Director Peter Weir's first turn behind the camera since 1998's critically acclaimed The Truman Show, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is based on two Napoleonic War-era adventure novels in author Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series, Master and Commander and The Far Side of the World. Russell Crowe stars as Captain Jack Aubrey, a high-seas adventurer who maintains a strong bond with ship-surgeon Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany). After conquering much of Europe already,
Napoleon's forces have set their sights on taking Britain, so Aubrey and the crew of his ship, the HMS Surprise, take to the Pacific to intercept any attacking ships from the French fleet. When Aubrey eyes a renegade French super-frigate, the Surprise pursues, leading to an adrenaline-charged chase through the distant reaches of the sea. Edward Woodall, James D'Arcy, and Lee Ingleby also star as members of the Surprise's crew. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
It never achieves the visual elegance or majesty that a David Lean might have provided. The story line isn't the freshest. And yet the film is satisfying all the same.
To put it plainly, two ships playing tag across the seas is no longer my idea of whoopee, especially at a time when grown-ups are popping up all over the screen with uncensored stories of the eternal affinities and all their variations.
Considering how cinema-unfriendly O'Brian was - the author rarely went to the movies, and had to be persuaded to release the film rights -- Master & Commander manages to loosen the shackles of its dry pages.
Peter Weir makes the Surprise a world to explore, not a splashy CGI simulation. Like a human body, the boat stays afloat through complex processes. A knockout mix of organic elegance, reflective drama and aggressive action on par with Sir David Lean.
an expansive cinematic achievement that sits well against such adventure classics as Lawrence of Arabia, and is a sure bet for fans of ocean bound drama.
Through its emphasis on characters and not merely action, Master does not let us forget that all individuals are souls with flesh and blood, not merely empty casualties of war.
Thanks in no small measure to Perfect Storm designer William Sandell, this handsomely mounted actioner exudes the authentic tang of salt, sweat and gunpowder.
One keeps waiting for Russell Crowe to slip up and star in a bad movie and so far he's gladly been able to disappoint us -- well the good news with Master is that he's done it again.
Interesting to see how naval battles were fought in the early 1800's. If only they knew then what we know now. To the chagrin of some of his senior crew, Cptn Jack Aubrey sets out to defeat a technically superior ship.
Peter Weir's adventurous period drama was ambitiously conceived, magnificently executed. The film is set in 1805, during the time of Napoleon's near-total power over Europe. Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) has taken his small South American ship, the HMS Surprise, and his crew to the Pacific Ocean, planning to intercept
any French fleet. The problem arises when a French frigate enters the Pacific--a much larger, more powerfully armed ship.At this point, I'm positive director Peter Weir can never let an audience down. After seeing his 1985 collaboration with Harrison Ford (WITNESS), and his 1989 collaboration with Robin Williams (DEAD POETS SOCIETY), I was more than excited to watch this 2003 collaboration with Russell Crowe. I think MASTER AND COMMANDER is by far the best of the three films I've seen by Weir.Full Review: http://wp.me/p1Urcx-xh
July 21, 2011
Alexander Diminiano
Super Reviewer
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