriously helps the series, hiding some length of the plot and slightly tedious transfer of treasures and hungry for them back and forth. The assemblage point of the series, like all lengthy dialogues, or rather even monologues by Eleanor or Flint, is about power; about the fact that not the thirst for profit or fame, but the will to rule devours from within, but without it, everyone and everything will be devoured by an impersonal empire, emasculating the most human – drive, courage and freedom.
So far, the screenwriters manage to gradually unfold the intrigue saturated with cliffhangers. That's why season four is here. The problem with R. L. Stevenson’s “spoiler” is that we know Bones and Silver are alive, Blind Pugh is wandering around, and the chest is guarded by a lonely Ben Gunn. However, the creators of the series are quite right to reinterpret the original as in the book-investigation “Island without treasure”, where the failures in the story of Jim Hawkins successfully hide that the smugglers Livesey and Trelawney blamed all the sins on the old one-legged pirate. If so, the story could go on and on. But I'm just happy and bet.
9 out of 10
Oh, our black banner,
Who is not with us will be lost.
(C) Group VA-Bank
I really like historical series. When the series “Borgia” ended on season 3, it was very hurtful and nothing could fill this niche for me. But thanks to old Bey and company, desperate guys appeared on the horizon under the flag with a skull and bones.
Let's start with a story. Despite the fact that the film positions itself as a prequel to Treasure Island, it features real historical characters - Teach (Blackbeard), Charles Vane and Anne Bonnie. Yes, the image of Captain Flint is collective, but even in Defoe’s fundamental work on the history of piracy (and other works of contemporaries), there are a lot of black holes. And many secrets and personalities have not been disclosed so far, as well as the treasures of robbers still remain in the depths of the ocean or hidden on uninhabited islands.
The film captures the most important – the atmosphere of the golden age of piracy. And all heroes, from ship captains to simple pirates to brothels, fight for their freedom from the dominion, want their own free state based on their code of honor. Yes! The red line tells about pirates not as sea robbers and murderers, but about people with their own ideals and understanding of life. And there is no fabulous "Pirates of the Caribbean" (although in the 4th part there was a more accurate interpretation of the images). This is a story about real people.
In each season, the tension really builds up with each series, culminating in a naval battle or storming of a fort, and in the final season of an entire battle. No provis or piano. Technically, it's just perfect. Eroticism here is finely and carefully served. And the cast is not in doubt - for example, Silver really gradually becomes a gray cardinal, and Guthrie causes more and more rejection.
Deficiencies... They're gone! I will not even try to find it.
10 out of 10
One of the best serial films of our time, every season of which you look forward to.
And the bar taken from the very first series does not fall!
Just going higher.
Black Sails is an adventurous, political, adult and beautiful spectacle. In principle, this is what modern piracy (or any other) history should be. It used to be that pirate paintings, for the most part, did not pretend to be propagandistic tolerant things - buckets, showing the viewer only adventure stories about those very pirates - brave and elusive, bloodthirsty and cunning, about whom famous writers wrote so hotly and tasty in their time. But these are different times. Now, in fashion, women who are cunning and stronger than men (as they say in the common people, women with eggs), homosexuals, lesbians and so on, etc. You need to keep up with the times, since the consumer demands it. And not to offend either. We need to add more politics and democracy, we need to show blood and tits, because people demand bread and circuses. Always did. Now this need has only increased. Especially considering the popularity of Game of Thrones and the like. By the way, one of the critics for some reason is trying to seriously compare “Black Sails” with “Thrones”, stating that the first series is not able to eclipse the second. Why, in fact, would he overshadow anyone? The series are different and tell different stories. Pirate themes and household are different from the fictional fantasy world of Martin and interesting in their own way. Although, it must be admitted, the general structural construction and some of the tricks of “Game of Thrones” clearly do not give most colleagues and competitors peace of mind. They try to use them whenever possible. Well. You need to learn from the best and successful.
Under the "guardianship" of the infamous recently Michael Bay - a master of staging beautiful and cheerful rides (here the executive producer of the series), the movie shows a juicy picture, good scenery, in which you feel the investment, and in general, looks almost like a full-fledged blockbuster with fights, explosions and extras. Bright and rich. In the film there are dashing boarding fights (they, however, would like more), and swimming for treasures, and individual fights, and funny tricks of the characters.
Since this is not Disney with Jack Sparrow for all ages - from the smallest, but quite an adult entertainment with a rating of 16+, that is, there is sex, violence, and blood. The viewer likes all this and the presence of such things in such a project is more than justified. Moreover, we are talking about sea robbers and thugs, brothels, courtesans, pubs. This is not a whim of producers, these are necessary attributes to reflect the life of that time and place as realistically and extensively as possible. And the realism in the film is enough.
Separate words deserve a successful selection of leading actors. This is especially true of two opposing captains, Flint and Wayne. Both are damn charismatic, natural and fit perfectly. Toby Stevens easily outplays most of his colleagues on the project. And despite the piquant details of his character in the second season, mass audience sympathy for this charming and resourceful pirate continues to grow. However, for the female audience there are also colorful ladies with a claim to undeniable leadership and amazing ingenuity. Passionate and overbearing. Beautiful and not as helpless as it may seem at first glance. Choose from whom. And that's very good. Some take with brute force and the desire of undeniable leadership, others with cunning and the ability to select words, others use much more frank and bold methods to achieve the desired goal. We all have the same goals. It is either wealth, power or freedom. Or both, and the third at the same time.
