I love this film and have now shown it to several generations of Year 10 students who all adored it too. This came out before Pirates of the Caribbean yet there are obvious piratey and magical cross references. It would be good if someone can do an official comparison. There are lots of interesting historical references and it's a must see for all Australasian lovers of French and French history. I just wish that I could find the DVD with English subtitles. We are still using a very old video that I taped off SBS. Someone please re release this before my old video falls apart. Thierry L'Hermitte is brilliant as the stiff upper lip naval officer who is changed by love of a stunningly beautiful mixed race islander. It was made a long time ago but is still as fresh as daisy thanks to gritty plot line and interesting characters and amazing scenery.