The first true contender for an Academy Award

Rating: 10/10 (19 July 2003)

Since its release on July 9th, I've seen this movie 3 times, and enjoyed it more with each viewing. With a wonderful cast that included the humorous Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and the evil cursed pirate Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), this film should contend for an Academy Award in 2004. This movie encompasses the entire realm of why pirates were viewed as dishonest buccaneer looters who only cared about themselves and gold treasures. Former captain of the Black Pearl, Jack Sparrow wonders through the Caribbean looking to regain his ship from the mutinous Captain Barbossa. After saving the life of the beautiful governor's daughter Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), Sparrow runs away from the British Naval Fleet and meets the son of a famous pirate, Will Turner (Orlando Bloom). After Elizabeth is kidnapped and taken to the Black Pearl, Sparrow and Turner join forces to rescue Ms. Swann, who Barbossa believes is the one who could shed her blood to end the curse. Sparrow manages to get aboard the Pearl, but is unsuccessful in getting back Elizabeth and instead is marooned on an island with only a pistol. Once Barbossa learns that Will Turner is the only blood relative of the late William "Bootstrap" Turner, he tries to kill him only to be rescued once again by Jack Sparrow. Once Turner spills his blood on Aztec gold, Barbossa is shot, and the pirates are defeated, Sparrow is sentenced to death by hanging by the leader of the Royal Fleet, Commodore Norrington. Sparrow's life is saved by Turner and he escaped to regain control of the Black Pearl, while Will and Elizabeth proposed their love to one another. An incredible, edge-of-your-seat action comedy that will make you want to see it over and over again. Truly the best movie of the year and worthy of some hardware. I recommend it even for those who don't fancy adventurous films.