Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

Movie Review: "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" (2003)If it were not for "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" directed by Peter Jackson, this exceptionally-directed motion picture directed by Peter Weir starring Russell Crowe as British Navy Captain Jack Aubrey based on a book published in 1969 and written by Patrick O'Brian, following a relentless naval pursuit between Cpt. Aubrey and a French superior battleship called the "Acheron" from the South African "Cape Horn" into the depth of the down under "Pacific Ocean".Director Peter Weir alongside "Academy-Award-Winning" cinematographer Russell Boyd deliver exceptional visuals of great hypnotical beauty as supporting characters as Dr. Stephen Maturin, performed with match-making as brilliant charms by actor Paul Bettany, who together with Russell Crowe carry a perfectly-balanced motion picture, which only flaw becomes the incidentle surprise of in-decision, when there must be felt some kind of conclusion in the end without the forfeit wish of keeping this fantastically-flowing piece of cinema flowing beyond realism into full-bodied "Pirates of the Caribbean" fantasies.Copyright 2018 Felix Alexander Dausend (Cinemajesty Entertainments LLC)

Plot; A British ship and a French Privateer play a game of cat and mouse on the high seas during the Napoleonic wars.Managing to be both taut, but unrushed, this utterly immersive sea faring tale makes you feel like your right in the thick of it w/the crew of the HMS Surprise. Star Russell Crowe brings an authenticity to these kinds of roles, and the cast around him all look as if they were pulled off of an actual 19th century Corvette. Well acted, sharply written and expertly directed, Master and Commander is a rare exception to the rule that "They don't make 'em like that anymore.".

Some films are great because they uses the things they excel at to their advantage. Their greatness comes from the fact that they know exactly where their strength lies. By contrast, other films are great because they master every single aspect of filmmaking. It is proof of a vision come to life on the screen through cooperation of several talents. Peter Weir's adaptation of Patrick O'Brian's naval novel is a perfect example of the latter. Weir places the viewer in the middle of the roaring seas. It's a perfect depiction of the unpredictable nature of the ocean; delicately serene at times and ferociously violent at others. Russell Crowe displays an impressive portrayal of Captain Jack Aubrey, the dedicated and determined commander of his ship, but the rest of the cast should not go unnoted. The mission is to capture a French vessel Acheron. There is a mix of joviality and dire consequence in the air, which perfectly communicates the general atmosphere on the boat; carefree despite the inevitability of it all. This is helped, in part, by the score, which has a blend of thunderous cinematic compositions and beautiful classical pieces. It sets the adventure at full speed, sufficiently prepared for a journey at sea, topped off by an exciting finale. Watching Captain Jack go through much character development is quite the experience, and it manages to create much suspense in the film. There's something to be said about this movie's depiction of fear's influence on people. In the end, though, it's a movie about a captain and his ship that doesn't deserve to be as well-made as it is. Peter Weir is a fantastic director who never fails to impress.

I am working my way through the Jack Aubrey/Patrick O'Brian series of historical novels and thought it would b a good idea to see the film of Master and Commander. I was a bit apprehensive about the castings and in some cases they definitely did not work. However, thinking that Russell Crowe was not right for Jack Aubrey, having seen the movie, all I can say is I can't see anyone else doing a better job. In the books, this is a man with a zest for life, courageous and maybe a bit reckless - Russell Crowe captures this very well. Still not sure about the Maturin casting because he is definitely a man who is not what he seems and that does not come across. Boden - also not quite right. However, this is a proper rendition of the period and the spirit of the books. I can only say I wish they had made more - the books do have quite a few love interests in them so this would have been good to see. Of course, it must have been expensive to film but this is what film is made for - beautiful cinematography, great set pieces, a good story and really sound acting - much better than all the action hero stuff that is out there.