Master And Commander - The Far Side Of The World Details

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 comments made regarding this movie notice how the trailer for the film gives the impression that it is an action film with disaster movie-like overtones. In fact, it is a character drama heightened by the demands of directing a tall ship in a state of war, off the coast of Brazil (hence <i>The Far Side of the World</i> as a subtitle).

<br><br>The characters around whom the film revolves are very intersing for those willing to invest their full attention. There is a lot of talking and the historical setting results in a high demand on viewer attention. One of the themes is taking difficult decisions in leadership, and where does the call of friendship override that of "duty". These turning points add the tension to the movie rather than the occasional grand sea battle, not to say these scenes do not arrest the attention with their sense of scale, vulnerability and historical attention to detail.

<br><br>The soundtrack is composed with classical strings quartet and orchestra, and features such gems as Vaughn William's <i>Tallis Fantasia</i> and JS Bach's <i>Unaccompanied Suite for 'cello #1 Introduction</i> (performed by Yo-Yo Ma). These reflect the diversity of the ocean setting, sometimes placid and beautiful, sometimes tumulous and deadly.

<br><br>Since I watched this film at a small gathering of friends and was not really able to give it the attention it deserved, I conclude that I would have found it very interesting and more moving had I been able to watch it in quiet.