PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Based on the popular attraction of the same name at various Disney theme parks across the globe, the first film in the adventurous Pirates Of The Caribbean series features a star-studded cast and interesting plot. 

This swash-buckling tale follows the quest of Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), a savvy pirate, and Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), a resourceful blacksmith, as they search for Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley). Elizabeth, the daughter of the governor and the love of Will's life, has been kidnapped by the feared Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush). Little do they know, but the fierce and clever Barbossa has been cursed. He, along with his large crew, are under an ancient curse, doomed for eternity to neither live, nor die. That is, unless a blood sacrifice is made. 

When Pirates was first released in 2003, it was a surprise hit, with critics raving about it and it went on to receive over $654 million at the box office. However, looking back, it's not really much of a surprise that it was so successful. Depp's performance as the savvy Captain Jack Sparrow was the highlight of the entire film and it's still one of his most recognised performances, over thirteen years later. If it wasn't for his high energy performance, Pirates wouldn't have been as successful and it would be very dull without him.

Both Bloom and Knightley give strong performances with Bloom portraying the Prince Charming type who teams up with a pirate in order to save his true love. At one point, he even says that he'd 'die for her'. It is a cliché but it works in this film. However, Knightley's Swann is more than a love interest. After being kidnapped by pirates, she is brave and stands up for herself. This was one of my favourite things about this film. Other production companies would've made her one dimensional and unlikable but. thankfully, because of the writers and Knightley's performance, Elizabeth Swann is one of the best characters in this film. Another great character is Captain Barbossa, the villain and Jack's enemy. Underneath all the make-up and costume and greasy wig, Rush is unrecognisable in this role. 

Despite its dark atmosphere, it is a Disney production, so there are plenty of light hearted moments that make it perfect entertainment. It's not suitable for the whole family though as it has a 12 rating (suitable for viewers aged 12 and up) so I would reconsider before showing to children. Sparrow's quirky personality brings the most of the comic relief in the film's darkest moments. One of the most funniest scenes includes Sparrow and Swann drunkenly dancing together whilst deserted on an island. 

Gore Verbinski further proves why he's one of the most versatile directors, much like his previous film, The Ring, which was a horror, Pirates has dark and intense scenes, especially in the thrilling climax where Sparrow and Barbossa are having a sword fight. Fans of the popular Disney ride will not be disappointed here.

Speaking of which, I find it very interesting that this film is based on a theme park attraction. The majority of films are based on screenplays or books, however, this is one of the things that makes Pirates original. To this day, I'm yet to see a film, that features pirates as the main characters, that's half as good as the Pirates franchise. 

Many viewers may criticise the films runtime which is roughly two hours and twenty minutes. In my opinion, I'd say it's worth every minute. This is one of those films where dialogue between characters is important as we learn some vital plot information. For example, we learn that (*SPOILER ALERT*) Turner is the son of a pirate which changes his outlook on them. Their relationship is crucial in the next two films, Dead Man's Chest and At World's End. 

Unsurprisingly, Pirates was nominated for five Academy Awards in 2004 including a Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for Depp, Best Make-Up and Best Visual Effects. All of this is important in making a successful film and I'm happy that the production team didn't go unnoticed. 

Klaus Badelt and Hans Zimmer's score has also gone on to be one of the most memorable scores. One of the defining characteristics of this score's sound is the use of horn for melody. Nearly all of the score's louder sections feature the horns on the melody, frequently doubled by various string instruments.This gives it a triumphant and exciting sound and is one of the definitions of this film.

Overall, Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl is a fun and adventurous feature film and sets up the successful franchise to come. 

8/10

Read my review of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest here.

Read my review of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End here.

Read my review of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides here.