Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

2003 Action/Adventure

Director Peter Weir's first turn behind the camera since 1998's critically acclaimed The Truman Show, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is based on two Napoleonic War-era adventure novels in author Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series, Master and Commander and The Far Side of the World. Russell Crowe stars as Captain Jack Aubrey, a high-seas adventurer who maintains a strong bond with ship-surgeon Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany). After conquering much of Europe already, Napoleon's forces have set their sights on taking Britain, so Aubrey and the crew of his ship, the HMS Surprise, take to the Pacific to intercept any attacking ships from the French fleet. When Aubrey eyes a renegade French super-frigate, the Surprise pursues, leading to an adrenaline-charged chase through the distant reaches of the sea. Edward Woodall, James D'Arcy, and Lee Ingleby also star as members of the Surprise's crew. more..

Director: Peter Weir

Starring: Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, James D'Arcy, Edward Woodall, Chris Larkin

 31 Reviews  33 Awards

Reviews

  • Like the work of David Lean, it achieves the epic without losing sight of the human, and to see it is to be reminded of the way great action movies can rouse and exhilarate us, can affirm life instead of simply dramatizing its destruction.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    11 May 2013

  • Just as Aubrey's authority springs from skill and knowledge, so does the film's power. They don't make movies like this any more because few people know how to make them.

    Joe Morgenstern - The Wall Street Journal

    11 May 2013

  • As magnificent as a high-masted 19th-century British warship, as explosive as a Napoleonic-era ocean battle seen above the cannon's mouth... probably the best movie of its kind ever made.

    Michael Wilmington - The Chicago Tribune

    11 May 2013

  • A story in full billow; it sails through stretches of bloody battle, anxious waiting, wine-soaked relaxation, and marvelous scientific discoveries by the remarkable Maturin (Paul Bettany, well matched again with his ''A Beautiful Mind'' costar).

    Lisa Schwarzbaum - Entertainment Weekly

    11 May 2013

  • Few actors can be as convincing as leaders of men, and to see Crowe as Capt. Jack Aubrey in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is to see a consummate performer doing what he does best.

    Kenneth Turan - Los Angeles Times

    11 May 2013

Awards

  • Movie of the Year

    AFI Awards (2004)

  • Top Box Office Films

    ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards (2004)

  • Best Cinematography

    Academy Awards (2004)

  • Best Edited Feature Film - Dramatic

    American Cinema Editors (2004)

     

  • Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Theatrical Releases

    American Society of Cinematographers (2004)

     

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