There's barely enough time to develop De Ruyter as a character in his own movie, or even successfully explain his war strategies.

Acting is pretty strong. Even the supporting acts are filled by often internationally known actors as Derek de Lint and Rutger Hauer, and Charles Dance shows up as a gleefully evil decadent English King (think Tywin Lannister with French hookers)

For all the elements that don't mesh naturally, "Admiral" still manages to be intermittently engaging and fitfully exciting.

Frank Lammers gives a surprisingly understated performance as Michiel de Ruyter. Though he has his moments of fury and agony, his usual countenance is one of weariness and concealment.