A waste of 90 minutes of my life

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

Terrific 1962 film detailing justice, morality and devotion to the law.Robert Ryan is fabulous as the Master-of-Arms, cruel at every step, who believes that flogging is the answer to everything. He is the very answer to Captain Bligh on "Mutiny on the Bounty."Naive Billy, played by supporting Oscar nominee Terence Stamp, conveys the simplicity, and the man who was unfortunate enough to be subjected to military standards.Peter Ustinov is terrific here as the head who sees no way out to free Budd, despite the fact that what he did could easily be justified. The law was the law and it had to be enforced.Melvyn Douglas proves that wisdom comes through age by learning by experience.Finally, the crew, ready to rebel immediately sees that duty comes first when at war.This was truly an absorbing film.

As far as I can tell, whatever themes are professed to be inside any and all nineteenth century seafaring adventures, they're really just about styles of leadership. The nautical adventure always devovles into some nasty, neurotic hardass envying some younger more attractive, more mild and likable sailor and a battle of wills follow (See Master & Commander, Mutiny on the Bounty, Moby Dick, Mr Roberts). Some authority figure always turns out to be a sadist. Ahab, Bligh (and more generally in nineteenth century fiction; Soubeyran, Squeers, Javert) and here Claggert (played by Robert Ryan). Their villainy is signified by their sneering smiles, their craggy faces, their peg-legs, and their bottomless cruelty. Audiences then mentally substitute previous bosses, bad parents, the jerk cop who pulled you over last weekend as the nasty abuser. The merits are rather slight.The argument, that no one seems able to come up with, for not hanging Billy is that the brass will lose the faith of the crew. The point is made by the films own obvious and acceptable dramatic conclusion (which is followed by a cheap bait and switch distraction).

When Hollywood attempts to tackle complex issues such as ethics or morality, then look out! Journey with caution. Remember, it's Hollywood, where the bottom line ultimately dictates quality. Yet this movie manages address deeper, more profound issues without sacrificing quality. The black and white cinematography was excellent. The performances were superb, especially Robert Ryan's and Peter Ustinov's. Issues were candidly discussed. The conflict between morality and duty, the issue of life an death, the question of justice versus injustice are presented with clarity. The movie gives a negative and disturbing portrayal of late 18th century life in the British navy, especially its apparent policy of inflicting wanton and arbitrary punishment by an uncaring and abusive officials who have to compel the crew to perform through threats. This is a period of history that perhaps requires further discussion.

A classic. Herman Melville's short novel comes to life in distinguished black and white cinematography. Peter Ustinov directs, co-writes, produces and stars in this stirring tale of might verses right on a British warship in 1797. Ustinov plays Captain Vere with Robert Ryan as his Master d'Arms John Claggart. Terence Stamp makes his debut as the young Billy Budd, an uneducated naive seaman forced to serve in the British Navy during the war against the French. The innocent Budd is easily liked by the experienced crew; and a mutiny almost erupts when the charming Billy is tried for murder. Well directed and acted. Powerful original music by Antony Hopkins. The very strong supporting cast includes: Melvyn Douglas, John Neville, Paul Rogers, Victor Brooks, John Meillon and David McCallum. Too good to miss.