This series is not recommended to skip, certainly, those who in childhood (and still, perhaps) read, or read pirate adventure literature Stevenson, Cooper, Sabatini and the like. From classics to relative novelties. Guys are definitely thrilled about this. I'm no exception to the rule. Sea adventures, pirate laws, dangerous and interesting adventures, treasures, fascinating stories of sailors under the drinking of their favorite rum, fighting girls and beautiful ladies, sabers, guns and wind in sails - you can list for a very long time, there is not enough space for everything. But why list it? The main thing is that it is breathtaking and charming, as the authors intended. Good camera work, decent background compositions and even witty dialogue honestly allow you to enjoy the viewing. Moreover, the film tells a lot about it. About friendship, betrayal, love (it is expressed here especially richly and interestingly - what is the constant heat of passions between Wayne and Eleanor on the principle of scythe on stone), for which it is worth killing, but which can without regret doom you to certain destruction, about corruption, politics hated by free pirates, about revolutionary embryos. All of these topics are immortal, agree. Writers and directors will not stop talking to them. Of course, you can easily find in the "Black Sails" and justified disadvantages that can be made public. For someone, this is an abundance of dialogues and crowds on land (in my opinion, typical for a multi-part project, where you need to occupy an extensive timekeeping), for someone, a tangible distance from the primary sources and facts (the history of films, especially modern ones, is not taught). But to judge for this movie, shot in the format of a series, and intended for entertainment as — it is not very desirable. It fulfills its direct and primary duty. Entertainment. In addition, it is worth taking into account the fact that film production on pirated themes, in the last ten or twenty years has not become so much. We will continue to monitor developments. Good wind, moviegoers. Seven and a half points.
Eyes stick together, unwashed dishes loom near a laptop, and bags of undiscarded garbage loom in the corridor. I got hooked on the TV series ' Black Sails'.
In truth, from the series about pirates I expected only an adult version ' Treasure Island' - brutal boarding fights, libertine prostitutes in taverns and sea romance.
The series really has that, and more. Each episode in the screen on the viewer pour liters of blood and rum, and the frequency of bed scenes does not lag behind such masters as ' Rome' or ' Game of Thrones'. All this against the background of typical 'paradise islands' from which everyone will begin to long for vacation or at least warm season.
But with ' Black Sails' there is something else in store. I was pleasantly surprised by a strong plot worthy of its own separate book. There is no longer an annoying division into 'good' and 'bad' uncle, each character is something in between. Everyone has their own motives and aspirations, which often overlap, making the plot really interesting. In the second season, the writers even ventured to use flashbacks - and coped with their task. Perhaps someone will not like that the dialogue in the series really more than spectacular fights and battles, but, in my opinion, the balance is perfectly maintained.
If you like ' Pirate' theme, or you just like series with a rich plot - I advise you to spend time with the pleasant company of Captain Flint and his team.
Did you love pirates as much as I did? I still do, it turns out. It just needed a tougher pirate romance. More meanness, blood, intrigue. Not a single positive character, but some of them soon become pretty cute. And then after a while, you don't just start worrying about them.
Captain Flint is a proud and madman. Obsessed with an idea that became the purpose and meaning of his life. It mixed bitterness of resentment, thirst for revenge and the desire to prove to the world what he is capable of. For the sake of fulfilling his dreams, he is ready for anything. Everything! Reminds me of Captain Ahab chasing the White Whale. Man in the struggle with the elements or against the whole world. Sometimes his actions are terrifying, but they also cause pity.
Eleanor Guthrie is an ambitious bitch with an angel appearance. He has a lot of power and iron grip to hold this power. A woman who not only survives in a man’s world, but rules it. I have to be respectful, but I often feel sorry for her, although even more often, this lady is annoying.
John Silver would call him an adventurer, but on this island all adventurers. He's a big crook. Cowardly, but well thinking and will not miss its benefits. He is able to adapt, agile and tenacious.
Charles Vane prefers not to talk, but to do. Wild, passionate, but restrained. Strong, courageous, brave. A brutal man, a macho, a testosterone guy, he's still blowing. One of my favorite characters. Yeah, I'm a girl.
Max is a whore who had a tender heart until it was broken. Not only is she sensual, she's smart. And in addition to being able to deliver pleasure, endowed with such qualities as observation and practicality. Having gone through pain and humiliation, she became tougher and more confident.
Jack Rackham brings a touch of fun to this brutal pirate story. He's smart and agile. And, nevertheless, constantly gets into trouble, and most of his projects fail. I think he lacks firmness.
Fortunately, Jack has a friend, Miss Bonnie, whom he once helped, and Anne Bonnie knows how to be grateful. They are connected much more than the common bed, because he forgives her physical infidelities, and in everything else she keeps faithful to him.
Anne Bonnie is a woman who wears a men’s suit and fights on a par with men. However, there is nothing against the presence of at least one of these men in his bed. She also had nothing against the members of her team finishing off the whore who deceived them, but could not tolerate the manifestations of violence and cruelty against this very whore. However, as it turned out later, it was not only in women's solidarity, but also in personal interest.
He always stands up for his friend. As Charles Vane once said, “If you haven’t left, after all you’ve done, sooner or later you’ll either kill each other or we’ll all work for you.” I personally like the second option better.
Mrs. Barlow is the only woman that connects Flint to the past, reminding him of those times when happiness was still possible for him.
Billy Bones is a good guy, honest, responsible. Yeah, I know I'm talking about a pirate. I consider Mr. Gates and I not only to be sensible, but also a deeply loyal, decent person. It is a pity that the people closest to Flint, the only ones he could actually rely on, were sacrificed to his obsession.
Is Randall an old madman or a genius?
You know what I like about modern TV shows? I’ve always suffered from a lack of good movies and books on topics I love, those that are looked at/read to the holes, but want something new. And now they are replaced by series, really high-quality series on my favorite topics.
They are fascinating and exciting so that you cannot think of anything else. You live a whole life with them, a different life, and you like it. And most importantly, it's hard to interrupt! Remember how someone said about Dumas - to think, to dream? no! feverishly turn the pages. Well, or watch series after series in this case.
In fact, my husband and I are so excited that we want to drop everything and become pirates. Or at least write a pirate novel as good as Captain Blood’s Odyssey and Treasure Island.
10 out of 10
“For me, that money was a way to get rid of it. And all of you. If any of you say you haven't thought about it, he's just a lying asshole. There is only one type of person who does not want to rob others for survival. But since I do not believe that there are such bloodthirsty scoundrels among you... I don’t think I’m the only one who likes the idea of ending it.
