I was looking forward to Our Flag Means Death ever since I first heard about it and that Taika Waititi was involved. This series is about a wealthy aristocrat who leaves his privileged life and family to become a pirate. He's called the gentleman pirate for the way he treats his crew and how he doesn't want to use any violence. What follows is one hilarious moment after another. The writing and character development is what makes this show so good. You really come to care for each of these characters and what happens to them. This is one of the most original and unique shows I've ever seen. I'm already waiting for next season to come out.
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Rob133126 February 2023
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Duveteux11 January 2023I came as a fan of anything Rhys and Taika have done before (and hoping for a Jemaine cameo) but truly this is unlike anything they've done before and I don't think you'd have to be a fan of anything previous to like this. (There's no Jemaine cameo, minus one point!).
I also came for a queer pirate love story and boy did this deliver in a surprising way. Maybe the best thing about it is that there is no erotic element to the love Stede and Ed develop onscreen - not that I wouldn't want to see Rhys and Taika in an erotic embrace! But the absence of lust makes this quite a rare depiction of gay love on screen. It's really beautiful and the viewer is just witnessing two people realise over the series they ultimately just need each other to be happy and that's just doggarn adorable.
Comedy wise I agree with some reviews that the comediens are not used to their best abilities. It's not side splitting, but it is still thoroughly entertaining.
I am really nervous having read the true story of Stede Bonnet what a second series would bring... I'd love for there to be one and would also hate for it to be too close to the truth. I hope if there is one it goes further down the route of fancy and also allows a beautiful gay love story to have an even rarer happy ending. -
michellesharpe-1694324 March 2022I spent the first two weeks watching this show not knowing where it was going. Now that I've watched the entire season, I am more emotionally invested in this show than I've been for a long time. Every character shines onscreen and the chemistry between them all is a delight to watch.
Rhys Darby and Taika Waititi acted their hearts out in those final episodes.
I need a second season right now. HBO cannot leave it there. -
Obviously Our Flag Means Death isn't historically accurate and that's because IT'S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE. It's a comedy for Christ sakes, people writing reviews really need to lighten up.
Every time I see Rhys Darby I think of him as Steve from the TBS show Wrecked which was really funny. He plays Stede Bonnet, the gentleman pirate who left his wife and children to become a pirate. Taika Waititi plays legendary pirate, Blackbeard and I now have a huge crush on him. -
Supermanfan-1323 February 2023Our Flag Means Death was a lot funnier than I was expecting. The entire cast were all fantastic and were led by the incredibly talented Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby. Both were perfectly cast as I can't think of two actors more suited for their roles than these two in this show. I have to admit I wasn't that into it at first but I stuck with it and by the third episode I was hooked. The episodes are only around 30min so it doesn't take too long to get through the season. I actually binged the entire first season over a weekend. I'm glad this was already renewed for a second season because I want to see more of this.
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aufo-912816 January 2023This 'comedy'- is indeed very funny at times- but it is also dark.
There is sweetness that is quite moving as well as shocking violence you don't always expect.
This first series deals very well with the human internal struggles under the pressure to be something you're not.
It is also witty and humorous.
Once I began watching I had to binge the series. I had to find out what happened next.
Looking forward to series 2 very much.
If you have seen the wonderful Jojo Rabbit or What we do in the shadows- you know what it's going to be like- sort of.
This man must be one of the most talented film makers of our time.
If you haven't seen it-I recommend 'The hunt for the Wilder people'.
It is superb. -
erinsdodge8 April 2022It's SO GOOD!!
The show is hilarious, weird, and ridiculous, with genuinely thrilling action and adventure, brilliant plots, and wonderful characters...
...and it was also poignant, meaningful, and heartbreaking to a degree that completely knocked me out
Multiple gay & non-binary characters existing, being hilarious and interesting and multi-faceted... and to have those stories and relationships centered in an adventure setting... Man... it HEALED something in me- it felt SO amazing to see.
Honestly, it really floored me; I've never seen anything quite like it.
