The Bounty

Underrated, understated gem of a movie. Great telling of the Mutiny on the Bounty. Shows well the events leading up to the mutiny, and what happened afterwards. My most accounts, a quite accurate depiction of the historical event - Lt Bligh's own log was used in writing the screenplay - and the most accurate film made on the subject. Despite it essentially being a docu-drama, not dry or dull at all. The director keeps the pace moving well. Thanks to good setup prior to the mutiny, everything makes sense when it does occur. Furthermore, the depictions of Bligh and Fletcher Christian seem quite balanced. Great performances in the lead roles by Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins. Good support from a cast which includes Daniel Day-Lewis and Liam Neeson in their early careers. Also good to see the great Laurence Olivier as Admiral Hood.

I have seen this film many time over the years and i never get bored of watching Sir Anthony Hopkins give a riveting performance in this classic story of life aboard The Bounty and the events that lead to mutiny. Mel Gibson plays Fletcher Christian who must watch helplessly as his captain(Hopkins) demoralizes his men and drives them ever closer to the brink of mutiny. The tension builds throughout the film and in no small part to the excellent score. The disgruntled crew has many recognisable faces including Liam Neeson and Bernard Hill which makes the film all the more enjoyable. Daniel Day Lewis is particularly watchable as mr. frier, showing us a rather smug and sometimes fiery officer. The film is shot beautifully and the story is compelling. Even the script holds up in a film where the best performances come from the actors with the least to say.