If you are expecting a high seas swashbuckling pirate movie then this 1998 version of "Frenchman's Creek" is not the movie for you, nor is it one that romanticizes pirates and piracy. However if you want to see a historical drama where the pirates is a backstory then you should watch this movie.I haven't read the book nor seen the 1944 version, so I can't compare the 1998 version to previous works.The story in "Frenchman's Creek" was interesting, although I had initially thought it would have more pirates, given it was released under the title "Pirate's Creek" in Scandinavia for some reason. And the DVD cover also made it appear to be focused on high seas adventure and swashbuckling pirates.What really worked for the movie was the costumes, props and locations. There was a very historical authenticity to it. And that was awesome, because it adds such a detailed level to the movie.It should also be said that the acting in the movie, by everyone on the cast list, were doing really good jobs in bringing their characters to life on the screen. A lot of talents that I never have seen before, but I think it is always refreshing to see new faces in movies."Frenchman's Creek" is an entertaining movie if you enjoy historical dramas. I was genuinely entertained by the movie.

Having read the book many years ago, my memory of the story wasn't at it's best when I started to watch this adaption. Still, I found it hard to feel much empathy for the heroine, Lady Dona, her behaviour being totally selfish. No wonder her daughter was willing to betray her mother's French lover and his cohorts. After all the woman did rip the highly religious little girl's crucifix from around her neck and toss it out the carriage window! Also her husband may be not as exciting as her French lover, but he obvious adores her and has more balls than she gives him credit for.I was disappointed with the feeling this production gave me in general. Being a English history buff, I must admit my political support was with Dutch King William of Orange and Queen Mary (King James' eldest daughter and heir) and his Protestant supporters, as Catholic James II was a pig-headed, stubborn man, unlike his brother Charles II, and didn't know when to keep his religious beliefs to himself in such religiously turbulent times. Maybe those unaware of politics of that time will enjoy it more. Don't if you are aware of the consequences of James II's foolishness. One should also be aware that the people of Cornwall and Devon bore a grudge against James II because he slaughtered many of their men who rose in support of Charles II illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth, who tried to claim the throne from his uncle in an uprising. Watch the 2000 BBC adaption Lorna Doone, which takes place at the same time. A much better production.

I own the book. Reading it after seeing this movie is going to make it that much more enjoyable. Ms. Fitzgerald was captivating, and Mr. Delon is the pirate any woman would love. This was the first time I'd seen any of these actors. I also thought Tim Dutton and Danny Webb II were great. Many times what you find in European actors is the best kind of acting, subtle changes in expression, something Americans could work on. This movie stands out as one of my all time favorites. I recommend this to anyone who loves romance/adventure!

Slickly done costumer with lavish production. Played very straightforward. Tara Fitzgerald plays an English Catholic mother of two young children who flees London during the Protestant / Catholic fighting to return to her ancestral home on the coast of England. She meets a French pirate hiding on her land and re-evaluates her life. Just sit back and enjoy the action or the romance.