Hornblower: The Frogs and the Lobsters (1999)

In the tense interval of a stagnant war with France, Captain Pellew receives a crucial assignment. He must lead a small fleet of four ships, carrying French General Charette and his royalist soldiers, intending to ignite an uprising upon arrival. Unbeknownst to them, an Admiralty messenger falls prey to an assault, raising the alarming possibility that their invasion plans may have been compromised. Promoted to Lieutenant, Horatio Hornblower, our daring protagonist, is caught in the interplay of alliances and enmities. He serves as a liaison officer, bridging the gap between the ruthless French commander, Colonel Moncoutant, and Major Edrington, leader of the British troops - the 'lobsters', so-called for their distinctive red coats. The war-torn French coast paints a grim picture as Hornblower steps ashore, and his horror escalates witnessing Moncoutant's chilling brutality. The Colonel's vendetta against a village that once desecrated his home results in a bloodbath, his cold-blooded use of the guillotine creating a spectacle of terror. Yet, Moncoutant's savagery does not end there. When he and his men threaten a young school teacher, Hornblower's gallantry is roused, vowing to safeguard the innocent from the imminent danger. Meanwhile, under the weight of his duties and amidst the chaos, Hornblower is entrusted with another task - to defend a strategic bridge at any cost. As the story unfolds, it becomes a test of grit, honor, and humanity, forcing Hornblower to confront the harsh realities of war and the dark hearts of men. Will he succeed in his mission, or will the tides of war prove unmerciful? Hornblower: The Frogs and the Lobsters is a stirring saga of duty, courage, and the indomitable spirit of one man against the backdrop of a nation at war.

Hornblower: The Frogs and the Lobsters is an adventure movie featuring Ioan Gruffudd and directed by Andrew Grieve.

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