Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) Movie Review

Synopsis:

Former pirate captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and blacksmith Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) become allies. Together, they must save the beautiful Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) from the mutinous Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush).

Review:

Even over two decades later, Gore Verbinski’s The Curse of the Black Pearl is a joyous adventure from start to finish.

This is due to its brisk pacing and meticulous production design. Its casting and now infamous soundtrack also play a part in building a strong reputation.

One of this film’s immediate positives is Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow.

His unpredictable mannerisms, charm, and recognisable appearance make him an action and adventure icon.

This is no more apparent than in the character’s introduction. He enters Port Royal with unmistakable confidence, all while standing on the mast of a ship that’s sinking.

It conveys the character’s whimsical nature in an instant. This is one of the film’s main strengths. Another highlight is Australian actor Geoffrey Rush’s Captain Barbossa.

Now Captain of Jack Sparrow’s ship, the Black Pearl, Barbossa’s stature is shrouded in darkness upon his introduction.

This is alongside his feathered cap and Jack the monkey on his shoulder. It’s an image that conveys instant command without a single word spoken.

His introduction acts as the polar opposite when compared to Jack’s.

Jack enters Port Royal with the rays of sunshine setting against his shoulders. Barbossa enters the film with eerie fog and the moonlit sky.

Both actors’ performances are also the film’s most consistent. Depp’s witty mannerisms are conveyed in all scenes.

With them, Depp makes audiences guess what the character will do next. It’s a testament to his acting ability and commitment to the craft.

Geoffrey Rush brings intensity and conviction to his portrayal of Barbossa. This is more than evident in the scene with Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Swann.

It’s here when Barbossa reveals that he and his crew are cursed, becoming skeletons under the moonlight.

Rush commands the scene, as Klaus Badelt and Hans Zimmer’s intense score accompanies it. As with the score, it gives the film an instant personality.

One of its most recognisable tracks is the main theme “He’s a Pirate.”

It’s used multiple times throughout the film, with its bombastic horns giving it an unmistakable presence.

Another track, such as “Underwater March,” is another standout.

Its eerie use of woodwinds during the opening conveys the dread of Barbossa’s undead crew marching forward.

As a whole, the score gives the film personality, also matched by its action. Each action sequence, whether it’s a sword clash or a ship battle, is well-filmed.

Take when the Black Pearl attacks Port Royal, as an example. Each cannon shot registers with the force of a thunderbolt, destroying everything in its path.

This is also present during the ship-to-ship battle between The Interceptor and the Black Pearl.

Viewers are also able to distinguish Barbossa’s faction and Jack’s. This is in part due to wide, steady camera shots.

Sword duels are also well-choreographed. It uses close-ups for intensity and wide angles for perspective. Take Barbossa and Jack’s final duel as an example.

For context, it’s in this scene where Jack is also revealed to be cursed. This is one of the film’s few surprises, which works well because the film never alludes to it.

Alongside this, as Jack and Barbossa duel, they switch between skeleton form and human form under the moonlight. It makes an already well-shot duel into a unique one.

Their skeleton forms are also well-rendered by 2000s standards, not being overused.

Saying that, there are a few shots of Barbossa’s skeleton crew that lack detail in certain scenes. This isn’t a major flaw, as most shots still impress.

Despite its entertaining action, some audiences may have wanted a less straightforward story. This works in its favour, though the lack of many twists may disappoint others.

Given Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush’s screen presence, some may also find Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom’s performances less memorable.

Whilst they serve their roles well enough, their acting performances are less confident overall.

This may be due to their overall line delivery, which lacks conviction in certain scenes.

Take the scene where Will questions why Elizabeth took the pirate medallion that belonged to him. In this scene, Will is meant to express anger.

Despite that, Orlando could’ve leaned into this emotion more. This would’ve made the scene more intense.

On the flip side, Keira’s Elizabeth expresses disappointment in her actions during this scene.

This is also an emotion she could’ve channelled more of. Overall, her delivery comes across as less convincing.

Saying this, certain audiences may forgive this minor flaw due to the actresses’ striking looks.

Switching back to a final positive is Jack Davenport as Commodore Norrington.

Whilst some may find his performance too stalwart, it fits the character’s stature amongst the Royal Navy.

As a whole, his development is minimal. It’s in the film’s sequel, Dead Man’s Chest (2006), where his character receives more screen time.

Conclusion:

To conclude, The Curse of the Black Pearl remains a straightforward yet well-produced pirate adventure.

This is helped by its strong visuals/CGI, score, and entertaining action.

This film is also helped by strong performances by the lead actor, Johnny Depp, and Geoffrey Rush.

Each actor brings a distinct identity to their characters that is unmistakable.

Other performers, such as Keira Knighley, are Orlando Bloom, are less convincing. Despite that, they serve their purpose to a decent extent.

Some fans may also express minor disappointment in the film’s straightforward story. This is despite the film’s consistent pacing, which helps proceedings.

Overall, The Curse of the Black Pearl succeeds more often than not. For those willing to ignore its flaws, prepare to set sail for adventure.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 8/10

Story - 8/10

Action - 8/10

CGI and visuals - 8.5/10

Soundtrack - 8.5/10

Overall score: 8.2 out of 10