- From John Silver's speech to the Walrus team
Pirates. A familiar image from childhood: a wooden leg, a parrot on the shoulder, shouting “Piasters!” Black Sails is the backstory of Treasure Island, a book that for many of us as children became a window into the world of pirates, seas, treasures buried on islands. Captain Flint, John Silver, Billy Bones are familiar names, aren't they? If “Treasure Island” tells the story of how the heroes find the key to Flint’s treasure and receive countless treasures, despite the obstacles that pirates put in their way, “Black Sails” is the story of how Flint found this treasure and buried it. The finale of the series, in principle, is known to everyone: Flint will drink, Billy Bones will also become a drunkard, Silver will become the owner of the tavern (now it is even possible with great confidence to assume which of the heroines will become Silver's wife), then intervene in the adventure with treasure island, but will be able to get away with the water and with gold in his pocket. Appear among the heroes and historical figures: Anne Bonnie, Calico Rekhem, Charles Vane. Their fate is also known to all who are interested in the history of piracy.
What is the intrigue of the series? It's already known. Who dies, who survives. This isn't Game of Thrones. But the series takes on others: like Stevenson in Treasure Island, he tries to sketch a psychological portrait of a pirate; as well as the merchant who buys stolen goods from pirates, and even prostitutes who sleep with pirates. Trying to show the life of the Caribbean, avoiding cliches and stereotypes. He tries to answer the questions that push people on the path of piracy, why they piracy, and how not to become a monster along the way. There will be boardings, fights, and storm-fighting; but don’t expect the show to be in the tone and style of Pirates of the Caribbean—far more important than the action are the characters’ relationships, their psychology, the hard choices they have to make for their ideals. Yes, yes, pirate people with ideals. Perfect, but not idealized: the series does not let you forget that pirates are bandits, and their base, Nassou Island, is a gang nest. Simply put, they are human, with their own problems, ideology and principles. The clash of these principles drives the plot forward. Therefore, for lovers of fights, it may seem tedious, especially at first: where are the fights, where is the rum, all these conversations, talks, contracts, negotiations - that's what they will ask. To which I answer: the movie with pirate fights and action is full, but here you will find a movie that focuses on the relationship of the captain with the team? Captain and quartermaster? Captains and the buyer of stolen goods? Where else will the usual pirate life be shown? Of course, the series does not pretend to be one hundred percent historicism: many claim that the role of women there is exaggerated, and the decorations on Flint’s ship are too sophisticated, and in general, Bonnie and Rackham were pirated at other times. But still piracy there is shown without romantic fleur, and at the same time without a bias into black. The Black Sails are similar to Treasure Island. There's an argument with him.
Heroes are the undoubted pearl of the series, the pearl of the highest standard, black as a pirate flag. None of them can be called a positive hero. But most importantly, none of them is a villain. Everyone will find a favorite: someone will like a strong woman Eleanor Guthrie, someone-captain Flint, a strong leader, not devoid of nobility, someone-his main opponent, Captain Vane, someone-honest and direct Billy Bones, and someone-swindler Silver. Many secondary characters are no less colorful than the main ones. And the best part is that their images are not static, they change under the influence of what they have experienced. Without any spoilers, those who thought Silver was a jerk in the first season, in the second, especially towards the end of it, risk being very surprised.
I cited Silver as an example, because this is perhaps the most unusual interpretation of the image of the famous one-legged pirate. The sinister figure, the one Flynn feared? Ha. A handsome young man, brazen, sharp on his tongue, cowardly in battle, but always trying to implement risky plans for his own enrichment; an unscrupulous cynic; an insidious cunning and manipulator; a frivolous kid who does not calculate the consequences of his cunning plans for more than five minutes. It's all in Silver, and that makes him absolutely alive. He is associated with most of the jokes of the series, but at the same time - insidious intrigue, and sometimes piercing drama. He's changing. He's growing up. It begins to see the features of the Silver that everyone remembers from Treasure Island. But at the same time, much in the serial Silver makes you see the actions of the bookman in a new light; and the answer to the question, “Why was Flint himself afraid of him?” is gradually interwoven. It is not yet fully woven; but there is already a steady feeling that it will be unexpected. One thing is clear: it is unlikely that Fint feared Silver because of the cruelty of the latter.
Flint and Silver are the main characters of the series. Antipodes, the fate of which is tied by a strong sea knot associated fabulous treasure. They are the living and visible, and still unsaid to the end answer: how, being a pirate, not to become a monster? Flint leads the ideal of building a just society on Nassow. Silvera leads only the desire to become rich, and to be freed from the need to obtain daily bread by hard work. We know the bottom line: Flint will bury the treasure and get drunk, and Silver will get the well-being he wanted. Does that mean Flint didn't find the answer, but Silver did? What's the answer? What will kill Flint? What will save Silver? Or, on the contrary, Silver will act as a villain who will destroy Flint’s bright ideal and take everything from him?
This question will only be answered by the next season (or seasons?). One thing is clear: the first two seasons were just pieces of a mosaic, and from them one can only guess what the pattern of the whole work will be. One thing is clear: the series is more layered and deep than it may seem, and from this point of view, the topic of piracy has not yet been considered. Be sure to watch anyone interested in piracy. Watch. And then review to see the details, for which the first view does not cling.
It is clear that everyone has different tastes, and a lover of watermelons will never understand the absorber of pig cartilage. Also, a fan of militants is unlikely to sit on a melodrama, and a fan of art house can not drag on a romcom. And even among the adepts of the historical epic, there are many who do not care about the history of sea robbers. Therefore, let’s leave aside tastes, “undress” the genre cabbage of this series and evaluate it solely by the quality of the “coop”.
The first thing we care about is history, right? History is at the heart of any story. The story moves our interest from episode to episode, making us languish and wait for the new season. The authors of the Black Sails story were arrogant daredevils who dared to invent the heroes of R. L. Stevenson - the authority who, along with Dumas, Verne and Dafoe, formed our imagination! They managed to build a stunningly complex story with many twists and turns in events, which are not easy to predict even for a snob. We all know that John Silver is going to lose his leg, but we have no idea how it will happen, what will happen, and under what circumstances. We know Silver as a “villain”, but we do not know what kind of harsh trials forged a naive young man, forcing him to forget about bright dreams. And there are so many mysteries. And all of them, in my opinion, were successfully solved. Not to mention the fact that the outline of history is woven biographies of real-life famous gentlemen of luck, such as Anne Bonnie, William Kidd, John Rackham, Charles Vane.
