To the Ends of the Earth (2005)

I had to choose between "2 Guns" and "To the Ends of the Earth" for this entry. The first, a recent action movie, the second, an eight years old BBC mini series which probably can be qualified as a drama. I finally went for the latter, because at least has the quality of being usable as sleeping pill compared to the first which is way too noisy for that purpose ...

The movie follows a voyage done in 1812 by a ship traveling from England to Australia, trip seen through the eyes of a young aristocrat boarded as a passenger who at destination is supposed to be appointed in the dominion's province government. There are three parts of the story: "The Rites of Passage", "Close Quarters" and "Fire Down Below", each corresponding to a distinct volume in a trilogy written by William Golding (probably much better known for "Lord of the Flies"). I can't express opinions on the books themselves, but I honestly think they're much more appropriate for theatrical adaptation - a shortened one - compared to four hours and a half of movie in which the action takes place in a confined environment which is the ship. The story revolves around the relations between the passengers and the crew members, and the effect of the issues that emerge during the long voyage. In some parts is an interesting analysis of the human behavior, although this seems a bit lost in the context of XIXth century early years and the theatrical dialogue apparently specific to the period. The movie doesn't lack scenes and situations which are pretty hard to swallow getting quite shocking at some points, which totally contradict with the otherwise slow and relatively calm story development close to something like a "naval soap-opera". I could actually say that the first part reminded me, more or less, of "Deliverance", in total contrast with the second which is mostly focused on one of the dumbest and hard to believe romance portrayals that I've ever seen.

Cinematic-wise I don't have much to appreciate. Probably contributes to my feeling that a theater play is more appropriate than a movie script. I have to acknowledge though, again, the top acting of the British cast which keeps the movie watchable from start to the end, because without this ...

Rating: 3 out of 5 (at the limit)