Do yourself a favor and go in spoiler-free; it's so delightful to watch unfold, and I'm craving season 2. -
aciarleglio-17 March 2022I guess some people don't love this type of comedy. Maybe they don't understand the jokes, who knows? After reading the reviews I was on the fence whether to watch or not. Then I thought I'm not going to trust other peoples opinions, so I watched and laughed... and laughed! I think the show is very funny. Can't wait to watch more! It's quirky characters/ship's crew are all really funny in this high seas tale of adventures and shenanigans!
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Sleepin_Dragon1 April 2023Stede Bonnet leaves behind a life of property and luxury for a life on The Open Sea, a life of Piracy, his world is thrown upside down when he encounters the infamous Blackbeard.
It may take an episode or two for you to get it, and work out what's happening, but if you're unsure early on, I urge you to stick with it, it really is the most magical show. It's funny and weird in equal measure, the humour comes from the absurdity of it.
It's a show the family would enjoy, admittedly a family that has a chilled out attitude when it comes to bad language that is.
It defies every single pre conceived stereotype of what many think of when they think of pirates, if you don't think it'll happen, expect to see it here.
The characters are all magical, aside from the main players, the laughs will keep coming from Izzy Hands, The Swede, Buttons, they're a wonderful, amusing bunch.
Rhys Darby is an absolute joy as The Gentleman Pirate, he is equally matched by Taika Waititi, I could watch him in anything, the pair are phenomenal.
I'm counting down for the start of Series 2.
9/10. -
dlynn-345898 March 2022To be honest, I didn't have the highest expectations. The idea and look of It seemed silly, but I will say I was pleasantly surprised. Doesn't take its self too seriously and neither should you.
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kcfonte27 March 2022Stede Bonnet and his lovable pirate crew are absolutely delightful. Not one character is lacking. There's so much love built and baked into this show, and it shines through and through. The acting, the costumes, the sets, the plot, the soundtrack, all marvelous.
I for one am deeply touched by the earnest optimism in this show, and am entirely grateful that it exists. -
annhubbard-9566720 March 2022For those who dont get it. This show is loaded with situational, parody, physical, and farcical comedy. If it doesn't make you at least giggle, go to a playground and watch children play. Listen to their laughter. Watch kitten videos. Warm your cold, dead heart.
Brilliant performances, great writing, some cringe. But I find it delightful. -
jrice-7625627 March 2022Honestly I can't say enough about this show!!! The cast is amazing, I'm obsessed with Taika Waititi and he is amazing in this show, I love all of the comedians that star in smaller roles and storylines throughout the show, like Will Arnett?! He's the best!, and Leslie Jones is a bada**s.
The concept is original and the writing is great and so freakin funny. There are laugh out loud moments (at least for me, I was honestly laughing continuously throughout the whole season), as well as tense, emotional, and darker moments that really captivated you. The show kept you guessing as to what was going to happen next. The characters were hilarious and they all added such a fun element to the show. I also liked how things didn't seem rushed. The show took its time explaining the story but it was done perfectly so you were never bored at any moment.
I highly recommend this show! -
lghedges3 March 2022I really enjoyed the first 3 episodes. The story is just getting started at this point which I guess is why they released 3 straight away.
The characterisation is great! Darby is a gem and the crew all have their quirks and perks. Each character has their own little story going on and after 3 episodes I am already attached to most!
The comedy is classic Taika Waititi which is not to everyones taste but true love for me.
Cinematography is good for a HBO comedy, and the music is of course well suited.
I hops this show does well, but then it is not to everyones taste and I can see why. It's silly and fun but that's good enough for me! -
Laight26 March 2022This has got to be one of the strangest, most original shows to make it to tv in a while. It's wildly creative and well-written with humor so offbeat you don't often realize you're watching humor. However.... the strangest part of this show is that its set up, instead of being maybe, say, the first ten minutes, actually takes up the entire first two episodes. You have to get to the third episode to understand what the show is going to be about. So, be patient, get past episodes one and two, and then get ready for a wild and weird ride.