The second thing that catches us is heroes and dialogue. It is not enough for dialogues to be saturated with precise and whimsical expressions, they should reveal to us the nature of the heroes, their characters and driving messages. Personally, I haven’t seen the show better. Brilliant scenes through which the unique characters of the characters, their drivers, hidden and obvious motives are revealed to us!
The third thing we pay attention to is the acting ensemble and acting. Here, as in relation to the entourage of the film, I will give one solid compliment, without going into particulars. Yes, in some places, the rhythm of the action subsides, the scenes drag on, but still, I believe every hero and believe every pirate cove built by modern decorators.
In general, the answer to the question to look or not to look is unambiguous: look! And review.
There are many scolding this series, and if you treat it as a historical series, then scold the case. But it’s an outright fantasy adventure set in a galaxy far, far away. If you watch the series with the same mood as in childhood read “Million Adventures”, “The Odyssey of Captain Blood, Seahawk” and the same “Treasure Island” – not requiring authenticity, but in anticipation of an interesting twisted plot with bright characters – this is a great series. Then you stop thinking about the inconsistency of costumes, hairstyles, excessive democracy among pirates and some plushness of many conflicts (when notorious scumbags play by the rules). Then you just remind yourself that this is an entertaining feature film (alya “Sinbad the Seawalker”), and within this genre, much more is possible than in the measure of a historical film (alya “Lord of the Seas”).
And too white teeth, plenty of sex and other serial signs / problems are the costs of modern production. If you pay too much attention to all this, then no adventure will help.
9 out of 10
This series left me an unambiguous impression, the plot idea is interesting, the actors were selected wonderfully, there are no questions about their game.
In any series there are pros and cons, what I did not like:
Too frank scenes, of course, I understand that after Game of Thrones everyone began to gush almost pornography and this raises the ratings of the series. Of course, it fits here, but most of the bed scenes did not impress me, boring and monotonous, seasoned with violence. Costumes, you could think of better suits. Although I said that the plot is interesting, but in some places it is just creepy, how boring.
Pros:
Many characters, secondary characters can become the main characters for a while and this has some intrigue, its own highlight.
One of Silver's main characters, a controversial hero, will turn that way, that way. The actor who played him hit the target, I liked him damn well.
And the music screensaver, amazing in every way. They certainly did not get lazy and created something original.
Black Sails is intriguing for many reasons. The first is of course the courage of the creators who declared their creation a prequel to the cult Treasure Island. The second close interweaving of fiction and real facts, you feel a pleasant surprise when you recognize a famous historical figure in someone from the characters of the series. And of course, the focus on the adult public, not to say that with frankness too much, but the rating is quite justified.
The scenario is really good, it accurately describes the political situation of this region and shows the pirate lifestyle without too much gloss. The intrigue taking place on the screen is also very good, but they suffered greatly just because of the serial format. Still, because of such a long duration of one story arc, interest in it still fades somewhat.
Externally, the series is performed at a decent level, although there is a slight budget shortage. The fights are as concise as possible, but at the same time spectacular. There was no place for long swings and beautiful pirouettes, but a lot of dirty life techniques.
The characters were very happy, despite the fact that I don’t know almost anyone from the cast. Heroes are good not only as ready-made images, but also as dynamically changing depending on the experienced personality. And the motives of most of them are quite clear, although the logic of some frames is not really template.
A very good and high-quality series somewhat deteriorated by the middle of the second season, but at the same time did not lose some charm.
I'm hardly familiar with the pirate subject. About the Caribbean Sea and Jack Sparrow we are not talking, because this is not “real piracy”, and other paintings that reveal the life of corsairs I did not come across. That's why the Black Sails were interesting to me.
The Starz series features names from a book by Robert Lewis Stevenson and, as the authors say, is the backstory of his book. Well, if that's true, I and the Sailwriters have read different Treasure Island. If Stevenson was describing the romance of pirate life, then Black Sails describes everything else.
The length of the story can be attributed to realism. Boring? Maybe sometimes. But everything is real, and what is happening on the screen is believed without difficulty. Sails in the first season are few. All the action takes place on land, but it is no worse. Pirate life is shown as it is - brothels, alcohol, stabbing intrigue and mate, the most selective one can eat. The plot flows monotonously, revealing every aspect of the story. In due time, in due time. The hour of boarding and the hour of negotiations in the inn.
Visually, there's nothing to complain about. Landscapes from the islands look as good as possible, battles on ships (which can be counted on the fingers) are breathtaking, and what can we say about other scenery like brothels, inns and markets.
The actors got used to the role. Although the characters borrowed from Stevenson are not what they should be, this does not detract from the work of actors. It's more script questions. The images are memorable, and the characters are alive – thanks first of all to Toby Stevens, Luke Arnold and Hannah Hugh.
Black Sails is a good series for its genre. But the literary basis slightly spoils the picture as a whole. Characters and stories of characters you didn’t invent must be considered. That doesn't happen in this story. Names familiar, heroes new. But new doesn't mean better. Call Silver not Silver, and Flint not Flint, we wouldn’t be talking about it.
Abstracting from the base on the “Treasure Island” you can watch. And those who do not know him, so can not beat his head.
7 out of 10
I love pirate movies. I love the first Pirates of the Caribbean, I love the Franco-Russian Captain Blood, and of course I love the Soviet adaptation of Treasure Island (the cartoon was like that, with movie songs). I just couldn’t get past the Black Sails.
Black Sails is the ideological background to Stevenson’s book Treasure Island. In it we see the formidable Captain Flint (envy Jack Sparrow). I apologize to Captain Jack Sparrow, the young John Silver, and even Billy Bones, from whom Jim will get a treasure map. You can expect that this is a film for lovers of the sea and pirate romance! But from here on out.
In fact, the series is nothing but "Game of Thrones" only moved to a pirate island. In fact, the originality of the series does not shine, copied all the elements. The series is not about pirates, but about the struggle for power on a small island. There are several characters vying for power, and one of them even openly declares "Royal" ambitions. A film about intrigues, betrayals, plots, murders. The concentration of this good is even greater than in Game of Thrones. Sex is also given most of the screen time (once in 2-3 more than in the game of thrones). And... you can’t say that the creators overdid it. It really should be a dirty place where people are without honor and conscience. So I won’t argue with that... If only there was one “but”!
