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with the sea (perhaps because I'd never seen it?) and loved anything to do with pirates and other seamen including films that featured them. Now that I am older the wide-eyed fascination is mostly gone, but I still enjoy a good ocean adventure (whether in book or film) whenever it presents itself. After the acclaim this film received when it was released I couldn't wait to see it. From the beginning to the very end I was treated to convincing swordplay (bear in mind this is a former sword-fighting instructor speaking), excellent acting, amazing visuals, and a plot worthy of a classic novel.

I know at least half the nation is completely enamored of Johnny Depp, but I'd previously remained unimpressed with the man; he just didn't seem to me like anything special and I sometimes found his acting to be unconvincing. After watching this first Pirates of the Caribbean
my reserve about Depp's talent is gone...here is a role far different from anything I've ever seen him play, and his performance as the drunken and half-mad Jack Sparrow was so convincing that it's difficult to see Depp behind Sparrow at all.

Orlando Bloom initially struck me as an actor chosen for his looks and little else by way of redeeming qualities. At the beginning of the film he seemed stiff and uncomfortable in the role, but as it progresses he seems to relax and meld into the Will Turner persona very well. Rush and Knightley also turned out admirable performances as did the bulk of the cast.

The plot is familiar to those who enjoy high seas adventures, yet was played out with such a feel for drama and spectacle melded with witty dialog that it felt like something completely original. I like the way the movie was paced so there's very little down time, I'd say you never go more than five minutes at a stretch without something happening.

Overall this is an excellent pirate action/adventure film I absolutely loved and am certain anyone with similar tastes will love as well. This film is followed in the series by Dead Man's Chest and At World's End though overshadows them both in terms of originality and overall entertainment.

Learn more about this author, Rebecca Brown.
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