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Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Directed by
Peter Weir

Writing credits
Patrick O'Brian (novels)
Peter Weir (screenplay) ...

Genre: Action

Plot Outline: During the Napoleonic Wars, a British frigate, HMS Surprise, and a much larger French warship, the Acheron, with greater fire power, stalk each other off of the coast of South America. Russell Crowe brings great intensity to the role of Captain Jack Aubrey. Lucky Jack, as he is referred to by his crew, is well regarded by his men, who trust him implicitly, even after the first devastating battle and an apparent personal vendetta against the French captain. While the naval battle sequences are quite fantastic, the film is successful because director Weir chose to build the story to get to know the men who are locked aboard the tight quarters of a small ship and how they interact everyday. The officers and the mates are well-known by the time the final battle comes. Paul Bettany offers a strong performance as the surgeon and naturalist who balances the violence of his chosen life with the quiet demeanor of the scientist. He is the captain's friend and confidant, the two frequently playing violin and cello duets together. The horrors of the injuries from the war are frequently implied, but vividly depicted in the reactions of the characters.

User Comments: Masterful (and Commanderful)

User Rating: 7.5/10 (20,969 votes)

Cast overview, first billed only:
Russell Crowe	....	Capt. Jack Aubrey
Paul Bettany	....	Dr. Stephen Maturin, Surgeon
James D'Arcy	....	1st Lt. Tom Pullings
Edward Woodall	....	2nd Lt. William Mowett
Chris Larkin	....	Capt. Howard, Royal Marines
Max Pirkis	....	Blakeney, Midshipman
Jack Randall	....	Boyle, Midshipman
Max Benitz	....	Calamy, Midshipman
Lee Ingleby	....	Hollom, Midshipman
Richard Pates	....	Williamson, Midshipman
Robert Pugh	....	Mr. Allen, Master
Richard McCabe	....	Mr. Higgins, Surgeon's Mate
Ian Mercer	....	Mr. Hollar, Boatswain
Tony Dolan	....	Mr. Lamb, Carpenter
David Threlfall	....	Preserved Killick, Captain's Steward

Also Known As:
The Far Side of the World (Australia) (working title) (USA) (working title)
MPAA: Rated PG-13 for intense battle sequences, related ../images, and brief language.
Runtime: 138 min
Country: USA
Language: English / French / Portuguese
Color: Color
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital / DTS
Certification: Argentina:13 / Australia:M / Brazil:14 / Canada:14A / Chile:TE / Finland:K-11 / Germany:12 (bw) / Hong Kong:IIA / Norway:11 / Singapore:PG / Spain:7 / Sweden:11 / UK:12A / USA:PG-13 (certificate #39922)

Trivia: The name of the French vessel "Acheron" comes from the name of a river in Hades in Greek mythology.

User Comments:
Masterful (and Commanderful), 28 December 2004
Author: BabyGeniusesVSEightCrazyNights from United States

Interestingly, Russell Crowe helps rather than hinders the picture. It's hard to believe that he's such a jerk when out of character, because his acting as the captain is totally believable. His character is great because he's smart, very stern, but very caring of his crew. While they fear him, they look up to and idolize him too.

The presumably accurate historical details really piqued my interest, from the little 12 and 13-year-old kids on the crew (and taking part in battle--viciously!), to the intricate chain of command, to the sheer power of the battle scenes. Splintering wood shrapnel, how often have we seen that in movies? Some of my favorite scenes are when Crowe is playing his cello in his quarters. His room?I never would have guessed a ship like that would have such a nice and fancy décor hidden within it. I mean the captain's room resembled a room out of "Clue" (The Study? The Library? I cannot say?) Anyway, the visual details are great. Lots of money was spent on this movie and it was spent on things that really mattered, like recreating interiors and antiques. The guns and cannons look like artifacts to the modern viewer, but they're also well-kept and shiny.

The dialog is fantastic, too?I can't remember exact quotes, but when Crowe gave some of his powerful, rallying speeches to the crew, I was ready to climb the mast myself.

This movie is an incredible addition to the action/adventure/historical genre. It's also very much a man's movie. I'm not sure there's a chick in the whole thing.

UPC 024543114215