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Master And Commander - The Far Side Of The World
2003
Based on a series of books by Patrick O'Brian, and directed by Peter Weir, MASTER AND COMMANDER plunges viewers deep into the story of a British Navy ship at sea during the Napoleonic war. Russell Crowe stars as Aubrey, the charismatic captain who wrestles with issues like honour, pride, duty, sacrifice and loyalty while using .. Read more
| Starring | Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, Richard McCabe, Chris Larkin |
|---|---|
| Director | Peter Weir |
| Genres | Action/Adventure |
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Master And Commander - The Far Side Of The World
Based on a series of books by Patrick O'Brian, and directed by Peter Weir, MASTER AND COMMANDER plunges viewers deep into the story of a British Navy ship at sea during the Napoleonic war. Russell Crowe stars as Aubrey, the charismatic captain who wrestles with issues like honour, pride, duty, sacrifice and loyalty while using ingenious tactics to engage his prey--a much larger and better-equipped French Man o' War. Paul Bettany plays his friend, the ship's doctor, who cautions Aubrey about letting revenge cloud his judgement after the French Man o' War almost sinks them in an early battle. Before the incredibly intense final skirmish the men battle a raging storm, launch an excursion to the Galapagos Islands, find time for grog-enhanced merriment, and endure some primitive surgery. Weir fills the film with a rich wealth of period detail, convincing dialogue and the same haunting, dreamlike mood that has informed his best films, like PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK, THE LAST WAVE and THE TRUMAN SHOW. The wealth of sounds and sights on display are so evocative one can practically smell the salt air and feel the heave of the ocean beneath their seats. Russell is intense and inspiring as Aubrey and Bettany proves a worthy match. MASTER AND COMMANDER is another triumph for Weir, and further evidence of his ability to fuse poetic realism with rousing entertainment.
| Starring | Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, Richard McCabe, Chris Larkin |
|---|---|
| Director | Peter Weir |
| Studio | 20TH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 2 hrs 19 mins Blu-ray: 2 hrs 19 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Collections | 100 Big Adventures |
| Genres | Action/Adventure |
| Language | DVD: English Blu-ray: English |
| Released | DVD: 02 Apr 2004 Blu-ray: 28 Apr 2008 Production year: 2003 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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Like the much-loved series of novels by Patrick O'Brian, to which this adaptation will no doubt be scrupulously compared, Peter Weir's film immerses the audience in the day-to-day life on board a 19th-century British warship as it pursues a “phantom” French vessel with the avowed intent of sending her to Davy Jones's locker. Purists will endlessly discuss the casting of Russell Crowe as Captain Aubrey (here deploying his self-described “RSC two pints after lunch” English accent) and Paul Bettany as his ship's doctor and best friend, Maturin, but both give full-blooded performances. Although the battle sequences are impressively chaotic, the fanatical attention to detail does scupper the plot which threatens to become distinctly soapy as the two ships engage in an almost endless, molasses-slow chase.
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Handsome drama of derring-do on the high seas that brilliantly recreates the horror of battle, as cannonballs splinter ships and crush limbs, but also finds time for quieter, reflective moments.
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Most helpful member's review
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96 out of 106 people found this review helpful
Great stuff!
Having been given the brief description of 'It's gladiator, but on a boat', I watched this movie with expectations that were somewhat misguided.
Yes, it's easy to see how people may compare 'Lucky' Jack Aubrey with Maximus, but the comparisons are minor, and the rest of the movie bears no real relation at all.
Russell Crowe does his usual admirable job of powerhousing his way through the role, and Paul Bettany is fantastic as his ship's surgeon and best friend - somebody give this man a starring role!
Although the plot seems to be fairly limited (they get attcked by a French ship and then spend the rest of the movie trying to get their own back), it has a certain uncluttered feel - you know what it's about within 5 minutes, and you can just sit back and enjoy.
Oh, and one last thing: the initial attack by the Acheron is awsome! See, that is what cannonballs actually DID to ships and their crew! -
Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
The film captures something of the period setting (Nelson / Napoleon), and the tension between England and France - but above all eulogises a go for broke approach to military leadership.
The cinematography, graphics and design make you feel something of the reality of ship life then. Good acting too.
The film - like many films set in war contexts - just reinforced for me how sad it is that the real heroism and skill shown in military command and warfare seems to count for much more than the different sort of heroism needed to try to make peace. As I watched, I realsied that one decisive strike, however well executed, doesn't match the wisdom and skill required to build lomg term lasting peace. Relevant to the Iraq situation perhaps? -
News and features
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Crowe puts on his directing hat
- 22 Mar 2007
Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe is to turn his hand to directing with a new film called Bra Boys, it has emerged. Crowe, who won an Academy Award for his powerful performance in historical epic Gladiator, is to take the helm of the film which follows a group of surfers in Australia during the 1960s. Variety reports that although there is no word on whether the actor will star in the movie, Stuart Beattie is set to write the screenplay. He previously penned dark thrillers Collateral and... Read more
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- Master And Commander - The Far Side Of The World- BLU-RAY Version
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Based on a series of books by Patrick O'Brian, and directed by Peter Weir, MASTER AND COMMANDER plunges viewers deep into the story of a British Navy ship at sea during the Napoleonic war. Russell ... -
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Master And Commander - The Far Side Of The World
Based on a series of books by Patrick O'Brian, and directed by Peter Weir, MASTER AND COMMANDER plunges viewers deep into the story of a British Navy ship at sea during the Napoleonic war. Russell Crowe stars as Aubrey, the charismatic captain who wrestles with issues like honour, pride, duty, ...
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