Historical Accuracy
I thought that M&C really made a good show for realism. For one, many nautical movies (like Cutthroat Island and Pirates of the Carribbean) love to show two ships bearing down on each other, both full sail into the wind-which would be impossible. In M&C it properly shows that in most 1 on 1 naval duels, one chased the other as they competed for the "weather gauge" and did not simply turn head-on for each other.
Also you actually see them repairing their ship after an engagement. Lots of Hollywood sea battles show two wooden ships clash with the winner walking (or sailing) away without so much as a hole in their sail in the aftermath (even if he was dismasted during the battle). In reality even if you won you would be making repairs for at least a week.
It also showed the bloody nature of boarding a ship. One place where Hornblower went wrong was showing a frigate engaging in one cutting out party after another. In reality melees of this nature were so violent that you could only afford to board perhaps two ships (and I only read of that occuring ONCE) during one cruise without decrewing your vessel from casualties and prize crews.
But enough nitpicking, it's a great movie. (So is Hornblower)
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