The horrible murder of the brothers de Witt in the disaster year 1672 is shown here for the first time in detail. Even though there are many explosions, it appears that the use of stage blood wasn't allowed on these replica's. 'De Batavia' with the red lion figurehead on the prow, and the 'Shtandart' with its bright yellow sides and wreath shaped cannon portholes were very recognizable. Similar in tone to movies like 'The Patriot' (2000) by Mel Gibson and 'Pearl Harbor' (2001) by Michael Bay, only on a budget of 8 million dollars instead of over a 100.Ĥ replica's of actual historical sailing ships were used 'De Batavia' from 1995, the 'Shtandart' from 1999, the 'Étoile du Roi' from 1996, and 'Het Utrechts Statenjacht' from 2003. It broadly shows the military career of Admiral Michiel de Ruyter between 16, during the Anglo-Dutch wars.Īn heroic spectacle which paints de Ruyter as a common family man. I saw this movie last night in cinema Buitenhof, next to the Gevangenpoort prison where the actual brothers de Witt were lynched at the time. Reviewed by calastir 9 / 10 Good historic drama