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drprofessorsong30 March 2022From the start of the show, I was enamored by the quirky cast if characters. Hilarious and slightly awkward, you think you have a handle on what to expect from the opening scenes, but this show will surprise you. From really touching and beautiful character moments to truly complex characters who don't feel like the same old tropes, this show delivers. Throw in an incredible cast (and some delightful guest stars), absolutely beautiful cinematography and effects and Impeccable costuming, and this is one of the best new shows in years.
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caitbubbles30 March 2022This is one of the truly unique shows I have seen in a long time. So much care and love went into the creation of it and the commitment to telling diverse, meaningful stories - and done with some INCREDIBLE humor - is so refreshing. Also, Taika Waititi as Blackbeard is *chef's kiss*. It may have it's flaws, but it's so heartwarming, hilarious, creative, and better than I ever could've anticipated that I don't even care. If you want to experience pure joy, this show is it.
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Swampbeard25 March 2022As a queer person this show hits all the right marks and perfectly shows the queer experience through pirates. The characters are loveable and it kept me invested throughout the show. Some may not like this show because it is so queer, but those people don't have to watch it, and this is the perfect show for young queer people trying to figure themselves out along with the characters. I do pray for season 2 and am excited to see where this love story leads.
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mindlessmoviemaster16 March 2022This show is hilarious another hit for Taika Waititi can't wait for more! It's already half way through and I don't want the season to end. HBO has been killing it with comedy's lately.
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romanrobinsoninvestments3 March 2022A light-hearted comedy that at times offers thoughtful, touching moments. The ensemble grouped into one scene have great comedic moments that will make you laugh. These first three episodes made me think of Frank Drebin (Leslie Nielsen) and the Police Squad gang. The Naked Gun crew also pulled off multiple funny moments within one scene. There are only three episodes available on HBO, but it should be enough to get you laughing. - Damian @TalkTeaV.
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stevebondi8 March 2022Rhys Darby has been always funny, since I first saw him as the talent agent in "Flight of the Concords". And many other funny actors pop up throughout, so you will get some good laughs :-) However, the writing is just not as consistently funny as "What We Do In The Shadows" (for which Taika Waitit is also a creator).
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Overall this show has very likable and fun characters with a wacky comedy style. The main relationship between Stede and Blackbeard is very well done and each crew member is excellent. This show explores such great themes and it was not at all what I expected from this show during the first 2 episodes.
Episode breakdown:
Episodes 1-2 are the black sheep of the show. It sets up the rest of the show very well but in the moment while watching it's just not as interesting as the rest of the show and it doesn't reveal exactly what the show is about right away. In hindsight the episodes make the show better overall but they are quite boring by themselves.
Episode 3 is very funny and is the exception to the first 2 episodes, it doesn't introduce Blackbeard yet but the episode Itself is a lot more fun and enjoyable.
Episodes 4-10 are all very high quality and on similar levels. The show shifts to the relationship between Stede and Blackbeard and all the crew members and it begins to tell the great story, it's funny and heartwarming and definitely worth watching.
The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, a little bittersweet but a second season seems to be teased with it.
Overall a very good show that should definitely be watched! -
After watching the first episode I didnt have high hopes as it seemed very slapstick and weak. It improved once the various protagonists were introduced. It reminds me of "What we did in the shadows" - if you.like that then this may appeal.
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Skye_0716 September 2023When I started watching "Our Flag Means Death" I didn't expect to discover a jewel of a tv series.
Historical accuracy? We don't need it and don't miss it. Details such as crocs and studded belts make it more unique and fun blending perfectly with the comic tones of the series. But behind the irony and comedy, very important topics are dealt with without ever falling into stereotypes revealing script and human work rarely seen on screen.
Special mention must also be made of the cast, who demonstrated perfect chemistry on and off the set giving the characters that extra something that makes you grow fond of them from the first moment.