Michiel de Ruyter (2015) (The Admiral)
Having shown his qualities during the First Anglo-Dutch War, Michiel de Ruyter will be entrusted with the duty to protect the nation.
Inspired by the historical facts, the story focuses and adjusts certain historical elements and characters, but in order to offer us a coherent plot. The machinations and conflicts between Orange and Republican parties are the cause of low-coup, betrayals or shenanigans. William II must juggle its politicians but he also seeks the power of the other side, while the King Charles II keeps its position.
The most interesting stories for me are always the political intrigue. The blow-downs, reversals and betrayals plots. The surprises keep coming and unpredictable elements are built on fear, conspiracies and manipulations. In the middle is the family de Ruyter, seeking peace, serenity, love and well-being. The candor and good values, such as family and justice will be undermined, and many times violent and unjust take the viewer to his side (eg "lijken van gebroeders De Witt" by Jan de Baen) . Many element are exposed and implied, but the story does not deepens.
Perhaps too easily, I felt manipulated by the narrative, i could only feel a single point of view, whether facing the negotiations, maritime or duels between the characters. Each had a defined role, framed and did not move one iota. But the actors are very good. Frank Lammers gives humanity and compassion to Michiel de Ruyter. Sanne Langelaar adds character and heart to Anna de Ruyter, and it's nice to see Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner) or Charles Dance (Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones) offer a solemn and supported presence.
The naval battles are conveniently illustrated with alternations between shots from the bridge and an aerial view to help us understand the strategies, while villages and boardrooms are recreated with attention to detail.
The film is also accompanied by sensational, romantic music and, with the help of a melodious chorus and orchestra, carriers feelings recalling the compositions of Steve Jablonsky or Hans Zimmer(especially "King Arthur"). But curiously, it also gives a very generic feel to it.
A good directing, mastered, at the service of a fictionalized historical story.
7,5/10
Having shown his qualities during the First Anglo-Dutch War, Michiel de Ruyter will be entrusted with the duty to protect the nation.
Inspired by the historical facts, the story focuses and adjusts certain historical elements and characters, but in order to offer us a coherent plot. The machinations and conflicts between Orange and Republican parties are the cause of low-coup, betrayals or shenanigans. William II must juggle its politicians but he also seeks the power of the other side, while the King Charles II keeps its position.
The most interesting stories for me are always the political intrigue. The blow-downs, reversals and betrayals plots. The surprises keep coming and unpredictable elements are built on fear, conspiracies and manipulations. In the middle is the family de Ruyter, seeking peace, serenity, love and well-being. The candor and good values, such as family and justice will be undermined, and many times violent and unjust take the viewer to his side (eg "lijken van gebroeders De Witt" by Jan de Baen) . Many element are exposed and implied, but the story does not deepens.
Perhaps too easily, I felt manipulated by the narrative, i could only feel a single point of view, whether facing the negotiations, maritime or duels between the characters. Each had a defined role, framed and did not move one iota. But the actors are very good. Frank Lammers gives humanity and compassion to Michiel de Ruyter. Sanne Langelaar adds character and heart to Anna de Ruyter, and it's nice to see Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner) or Charles Dance (Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones) offer a solemn and supported presence.
The naval battles are conveniently illustrated with alternations between shots from the bridge and an aerial view to help us understand the strategies, while villages and boardrooms are recreated with attention to detail.
The film is also accompanied by sensational, romantic music and, with the help of a melodious chorus and orchestra, carriers feelings recalling the compositions of Steve Jablonsky or Hans Zimmer(especially "King Arthur"). But curiously, it also gives a very generic feel to it.
A good directing, mastered, at the service of a fictionalized historical story.
7,5/10