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Interesteg What makes it different from others?

StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Lollivan It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Silent_Cal Peter Weir is an underrated director, one whose name never seems to come up in lists of great filmmakers. Perhaps it's because he's never made a truly "great" movie, the kind that both impresses critics and seduces huge audiences, though most of his films, like "Witness" and "Dead Poets' Society", have become classics. Or perhaps it's because Weir's movies tend to be quiet and subtle, and avoid easy categorization.Take "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World", ostensibly the first entry in a series inspired by the novels of Patrick O'Brian. It's an historical adventure set in 1805, but it's neither an escapist blockbuster like the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films, nor an epic romance like "Titanic". Though nearly two and a half hours long, most of its action takes place aboard the HMS Surprise, a tiny British frigate sailing alone across the vast oceans. The drama is bookended by sharp, suspenseful battle scenes, but between those scenes the story focuses on its characters and their life aboard the ship.The protagonists, played by Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany, are old friends, both brilliant in their own ways: Crowe is the charismatic captain, leading his crew on a chase around the world; Bettany is the ship's surgeon, counselling his companion and offering insights into the natural world around them. Their differing philosophies lead to some arguments, but ultimately both men see the wisdom in compromise.Contrary to the prevailing fashion of the time, "Master and Commander" is filmed in a warm, almost naturalistic style that eschews displays of digital grandeur in favor of immersive verisimilitude. You can feel the ship rocking on the waves and hear the creak of its masts and the rustle of wind in the sails; you settle into the rhythm of shipboard life and naval traditions, the grog and clubbed hair, the songs and toasts at the dinner table. When the action arrives the camera puts you in the midst of it, with the rumble of the cannons and the heavy clouds of black powder smoke.The most remarkable scene in the whole film is a detour to the Galapagos Islands, set to the sound of Bach's first Suite for Unaccompanied Cello. The scene is a respite from the man-made conflict, a moment for everyone to catch their breath. It's simple, timeless, and quite beautiful in its quiet appreciation for the wonders of nature.It's this scene that makes the film more than a seafaring adventure: despite its historical setting, it grounds the story in the present, reminding us that the world is greater than nations or individuals, or the wars we contrive.

liverocknroll 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.

nszponar 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.

FilmBuff1994 Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is a good movie with a reasonably well developed storyline and a stellar cast. The high octane action sequences and set pieces are enjoyable, but the movies highlight is without a doubt the performances, Russell Crowe shines in the lead role as a charismatic pirate, Paul Bettany is also stellar as the crew's doctor, the scene in which he performs an operation on himself is the best part for me. As far as the story goes, it's lackluster, their really is not anything about this screenplay that showed that this was made for any reason other than making money, there's no big surprises or genuinely thrilling moments, it all, quite literally, just floats along for two hours. The film clearly relied too much on the fact that it was the beginning of a series, because it is holding back, clearly wanting to save some great moments for sequels, which never ended up happening, and not giving enough here, they really should have just focused on this movie, taking more advantage of the potential it had. While it may not have been as good as it could have, Master and Commander boasts great action and stellar acting, worth the watch if you ever see it on television or Netflix. A British captain must chase down a rival French ship. Best Performance: Russell Crowe