The Bounty (1984)

81% of critics liked it
(16 reviews)
65% of users liked it
(9,456 ratings)

This fourth film dramatization of the 1789 mutiny aboard the H.M.S. Bounty is based not on the familiar Nordhoff and Hall book, but on Richard Hough's novel Captain Bligh and Mr. Christian. This time, the infamous Captain Bligh (Anthony Hopkins) is as strict a disciplinarian as ever. He is, however,… More This fourth film dramatization of the 1789 mutiny aboard the H.M.S. Bounty is based not on the familiar Nordhoff and Hall book, but on Richard Hough's novel Captain Bligh and Mr. Christian. This time, the infamous Captain Bligh (Anthony Hopkins) is as strict a disciplinarian as ever. He is, however, no monster; faced with his crew's increasing laxity after an idyllic visit to Tahiti (the search for breadfruit takes second place to limitless sex with the island girls), Bligh is forced to resort to flogging and other such means to keep his men in line. Mr. Christian (Mel Gibson), formerly Bligh's friend, is of little use to the captain, having fallen in love with a native girl himself. Christian becomes the leader of the mutiny virtually in spite of himself; and when the mutineers try to seek refuge on Tahiti, they find that the local chief wants no part of them, which is why they settle for the nearly uninhabitable Pitcairn. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 2 hr. 10 min.
Directed By: Roger Donaldson
Written By: Robert Bolt
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure

In Theaters: May 4, 1984 Wide
On DVD: Nov 21, 2000
Studio: MGM

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
An intelligent, firstrate, revisionist telling of the famous tale of Fletcher Christian's mutiny against Captain Bligh.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
A great adventure, a lush romance, and a good movie.
Vincent Canby, New York Times
On the basis of three films, it is now possible to say that the Pacific Ocean is not Dino De Laurentiis's cup of tea.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
It's all a brave try, though Gibson is perhaps not up to the demands of a Christian's progress from naive rating to self-loathing exile, and Donaldson's direction often verges on the stolid.
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
Hopkins brilliant perfomance adds complexity to Captain Bligh, and this intense and intelligent historical adventure is the third and best film version of the famous mutiny.
Jon Niccum, Lawrence Journal-World
Solid remake of the classic tale.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
An intricate layered character study and colorful adventure saga.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Star-power saves umpteenth adaptation.
Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
Despite its flaws, this is a film that looks great, includes a memorable Hopkins performance, and is well enough written to keep us thinking rather than latching onto stereotypes.

Read all 9 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Film C

This movie is really good,i thoroughly enjoyed it. Its interesting and i must say antony hopkins is on top form with brilliant acting from him and the entire cast. Its a beautifully depicted and well wriitten movie thats worth the watch.
Sophie B

Could have done with less nudity but a good story and its amazing how he survived on that boat with nothing to eat or drink! Doesn't look like Mel Gibson but he was hot so oh well lol!
Jeffrey M

Check this out on netflix instant. Great movie