Pirates of the Caribbean: the Curse of the Black Pearl

Gore Verbinski (2003)

143min

bbfc_rating|to_be_announced Certificate

Review

Our Score

by Jason Caro

As this box-office smash is based on one of Disney's most famous theme-park attractions, we might have expected a shiver-me-timbers swashbuckler that's short on plot and long on action. Not so. It delivers plenty of both and is infinitely superior to the ride itself. With producer Jerry Bruckheimer at the rudder, it's a lavish Hollywood voyage into pirate country that effortlessly fills its two hours plus as blacksmith Orlando Bloom and governor's daughter Keira Knightley fall foul of buccaneers. Geoffrey Rush milks his role to the hilt as an archetypal pirate captain, but the real treasure comes courtesy of Oscar-nominated Johnny Depp, who delivers a swaggering, slurring, mascara-wearing turn as rascal Jack Sparrow, a seafaring rock-star type and irresistible comic hero. Complementing the action are some superb special effects, with the skeletal curse of the Black Pearl's crew under moonlight a particularly well-staged showpiece.

Summary

A buccaneer and a blacksmith commandeer a British ship and set sail in pursuit of a pirate captain who has kidnapped a colonial governor's daughter. However, their quarry and his crew are under a curse that turns them into living skeletons - and makes them impossible to kill. Swashbuckling fantasy adventure, starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush, Jack Davenport and Jonathan Pryce.

Cast & Crew

Capt Jack Sparrow Johnny Depp

Capt Barbossa Geoffrey Rush

Will Turner Orlando Bloom

Elizabeth Swann Keira Knightley

Commander Norrington Jack Davenport

Joshamee Gibbs Kevin McNally

Anamaria Zoë Saldana

Governor Weatherby Swann Jonathan Pryce

Koehler Treva Etienne

Cotton David Bailie

Pintel Lee Arenberg

Ragetti Mackenzie Crook

Grapple Trevor Goddard

Bo'sun Isaac C Singleton Jr

Murtogg Giles New

Mullroy Angus Barnett

Twigg Michael Berry Jr

Lt Gillette Damian O'Hare

Director Gore Verbinski

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: Buena VistaGuidance: Edited for violence and language.Available on: video, DVD and Blu-rayReleased on: 8 Aug 2003

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Gore Verbinski (2003)

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