Starring: Sean Bean, Brian Cox, Daragh O'Malley, Assumpta Serna, David Troughton Directed By: Tom Clegg Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Audience Rating: Unrated Binding: DVD Format: Color, DVD-Video, Full Screen, NTSC Label: Bfs Entertainment Number of Items: 1 Picture Format: Pan & Scan Region Code: 1 Release Date: July 25, 2000 Running Time: 100 minutes Theatrical Release Date: 1993
Read the Books and Then Continue Your Sharpe Adventure Here First things first, read the Bernard Cornwell books *before* you watch the DVDs Sharpe's Rifles (Richard Sharpe's Adventure Series #6). The books are, as usual better, and you can make your own mental picture of Richard Sharpe, Sgt. Harper and the rest. One other thing, de aware that these are not feature film quality productions - they were TV shows on BBC in the 1990's.
Fans of the Sharpe series should sit back enjoy the TV shows and not worry too much when events on the screen vary from those in the books (we know that Sharpe saves Arthur Wellesley in Sharpe's Triumph: Richard Sharpe and the Battle of Assaye, September 1803 (Richard Sharpe's Adventure Series #2) and not in the much later in the Peninsular War). These productions capture the feel of the books: Sharpe's honest character, his irresistibility to beautiful women (and them to him), exciting battles scenes, nefarious backstabbing, and the colorful characters. Sean Bean excels as Richard Sharpe (though he seems a bit too pretty at first). Brian Cox is wonderful as the intelligence officer Hogan, Daragh O'Malley convinces as the burly Irish Seargant Harper, Assumpta Serna plays the sensual, but fiery Spanish noblewoman and rebel fighter, and David Troughton plays Sir Arthur with just the right touch.
Enjoy this one and some 15 sequels.
Great Show How good it is to see a period usually only covered by War and Peace or piratemovies. sharpe is quite the character and his lot of rifles are all still shots from English military in the ranks. Very enjoyable.
not as good as the book I thought it was pretty good for the first one, but not near as good as the book. I think I will try some of the later Sharpe DVDs and hopefully they will be a little truer to the books.
A great film adaptation from the book this film brings to life the adventures of the the infamous Richard Sharpe. A tough man is our Sharpe. He made the rare advancement from the common rank and file redcoat to the lofty rank of commissioned officer. This movie does a good job of showing the reader the trials of the common redcoated soldier of the late 1700s. It clearly gives a picture of glory and filth. the two things that made up the lives of the redcoat. If one enjoys a good yarn with lots of action and a touch of the historical accurate then this film is for you.
Long Live Major Sharpe! I enjoyed the Sharpe series as shown on PBS a few years ago on their "Masterpiece Theatre", but they only televised 4 episodes. Until recently, I hadn't realized how many episodes of "Sharpe" there were, but I was unable to afford the entire collection at USA prices. I went shopping in the UK, and discovered they had a complete collection at a fraction of the cost, and since I had purchased a region free DVD player, I knew I could buy the set from Amazon UK and enjoy the whole Sharpe saga. The entire cast is magnificent! The amount of sword play, battle scenes, rugged terrain must have meant many hard filming days and nights, and an awesome stunt crew. The costumes as far as I can tell are spot on. Familiar faces appear in many episodes. Pete Postlethwaite as Obadiah Hakeswill is sooo evil. Daragh O'Malley is perfect as Harper. John Tams (who also wrote the music), Jason Salkey, Michael Mears & Lyndon Davies as the Chosen Men. Assumpta Serna, Elizabeth Hurley, Alice Krige, and others, all excellent! Sticklers for historical accuracy may not enjoy the series. I on the other hand had a fabulous time watching them. And I am positive you will also!
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