But! Behind all this intrigue, betrayal, murder and sex, something has been forgotten. What is it?! This is a pirate movie!! And pirates are mostly at sea! But the seas are less than sex. There are very few sea battles, and in general pirates here mostly plot on the shore, rather than go to dangerous sea enterprises. For eight episodes, perhaps 3 times just managed. Perhaps it is justified economically, naval battle is expensive - a lot of special effects, extras ... It is much more profitable to pay a couple of actors, so that they would play half-naked copulation.
As for the actors. Flint is cool, it's nice to watch him. Well played, you believe his character, and that's probably how I'll continue to represent Captain Flint. Silver is cunning, I don’t like such types, but he will find his audience. The actor is handsome and played well. I’m most worried about Will Bones, maybe that’s the weakest link, but I loved the character. And knowing his role in “Treasure Island” I hope it will not be quickly released.
There are a lot of secondary characters you can’t talk about. But one thing you can’t keep quiet about is the female characters. They really infuriate. infuriate with their vision, their game and their decisions. Even in Game of Thrones, female characters don't evoke that negativity. I didn’t like Miss Gathery, the princess of the island. I wanted to hit her with something. Flint's lover is no better. And then there are 2 secondary girls. Pirate (God, what heresy?!) who does nothing but make faces instead of acting. Apparently, she thinks that she is able to play a “rough” girl, but in the end she does not come out at all. And the prostitute is the least obnoxious female character. In fact, it is necessary episodicly to motivate some characters and move the plot, and in order to show their good forms in breaks. The rest is useless.
Should I watch this series? Yeah, you should. Mostly if you like intrigue from Game of Thrones, less if you are a fan of pirate adventures.
Is there anything to expect from the series? No, you should not expect too much.
Over. The series is not bad, you can kill for an hour or two. But a lot of disadvantages spoil the impression.
Fascinating, dynamic and sometimes very cruel spectacle. I will not take to judge how strong it was originally supposed to correspond to all the familiar and beloved “Treasure Island”, but this is not so important – people watch “Elementary”, and there in general Watson is a woman.
It is difficult to say what kind of conflict is at the root. Between pirate gangs? Between pirates and pirates? Between law-abiding citizens and not so much? In general, the intrigue is quite complex, and until the end of the season it is not quite clear who is on whose side, who is good and noble, and who is a pigtail. This is a big plus in my opinion.
The cast, as well as the range of characters, is very pleasant and diverse, we can say, for every taste. Lots of chic men, which perhaps makes a fragile tender soul come to terms with such a brutal male theme as pirates. But there are many beautiful women - albeit not in this "assortment", but everything is like a selection.
I think there is a good balance between action and dialogue. Of course, everyone knows that pirates are bloodthirsty and thoughtless animals, but this interpretation has been met more than once, or even ten times and, frankly, annoyed. The idea that in order to be a captain, it is not enough to be a strong warrior and a skillful leader, you also need to be a quirky politician who knows how to convince, deceive and give bribes, I personally like.
In short, a very nice series, waiting for the continuation.
Pirates, Bahamas, little rum and lots of Spanish dollars. A whole season is not enough to see all the coins.
Characters are very colorful: Flint, Gates, Billy Bones handsome, Guthrie, John Silver at first did not like at all, but at the end opened up. Jack is good and his captain Charles Vane is mega charismatic. Outwardly, something reminded Gannicus of Spartacus. The only role that raised a lot of questions for me was whore Max, her behavior is unclear and there was a big change in her role in the first season, but what she was doing, why she was doing it this way, I never understood. Everyone is driven by their ideals, someone for justice, someone for power, someone for love, and most pirates for gold.
The plot is interesting, all eight episodes watched in one breath. Humor in the series a little, but it is not a minus, because it is not a comedy. Interesting to watch. The plot twists were sometimes unexpected for me. Anyone who expects something new from pirates and who is interested in this topic, I advise you to look. Greed, passion, courage, courage and of course pirate meanness you will see in this series. Black sails main theme is a very bright melody, and in general the entire musical design is at its height. I look forward to continuing the story...
Make money, make money, and the rest is bullshit! Or the stout ancestors of Santa Barbara.
I have to admit that I am a fan of pirates and pirates. And bypassing such a poster seemed a real blasphemy. And the main feature is the backstory of the famous literary history of Treasure Island, where there is no reason to be interested in this project. And at the same time, not being a supporter of the series and risking to kill time in vain, after familiarizing myself with the pilot series and approximately knowing on what principle the entire series will be built, I still subjected myself to viewing this “masterpiece”, pinning dubious hopes on something really worthy. Unfortunately, expectations were not expected. Yeah, it's hard to accept what we've been wrapped up in fictional backstory.
Just what I want to say (besides the fact that the types, to put it mildly, do not correspond to the book ones, even if we allow something similar): well, modern youth should not be allowed into historical films! Absolutely! All young performers almost as one behave in the spirit of Guy Ritchie’s heroes “Cards, money, two barrels”. They're trying to get out of their way. But they're not taken seriously. Like role-players at a children's matinee. How good is that? And some people look glamorously grumpy. Next. There are snow-white smiles of 32 teeth in almost all performers. Would you believe that the mob (and pirates mostly come from this category) could boast of such dignity under their living conditions at that time? Hardly. Look at the clothes. Of most of what we see, little corresponds to reality. This is both the quality of the fabric and its appearance. In the heat in the tropics on sweaty sailors not the first day worn and seen species (and there were those that for months did not part with the wearable) stale shirts have not such a neat look, as can often be seen on the characters of the series. And some pirates have more clown outfit than authentic (for example, Captain Wayne, who, by the way, is a clown for this reason). But this is rather small errors in comparison with what follows.
1. Boring long-running sales talk. This is almost the entire timekeeping. Maybe someone will find a master class in business. But personally, I have often hung on the edge of the kingdom of Morpheus. This is not what pirate romance is about.
