Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World

The best film of its kind ever made!

Many people didn't like this movie. My friend told me that he didn't like it because nothing happens in it. That kind of criticsm shows what is wrong with movie-going audiences today. The want continuous explosions, nudity, promiscuous sex, drug use, and excessive language. This movie is a breath of fresh air to all those who feel that filmmaking still has a chance for success. There is a lot in this movie that might turn people away: there are no women, not much action, and it's about male bonding on a war ship. All of these elements fall into place to make a great movie. Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany shine as two friends who don't always share the same values, but must get along to make the ship of warriors run well. The beauty of the story is the way it balances character development with action, which is astounding when it happens. Say what you will, but this is a great movie that comes along maybe once in a lifetime. Especially in today's world.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

tremendous

My 83 y/o mom and I saw this movie and LOVED it, for the adventure, the relationships,particularly b/w Maturin and Aubrey, complimented by the violin/cello relationships, the intelligence, the MUSIC (the soundtrack is a MUST HAVE), the cinematography,the stop-off at the Galapagos, and on and on.... The feeling of high seas adventure that was transporting... i am usually the Merchant-Ivory type and not fond of violent movies but this was just amazing and i didn't feel the violence was at all gratuitous. Russell Crowe was amazing, as were Max Perkis and Paul Bettany. (There was a lot of testosterone on that ship!!! ) One of the best movies I have seen in a very long time.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Really good

A movie for anyone that likes movies about sea adventures. The performances were good, especially the main characters. You might recognize some familiar faces. Some sad moments.

Master and Commander

Excellent movie. You won't watch this just once. There is so much detail that each time you will find something you missed before.

It is a timeless movie. Sometimes you feel there is too much realism but it is exactly why this movie is so good.

It is probably too intense for young children.

Good movie!

Russell Crowe puts on a good performance. Plot isn't as clear or exciting as it should be. Good movie though.

Brilliant!

Personally, it should have taken the Best Picture Oscar. Regardless of the Academy's oversight in that category, this is a truly brilliant film. Crowe and Bettany give equally stirring performances and have wonderful chemistry. The supporting actors are none to balk at either. The action is captivating. The plot intriguing albeit a tad predictable. And the period accuracy would make a dramaturg swoon! And, as with any Peter Weir film, the direction and cinematography are beautiful.

Almost Gets it Right

I'm not going to lie: this film is a bit boring at times. When the ship is stranded with no wind, sweltering in the sun, you feel a little miserable too. When they crest yet another wave, you wonder how many more there are. But in the seemingly endless, pointless shots of the ship at sea, chasing its French nemesis, you begin to feel as if you are there, a part of the crew, suffering and celebrating with them through every mile of their journey. Sure, this story probably works best as the novels the movie was based on, but the soundtrack is amazing, and I guarantee you'll end up with a newfound respect for all of those who risked their lives on the high seas in the days before GPS. If you want to feel what it was like to go to sea, this is the movie for you. Plus, Paul Bettany is always a joy to watch, here as fussy ship doctor/scientist, Stephen Maturin.

Detail makes de Difference

Imagine for a moment that you were standing outside of your favourite restaurant sniffing the wonderful smells from the kitchen within !! This is basically what this movie accomplishes. No single film could ever do justice to the 20 volume saga concerning the lives and times of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin characters. But ..in Peter Wier's defense , he comes darn close . The detail lavished on this film is astounding . The story is basic enough. A British Frigate commanded by Capt. Jack Aubrey R.N. is ordered to " Capture , burn or sink " the much larger and faster French privateer "Acheron". The quest becomes an obsession with Aubrey ( wonderfully played by Russel Crow ). His best friend and alter ego Dr.Steven Maturin (played by Paul Bettany ),Physician, philosopher and Naturalist is often at odds with Aubrey over this obsession. Just as in O'Brian's books , character developement and uncompromising attention to detail is the most important aspect of this film . Everything from the Captain's whining steward , Killick ,to rowdy officers drinking and singing is here. Some would say that this movie moves to slowly and that there is not enough action but in truth this movie is not totally about action. This one focuses more on the friendship between Aubrey and Maturin as well as being an absolutely uncompromisingly accurate depiction of life in the British Navy during the Napoleonic era. If all you crave is a lot of fighting I respectfully suggest you go watch "Star Wars" or "Saving Private Ryan". The life of a warship can last for years but it's combat time can be measured in hours. My hat is off to the cast and crew of this movie. It actually made me read all twenty of the books and they are even better then the movie !!!!

Excellent

I laughed, I cried... I loved everything about this movie. Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany (both superb actors) are fascinating to watch together, and their friendship is at the heart of the story. They are opposites in almost every way, but both characters are very likable (and attractive, I must say). The battle scenes are extremely intense and realistic. The plot takes many, shall we say, side excursions, but these make the movie all the more interesting, in my opinion. Some viewers may be turned off by the length, but I just couldn't stop watching. I plan to pick up a Horatio Hornblower novel soon. That, I think, is the ultimate test of a good movie: does it make you want to read the book- especially a book about naval warfare? This movie does. And despite its length, I could watch it several times, and not only stay interested, but find something new that I love about it every single time.

BORING_ I FELL ASLEEP IN THE MOVIE THEATRE!

The movie made me fall asleep. There was about 5 minutes of action, and the other 134 minutes were all talk, talk and talk. It was terrible-don't watch this movie!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Master & Commander

The Best Movie ever

Watch It !!!!!

There's too much to say about this film so I'll just say it: This is the best movie ever! Everyone should see it and it's now my favorite movie.

AWESOME MOVIE!!

This movie was great. It was one of the best ones that I have seen in a long time. I would recommend it to anyone.

Outstanding Film

What a terrific movie! Historical accuracy adds significantly to enjoying this well-interpreted (and perhaps even better adaptation) of the books upon which the film is based. It's smart, well-edited and well-acted.

Russell Crowe Never Disappoints!!!

Russell Crowe never disappoints is right! The same intelligent, stunning performance as he gave us in GLADIATOR, PROOF OF LIFE, A BEAUTIFUL MIND, and on and on. 'Adventure and suspense on the high seas' -- as trite as this sounds, this is exactly what MASTER AND COMMANDER delivers and it does so in spades!! Terrific flick, and a once-again outstanding job by Russell Crowe!! See this one!!

Once again Mr. Crowe displays his remarkable talent

Beautiful historical movie; great story, great action scenes, superb acting by an outstanding cast led by Russell Crowe. Touches your mind and your emotions. When Mr.Crowe is there, you KNOW it will be exceptional!

Read the book

If you liked the movie, READ THE BOOKS! Not even Peter Weir's excellent adaptation does Patrick O'Brian's 20-book series justice. They're wonderful, wonderful reads.

I love this movie

This movie is historical but still action.

A Great Movie...

My husband and I rarely go to see movies. But we were very impressed by this one. It was a deep movie. Those who aren't into going to a movie to do some actually thinking, would enjoy this, however. I personally enjoy a movie that involves using a little thought process. The action sequences and the historical aspect was very good. I also enjoyed the fact that it was a very decent movie. It showed the reality of war, but without all the excess violence and language. A must see and a must own!!!!

Wonderful

Best movie in a long while. This is one you will want to watch more then once. Excellent cast and directing.