SHARPE'S RIFLES was the first of the made-for-television Sharpe movies made by Carlton for ITV way back in 1993. As a massive fan of author Bernard Cornwell, who created Sharpe back at the beginning of the 1980s, I had to get around to seeing these movies sooner or later, and I'm pleased to say that this one doesn't disappoint. First of all, though, it has to be said that the plot barely resembles the novel of the same title at all; there are extra characters, missing characters, new events, and crucially a lack of the major battle scenes that make the novels so stunning. The reason is the budget – or lack of it – but I'm pleased to say that despite the missing battles, this is still a decent product that belies its made-for-TV origins.

The movie was filmed in Portugal and the Crimea and there are some stunning mountainous backdrops that really add authenticity to the proceedings. The production is excellently written with some great dialogue. It starts off feeling a little faltering and you can tell that everybody was new to it, but by halfway through things really hit their stride and it never disappoints after this point. Sean Bean soon makes the role his own, doing such a good job that nobody else could ever come close to playing Sharpe the way he does. The various characters of the close-knit riflemen are all good, with Daragh O'Malley particularly effective as Harper. I also liked David Troughton's performance as Sir Arthur Wellesley, and it's a shame he didn't continue to play this role throughout the series.

While the 'talky' scenes and the plot exposition are all adequate, where this series really excels is in the action – and it proves you don't need a big budget to shoot good battles. A shoot-out in a ruined village is a highlight, as is the action-packed finale, which involves the storming of a town occupied by the French. Plenty of grittiness and bloodshed adds to the realism of the film and even the romance – involving a female spy who wasn't in the books, played by Assumpta Serna – doesn't get in the way too much. The highlight of the production is definitely the bit where Harper brings down a mounted Frenchman, using his rifle in a rather novel way. A great touch to a well-written book adaptation.

"Sharpe's Rifles" is the first in a series of about 14 teleplays with Sean Bean playing the rough, tough commander of a motley bunch of sharp shooters who fight for Britain in the Peninsular campaign (circa 1808ish). The film is an enjoyable action/adventure romp with Sharpe as much a ladies' man as a man's man who must prove himself to both in this foray into Spain on a somewhat ambiguous mission. Not to be taken seriously, "Sharpe's Rifles" is just fun stuff for anyone into adventure flix set during the Napoleonic Wars. Note: the video quality on the bare bones DVD I watched was no better than I would expect from broadcast and there were no CC's, subtitles, or extra features. (B-)

In the early 1990s, ITV had a penchant for filming some of their shows abroad. It was cheaper and it could give it an epic setting.

The action in Sharpe's Rifles takes place in Portugal and Spain but it was filmed in the Crimea.

Set in 1809 during the Napoleonic wars. Sir Arthur Wellesley (David Troughton) who would go on to become the Duke of Wellington is ambushed by French cavalrymen. The soldier who saves him is Sergeant Richard Sharpe (Sean Bean) and he becomes a lieutenant through this act of bravery.

Sharpe is sent out on a mission to find banker James Rothschild who set out from Vienna with monies in order to fund the British campaign against the French. He seems to have got lost.

Sharpe joins a troop that is heavily depleted after a surprise attack from the French cavalry. Sharpe joins forces with Spanish guerrillas led by Commandante Teresa Moreno. They are carrying something important that could bring the Spanish to unite against the French.

After an exciting beginning the pace slows down as Sharpe meets the people who will become part of his regular team. The initial introductions are far from cordial with a lot of mutual distrust.

This is an introductory episode which is more about the character of Sharpe and his men, the sharpshooters. It all looks small scale nowadays and also overlong. I did think the story could had been effectively told in two thirds of the time.