2. Lesbianism and an abundance of explicit erotic scenes. That's why it was necessary? Current trends in cinema?
3. The meaninglessness of some characters in the general plot and the key role of female characters. The series is filled with all sorts of characters, many of which are played only because of the filling of the series with action in view of the small number of battles (maybe due to a lack of decent funds?). Or was that the whole point of each person’s personal passion? Personally, I was always haunted by the story of a pawn in the face of a vulgar lesbian prostitute, Max, and the whole damn thing that revolved around her. Silent horror. And this Rackham with his boy-baba. Couldn't have been better? All women's parties were also very annoying. One is given a lot of time and importance. The way they dance is only for soap opera lovers! Romance in the form of a pirate Santa Barbara? Spare it.
4. Captain Wayne. It's a separate song with a standing ovation. A real pea-jester. In every way. At one point in one episode, I felt like I was watching the Vikings series. Miracles and nothing! And his melodramatic pink snot with the hostess of the den... For some reason I remembered “terrible and terrible” Barmalei from Dr. Aibolit.
However, for some reason, I couldn’t ignore the series. In the first part, the plot was quite curious, although in the future the tangle of events steers the unknown into what. Also well put battle scenes, good musical accompaniment, beautifully decorated opening credits. Sometimes there is good humor (for example, the relationship between Flint and Billy Bones in the beginning). In terms of acting and how successful characters could distinguish only three: Flint, Singleton and Guthrie. As for Billy Bones, the actor rather takes personal charm and direct play. And Singleton, played by an almost unknown actor, was able to fit in best of all. Yes, and generally surpassed everyone by all standards. It is inexcusable that such a colorful and successful character was killed in the very first series. And, in my opinion, a very good choice of the performer for the main role. Within the framework in which the hero Flint was crammed, the actor Toby Stevens performed his task with more than dignity. Almost on his person, in addition to intrigue, all the interest is kept (especially remembering his whiny, sweet Lensky from Onegin, you can only marvel at the transformation of the actor!). A little bit more can be said about Gates and Morley. But Silver just finished everything!
In some ways, this series is somewhat similar to “Game of Thrones”: sex, an abundance of violence, performance with the notorious Hamlet larynx tear, soapy passions with extensive rattling, acting in a modern spirit and ... little soul.
PS: I want to joke that, probably, the descendants of the heroes of this series subsequently lit up in the legendary soap opera of all time and peoples “Santa Barbara”!
Pirate themes, its surroundings attract no less than the atmosphere of the Wild West. The notorious thugs, seasoned with seascapes, beautiful ships, the creak of strained sails on masts, the thirst for profit and the search for treasures, are no worse than the same bandits in hats, galloping on stallions through deserts and steppes, ready at any second to get a revolver. There it is, freedom! Romance. It always inspires the audience. "Black Sails" also decided to compete for the hearts of the audience, shooting a series about pirates "adult". Do not expect exciting adventures à la “Pirates of the Caribbean”, which has already raised a certain bar and become a classic. The main problem is that not every Black Sails will taste.
The fact remains, roughly three-quarters of season 1 is all-talk on New Providence Island. It is on the island, because the pirates in the series are more like office plankton and do not look like some of the latest degenerates who are interested only in courtesans and booze, but on the contrary, behave to the unusual decent and act according to honor and conscience, because the team on the ship is one big family, as one of the heroes said.
The leitmotif of season 1 is the capture of the Spanish galleon "Urca de Lima", which is "incalculable wealth", able to provide for a long time the entire team of brave captain Flint. Preparations can be delayed, given the incomplete trust in the captain, and for almost the entire season they are preparing for this campaign, along the way clarifying the relationship between themselves, a lot of chatter, chatter and chatter, although the ending of the pilot episode promises us something downhill, from which we will not be able to take our eyes off, and we will not have time to drool. In fact, what else to expect but promises, this is a pilot series.
The biggest drawback of the series is a lot of talk and little business. There's no gambling spirit. Action and actions as such are extremely small, large-scale naval battles only 2 (!), and then in the pilot episode and in the last (of course). I'm sorry, but it's about pirates. It's like there won't be a one-on-one shootout in a Western. Of course, the creators can understand – this is not a big-budget film to allow such a thing to do on the screen, but still it is not.
I want to separate the characters. There are a lot of them, and some do not know what they are for. Too much stuff for just 8 episodes. You need to tell a story about each one, sculpt it, so that this whole mosaic becomes a whole picture. Perhaps that is why so many conversations supplanted the action, which could turn out very exciting, because everyone needs their own legend.
For example, the prostitute Max or Eleanor, who is an important figure in Nassau, or Mr. Scott - why, why so many secondary characters who, by and large, have nothing to do with pirates? And that's not the whole list. They kill the rhythm of the series, in the end just stretching it with their conversations, weaving affairs. It is not interesting to look at Max, even though she is often stripped and there is a lot to see - a useless character who has no sympathy; well, it is not interesting to look at Jack Rackham with his problems. Show Flint again, here is a really interesting character, a real pirate, albeit somewhat unlucky. Or John Silver, who slyly woven into the whole story in Episode 1. But no, the writers decided that the affair is more interesting and more “pirate”.
Speaking of affairs. This is what the creators of the series wanted to accomplish. Throughout the season, there are constantly some disputes, disagreements, someone weaves conspiracies, betrayal, etc. Both the main characters and secondary ones are involved in all this, so if you just take and throw out some “unwanted” secondary character, then, alas, it will not work – the house of cards will collapse, unfortunately. Threat here plays an important role, it is the foundation of the plot, and swinging swords and other small action - just as a consequence. It's not like you're looking at sea robbers!
I was pleased with the musical design - the music is performed on "hurrah!". McCreary, in The Walking Dead here, did his job perfectly. The music from the superbly decorated introductory credits is very interesting, better and can not come up with a picture about marine likhodei, which is a little out of line with the content, damn it. The soundtrack helps to maintain a fragile atmosphere.
The finale of the season gives great hope: we finished on a very exciting note. What? Fat cliffhanger, what else? I want to hope for a fascinating continuation without interruptions on stupid dialogues, more action and excitement. We hope that Captain Flint will surprise us, he is the jewel of this series.
