Swashbucklers
The pen may be mightier than the sword but Hollywood was quick to realise that good vs evil with a couple of biros wasn't going to cut it in the action stakes. Epitomised by the likes of Errol Flynn (pictured with Basil Rathbone in 'Robin Hood') and Douglas Fairbanks Sr and Jr, the typical swashbuckler was a dazzling swordsman, a fearless adventurer with courage in his heart, romance on his mind and a spring in his step. So buckle your swash and get ready for some rollicking old style entertainment.
The Princess Bride (1987)
8.1/10
Director: Rob Reiner
Starring: Cary Elwes, Christopher Guest, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon, Wal...
A very special, engaging fairy-tale comedy which mixes romance, magic and swashbuckling action as told to a young boy by his grandfather (Peter Falk).... Read more
Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
6.7/10
Director: Mel Brooks
Starring: Cary Elwes, Richard Lewis, Roger Rees, Amy Yasbeck, Dave Chappelle, Isaac Hayes,...
The once brilliant Mel Brooks provides further proof that his comedic well ran dry some time ago with this inane skewering of the legend of Sherwood F... Read more
Hook (1991)
6.7/10
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Bob Hoskins, Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts, Maggie Smith, Robin Williams
Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman star in this classic tale about a middle-aged lawyer who discovers that he was once the legendary Peter Pan. An ench... Read more
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
8/10
Director: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Pryce
The popular Disney theme park attraction inspired this swashbuckling, high-seas adventure from producer Jerry Bruckheimer. The roguish yet charming Ca... Read more
Sharpe Vol. 1: Sharpe's Rifles / Sharpe's Eagle (1993)
Director: Tom Clegg
Starring: Sean Bean, Darragh O'Malley, Brian Cox, Assumpta Serna
'Sharpe's Rifles' - Portugal 1809, the Peninsular War in the age of Napoleon. A British sergeant (Sean Bean) in the 95th Rifles saves the life of Arth... Read more
The Adventures Of Robin Hood (1938)
8/10
Director: Michael Curtiz, William Keighley
Starring: Olivia de Havilland, Errol Flynn, Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains, Eugene Pallette
One of cinema's greatest adventure films sees Errol Flynn at his swashbuckling best in a role originally slated for James Cagney. Claude Rains is the... Read more
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
7.3/10
Director: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Jack Davenport, Bill Nighy, Jonatha...
The whole crew reunites for this supernatural swashbuckling sequel as Captain Jack (Johnny Depp) tries to avoid a blood debt he owes to the somewhat s... Read more
The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982)
7.7/10
Director: Clive Donner
Starring: Anthony Andrews, Jane Seymour, Ian McKellen
Anthony Andrews makes a dashing hero leading a double life aiding French revolutionaries while posing as a foppish member of British society. Jane Sey... Read more
Stardust (2007)
7.7/10
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Starring: Claire Danes, Ian McKellen, Jason Flemyng, Mark Strong, Michelle Pfeiffer, Natha...
In this inventive fairytale from the pen of Neil Gaiman ('Mirrormask') a young man (Charlie Cox) sets out from his closeted home village to prove his... Read more
The Three Musketeers (1993)
6.4/10
Director: Stephen Herek
Starring: Charlie Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland, Chris O'Donnell, Oliver Platt, Tim Curry, Rebe...
The retelling of Alexandre Dumas' novel of chivalry and honour set in 17th century France is given the 'Young Guns' treatment by the Disney Studio. Ch... Read more