Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World Reviews

Balanced action and a strong story of friendship.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

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.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4

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.

Full Review | Original Score: A-

A stupendous production, Master and Commander satisfies as richly as a book might, immersing us in a world of its people and its places.

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It's an undeniably square, throwback movie, but there's no major crime in making 'em like they used to, and doing it this elegantly.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5

A stunning technical achievement.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

Too closely cropped to allow for the expansive feel of an oceanic epic, and fails to develop any meaningful relationships among its characters.

Full Review | Original Score: 1/4

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.

| Original Score: 4/4

An enjoyable nautical adventure that gives us hope that Peter Weir can still make impressive movies.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4

Thanks in no small measure to Perfect Storm designer William Sandell, this handsomely mounted actioner exudes the authentic tang of salt, sweat and gunpowder.

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The best boy's adventure of the year.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5

Although the movie runs into some problems during its bloated second act, the ending is rewarding enough to make it all worthwhile.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5

A quite sturdy and enjoyably romp through the ferocious Pacific high seas.

Full Review | Original Score: B

Oak solid and unsinkable, Master And Commander is old-fashioned entertainment crafted with considerable care.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

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.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

If nothing else, Master and Commander proves that Russell Crowe is a true blue movie star.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5

Weir, one of the few directors who is both an artist and a threat to the box office, triumphantly returns...

| Original Score: A

An exciting but reactionary film

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A vastly entertaining and noble motion picture. Spending two hours and 20 minutes with Aubrey and crew is high honor.

Full Review | Original Score: A

The film shows how wonderful it is to be a Hollywood Captain instead of a real captain.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/10