As I said, Black Sails is not for everyone. If you’re waiting for something in the vein of Pirates of the Caribbean or even movies where the producer is our beloved Jerry Bruckheimer, then you might be disappointed. If you like plot intricacies, where not action is important, but intrigue, their consequences - then you are at the right place. Whatever it was, it is definitely worth watching, not every day now shoot films and TV series on such a romantic topic as the adventures of pirates.
Looking forward to Season 2!
Apparently, the success of the mega-popular series Game of Thrones (I will mention it more than once) does not give rest to producers. Why do we love him so much? There are many reasons, but the main thing is fascinating. According to the idea, it is necessary to dwell on the fact that the series Black Sails is simply not fascinating, not interesting and boring, that season 1 was only kind of a preface to a more exciting series about pirates (although who said that season 2 will not be the same), but it seems with black sails – the situation is much worse.
Remember Daario Naharis from Game of Thrones, who apparently had to be replaced because he seemed like a positive character, but nevertheless caused eerie antipathy among the viewer. So in black sails — all consist of such Daario Naharis. Captain Flint is a kind of positive, harsh, intelligent and fair pirate. In fact, a rather petty swindler, deceiving his team and being under the heel of his seemingly moral (and in fact seducing priests) friend. John Silver is a cowardly and petty cunning, whom the audience should kind of like. Eleanor Guthrie (like Daenerys Targaryen) is a kind of strong, courageous and harsh woman, but in fact a bitchy hysterical who wants to appear to everyone as an adult. Perhaps the authors wanted to show that even the most intelligent and moral pirates are cowardly criminals, but hardly an adventure series is drawn to the history of the Fall.
The creators promised that the series will be sea battles and action scenes, and did not even lie. There are about 2 and a half pieces, is it enough for 8 episodes – count for yourself. The producer of the 3 episodes is Michael Bay. I don’t know why I wrote this, but let everyone draw their own conclusions.
Who will seize the treasure first, who will seize power on the island, whether the island will be able to resist England, whether Flint will be punished for his deceptions or not - these are the main intrigues of this series. Although, of course, the main intrigue is whether the creators really thought that someone would be interested. That is, of course, if the creators would unfold this story, give it breath, epic, scale – all this would probably work well, and so drowning in unnecessary details, uninteresting characters and nowhere moving storylines – the series goes to the bottom like a ship on which a lot of unnecessary garbage was shoved, and the main thing forgotten.
Due to the fact that this is all sort of a prequel to Stevenson’s novel Treasure Island, viewers familiar with the source or with the film adaptations of the novel and so know how it will end, although at this rate the series will not come to the final soon.
Somewhere far away, Daenerys Targaryen is heading for King's Landing, Captain Jack Sparrow has killed fifty monsters to get to his treasure, and Captain Flint will fool his team and annoy it will be, certainly not only them.
It is obvious that today not only cinema is experiencing a wave of return to former projects and themes, but also television, which is definitely experiencing its golden age due to the abundance of different in quality and content series. This series, created by Robert Levine, Jonathan Steinberg and Michael Bay, represents a return to the topic of piracy. To the theme that was completely buried against the backdrop of the commercial failure of Rennie Harlin’s “Trump Island”, but literally revived on the wave of success of “Pirates of the Caribbean” by Jerry Bruckheimer and strengthened by the success of the game hit “Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag”.
This series immerses the viewer in the atmosphere of this Golden Age of piracy, which only flourished in those days and covered more and more locations in the Caribbean. Of course, it is obvious that for the sake of cinematography and special entertainment, the series very much departs from the real historical facts. Nevertheless, this series produced by the master of spectacular blockbusters Michael Bay fully immerses in the atmosphere of pirate life.
Most of all, the series is impressive and covers no matter the plot, how many characters and their magnificent work. It is impossible to know who is the friend and who is the enemy. Since the characters of the tape willingly betray each other and reconcile several times in a row, and this unpredictability and ambiguity gives the story a special gloss. Thus, allowing you to be quite interested in how the creators of the series will tell the events that unfolded 20 years before the classic work of Robert Stevenson “The Island of Thugs”.
In fact, the series is impressive and visual. The series perfectly captures the spirit and atmosphere of the time. Not only stunning scenery, costumes and incredibly realistic visuals, but also stunning tropical locations with azure shores and blue ocean. Given what spectacular projects Michael Bay used to do, there are not so many spectacular moments and sea battles in this series. However, the existing content is hurried.
Just masterfully coped with his role Toby Stevens, whose character quite interestingly harmonizes between the image of a strong captain and a miserable person. Stephens played his role so naturally that it is simply impossible not to believe his game. As well as Zack McGowan, who created a truly perfect image of Flint’s main opponent. The strongest impression was made by Mark Ryan and Tom Hopper. Actually, as well as the fairer sex in the person of Hannah New, Jessica Parker Kennedy and Clara Paget, who pleased not only with the game, but also with a very attractive appearance.
Separately, I want to highlight a luxurious soundtrack. The composer of the series Bear McCreary created a truly perfect soundtrack, which not only brings a certain dynamism and musical entertainment to the series, but also fully reveals the spirit of pirate life musically. The main theme of the series turned out so much more than just amazing.
7 out of 10
Black Sails is one of the few truly worthy projects about the life of pirates. Perhaps not devoid of any shortcomings, but intriguing and interesting enough to willingly watch series after series and willingly demand a supplement at the end of the season at the most interesting moment.
The main difference between literature and life is that ... in books the percentage of original people is very high, and the trivial is low; in life it is the opposite.
This line of the English writer Aldous Huxley very accurately reflects the magnificent kaleidoscope of characters, which is presented in the series “Black Sails”. There are no trivial heroes, there are only geniuses and madmen, and no one knows what more. Black Sails is a pirate-themed adventure entertainment series featuring familiar names from R. L. Stevenson’s Treasure Island and the story of the Golden Age of Piracy that flourished in the Caribbean.
This series is good for two things: story and heroes. The story unfolding in front of the viewer is very exciting. The narrative constantly keeps in suspense and throws unexpected moves and sharp turns. Heroes lie, heroes twist, heroes lose and immediately find a face. A corrupt world of corrupt people. That’s the reality of Black Sails, and that’s what makes it attractive. There are too many non-standard people who think differently than a simple layman, too much intelligence and intelligence, too few heroes and honor.
If you look at historical certainty, its weight is extremely small. Actually, it's not surprising. The series was conceived a priori as an entertainment product. And he came out just like that. Not devoid of intelligence, wit, sharpness, which makes him only honor and audience praise.
The characters are the pearl of Black Sails. They are bright, interesting, absolutely devoid of the triviality and banality of everyday life, they have a non-standard thinking and an incredible inner strength. They make risky decisions, take desperate steps and live to the fullest. Exactly. This series is full of interesting images. And in the life of such non-standard people is much less common.
Very good picture, scenery. The action takes place against the backdrop of beautiful lagoons and bays: white sand, scorching sun, blue water, handsome ships and the smell of fresh sea breezes. There are not so many naval battles in the series, but you can understand that the budget of the television project will not allow you to walk around like the budget of a feature film. But all these battles are made at the proper level and do not look small.
Actors are good. The most powerful acting work, in my opinion, was done by Toby Stevens. His Flint is an extremely interesting character with flashing odious features. And his image is full of value. Still very good Luke Arnold, who created a crook and a crook Silver so alive. I like Hannah New and Jessica Parker Kennedy. Nice girls and so different and so similar at the same time images. Brutalen Zack McGowan, cunning Toby Schmitz, rude Clara Paget. Actors are level. This is the most important thing.
"Black Sails" is a good quality series. Of course, with its flaws and shortcomings like too white-toothed smile at a pirate, but nothing is perfect. The show is good. The plot, history, the very atmosphere and light flair of pirate romance, long gone in the centuries. Flibusters like Flint, Silver or Wayne no longer exist. They are only on paper or on screen.
What can you expect from a Pirates series with a good budget? Of course, the romance of adventure, formidable battles and charismatic heroes! I have been waiting for this series for almost three months.
After watching the first series, I was completely disappointed. Where is the expected spirit of adventure? Where are the pirates - the notorious thugs, horrifying all the navigators of that time? And where is the charisma of the main characters? With the exception of the pirate Singleton, who has played his part well, the other pirates are nothing more than hunted fishermen. Including the boatsman and the assistant of Captain Flint. Flint himself is more like Indiana Jones, and not the leader of the pack of sea wolves - a romantic and adventurer who even the team can not really put in place.
As for the historical part of the film - first of all, the disgustingly worked out costumes belonging to the depicted seventeenth century as well as the pirate costume from the store ' Children's World' are striking. But since the series is designed for a wide audience, who are not familiar with either the book ' Treasure Island' or with the history of the costume of the 17th - 18th centuries, I think the general part looks quite tolerable.
And of course, what I didn’t like most about this series is that the United States, in its desire to please as always African-Americans and lies to communities and feminists, could not not spoil the series in this regard. What do we see? Crowds of black pirates living on an equal footing with everyone ("don't forget, this is the 17th century!"), severe pirate women who can beat any peasant and, of course, lesbians ("why?"?????). All this is possible and protected the film from attacks from the public in the United States, but it clearly did not make it more interesting, and from the depicted 17th century it distanced it for a couple of decades.
Overall:
When watching, it does not leave the feeling that you are looking at role-players who decided to shoot an amateur low-budget series. But despite all the above disadvantages, the graphic part and special effects in the series are quite suitable for viewing and do not catch the eye. And so -
There hasn't been a bottle of rum yet, but I feel that day is not far off. Urca de Lima is getting closer. Although Scarborough is...closer. So we are waiting for epic sea battles, action and pirate romance!
Viewers are advised in advance to move away from their stereotypes and ideas about pirates imposed by Gore Verbinski and Jerry Bruckheimer. Forget about Jack (I love him, I can't) and what you've seen about pirates before. But who said it would be worse here? Not at all. Relax and enjoy a new story where truth and fiction are imperceptibly and realistically intertwined.
Heroes are vital and bright, some may be atypical, but no less interesting. Of course, there will be someone who can catch even the most sophisticated viewer. The plot is intriguing, the endings of the series leave dozens of options for training fantasy in the section “what will happen next”. The soundtrack is remarkable, Bear McCreary is just good. In general, the entire team working on the project deserved the highest marks.
It was believed that before Pirates of the Caribbean, this topic in the film industry was extremely unprofitable. As a result, even before viewing, the viewer can expect from the series to pass along the beaten path - that it will include stormy sea battles, dashing and agile pirates, constantly getting into incredible adventures, humor and crooked captain.
However, the creators of Black Sails decided to go very differently. The series does not leave a sense of fabulousness or romance of what is happening on the screen. Most of the scenes are very naturalistic, moderately cruel and not in moderation promiscuous.
The latter will seem to someone a plus, someone a minus, but the candid scenes in the series are present in each of the episodes I have seen so far. Apparently, the creators simply do not want to lag behind Spartacus, Thrones and other projects that gave the green light to this approach, and maybe just once again want to remind the viewer that the action takes place in a brothel. Their right, of course, although, in my humble opinion, without these scenes, the series would only win.
This is the only, in my opinion, significant disadvantage. Then, as they say, there are solid advantages.
Characters are colorful, well dressed, well played. The main plot, consisting in Flint's hunt for the Spanish money galleon, tightly connects other threads - the discontent of the sailors "Walrus", the mutual hatred of Flint and Vane, their relationship with Guthrie, as well as all the actions of a very special and ugly cunning John Silver.
The series is interesting at least from the point of view that the fate of many characters is already known - Billy Bones will become a cruel drunkard and die in thirty years in "Admiral Benbow", Silver will lose a leg and eventually lead the search for pirates treasures of Flint, whom his team will kill for unwillingness to share the loot.
But it will be thirty years from now, and in the meantime, we have a great opportunity to see how all these people came to live like this. How Billy Bones will turn from a simple but fair sailor into one of the few associates of Flint, as cruel as the captain himself, as Flint will send his excessive pride to the bottom, how Silver will become the leader of the pirate team from a slippery pass, and, of course, where will all these countless treasures, which in thirty years will go Dr. Livesey, Squire Trelawney, Jim Hawkins and Captain Smollett.
In the hands of the creators of "Black Sails" rich, fruitful soil on which you can grow stunning stories.