This movie is very loosely adapted from a pair of Patrick O'Brien novels, and therein lay the problem for me. As a fan of O'Brien's twenty-volume series of Aubrey-Maturin novels, I found the changes made to the major characters for the sake of making an entertaining stand-alone film jarring. If you can get past that, however, or haven't read the books, this is a very enjoyable movie, especially if you're interested in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. It's quite historically accurate for a movie, the plot is gripping and the battle scenes are vivid. So mix yourself up a mug of bosun's grog (1 part 109-proof rum, 3 parts water, add lemon juice and sugar to taste) and pull up a sea chest—it's great way to pass a long winter evening.
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Having been a fan of ancient sea battle movies for years, I naturally was drawn to this movie. The movie was cast well with Russell Crowe (Captain Jack Aubrey), often referred to by his crew as "Lucky Jack". After all, as an Aussie, he is British sounding and his mannerisms are believable. The ship's Doctor, and amateur naturalist, Paul Bettany, is also most believable as the surgeon. He even looks the part, like an intellectual, and not a professional soldier type. He plays his role most effectively as the Captain's friend and often his conscience. His devils advocate approach, is often annoying to Crowe, but serves him well as a compass point to staying focused. All too often, Commanders of ships of war became tyrants and let their absolute authority corrupt their judgment. I was a little uncertain concerning the ages of some of the "children sailors" on board. I have read of many who went to sea as apprentice seamen at the age of thirteen, but some of these seemed too young. In today's "seedy" society, I'm sure that many would only look for something indecent. However, the crew structure was believable, as most would have been impressed seamen, like a mixture of volunteers and draftees. The Midshipmen were believable too, even young Lord Blakely, who, obviously as the son of some aristrocratic Admiralty officer was sent to sea much like others went to military academies. The time was that of the Napoleonic War, and England was at war with France. Their ship was the HMS SURPRISE. She was a three masted sailing ship of the line. Her mission was to catch up to and engage the French war ship ACHERON, which is intent on leading the war into the South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Acheron is a much larger and more modern ship than Surprise, with twice her men and guns, and a most capable captain. Their first meeting came about as an ambush off the northern coast of South America, as Surprise sailed through a fog bank. Severely damaged and unable to maneuver, her smaller size and shallower draft afforded her protection in the fog to hide and make repairs. Back into the chase weeks later, Surprise was again able to escape Acheron when she suddenly appeared again astern. This time only good seamanship kept them alive. Through a series of unlucky events and poor sailing conditions the Acheron escapes Surprise and is able to ravage the English whaling fleet in the Galapagos Islands. In an accidental shooting, the Doctor is wounded. Surprise lands it's crew at the Galapagos Islands for a while to allow the Doctor to heal. Here, while on a short naturalist expedition, the Doctor spots the Acheron on the far side of the island. This information is relayed to Lucky Jack and a plan is put into motion to disguise the Surprise as a Whaler and draw the Acheron in close, and spring a "surprise" attack. The tactic is successful and the Acheron is defeated and captured, her captain killed in the battle. Mister Pullings, second in command of the Surprise, is promoted to Captain of the Acheron and is charged with returning the ship to a Chilean shipyard for repairs. Now, with the battle over, and the Acheron safely away, Aubrey is going to fulfill his promise to the doctor of allowing him to roam the Galapagos in search of new specimens, but in conversation, the large number of wounded on the Acheron is of concern. Aubrey cautions him not to worry, because the Acheron has a capable surgeon. The doctor says that Acheron's doctor died months ago . . .Vollständige Rezension lesen
As a fan of Russell?s I really enjoyed the film. He did another wonderful performance. HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOMINATED FOR AN OSCAR. I REMEMBER THE MORNING THE NOMINATION WERE ANNOUNCED, THE CROWD GRASPED WHEN HIS NAME WAS NOT READ. HE DESERVED IT!! Other actors did good jobs with their roles. Great film to look at. Another good job by Peter Weir. Not his best work, that would be in ?Witness?. Film was a bit over long. DID NOT NEED THE SHORT SCENE, YES EVEN IF IT WAS THIS SHORT, THERE WE HAVE TO HEAR WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SHIPS CREW DURING THE STORM. Also, did not need the scene of the surgery on young Blakeney . Good extras on the DVD package. I have not been able to get the better DVD package. Would like to see that.
Like Vincent Vega for John Travolta, this was the role for which Crowe was born to play. With a great overall cast and compelling screenplay, Master and Commander is one of the finest films of all time. The only period piece to come close ever since has been In the Heart of the Sea.
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If you are a fan of the high seas and period movies, this movie should be a must for you. I never read the Jack Aubrey books by Patrick O'Brian so I cannot compare the silver screen adaptation to the book. However, I can rate the movie on its own merits and it is superb. Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany have incredible chemistry together, one playing the aforementioned Captain Aubrey and the latter playing the ship's doctor Stephen Maturin. While the pragmatic Aubrey is driven by an unwavering sense of duty to King and Country (that is England during the Napoleonic Wars)his work is always kept in check by the more idealistic Dr. Maturin. However, at the end they bring balance to the mission at hand. Both actors do a fantastic job specially Bettany, bringing a touch of gravitas to every scene. The rest of the cast are also outstanding and they complete rather than detract from the movie. Of course, if you are a fan of Russell Crowe you won't be disappointed, because it is a small ship and he is always around. But in my opinion he is one of the finest actors out there; so hey, it's like butter, the more Crowe the better. The directing by Peter Weir is as excellent. And it feels that he gives the other actors their due part, but remember that the main plot of the movie is the Aubrey/Maturing interaction. Finally, I have to say that one of the unsung heroes of this movie (like any other movie) are the costume and set designers. It actually feels you are on a boat with the crew. Whether life in a English War Ship in the early 19th century was as portrayed in the film, well I don't know, but I am willing to bet that it was pretty darn close. It is a movie that for some (as it was for me) might take a few passes to get the feel for it but when it does it will be on the top of your list.Vollständige Rezension lesen
WOW. This film really makes you feel like you're on the high seas. Amazingly realistic in its depiction of maritime violence. The tall ships are glorious and part of another era. This is a guys film. Being stuck at sea for months on end really had to have been aweful at times. The film also explores the bold and caring aspects of maleness, and deals with tragedy in a realistic tone. I only watched this on my little dvd player, but I image it would be very dynamic on a big screen, I'm only sorry now that I missed its theatrical release. Watch it. Blessings, MR **If you found this information at all helpful, please take a moment to select the "yes" button below. The more people that select the "yes" button, the better the chance this REVIEW is seen by more eBay members.Vollständige Rezension lesen
My daughter and I liked the flying cannonballs, wooden shards, and fighting amputees. Then there was a lot of water, too - yes, a LOT of water. Also, now I don't like Napoleon anymore - I learned that he was a bad guy who wanted to set up guillotines in Piccadilly. Yep, this movie is a good one. Only problem was the fakey argument between the doctor and the captain over his hobby, and the really phony disguise of the ship to look like a whaler. Firstly, such a deception would have been impossible, but more importantly, it would have been seen as thoroughly dishonourable. My son doesn't like the ships running before the wind as they round the horn westward either - it seems the winds are presented traveling in the wrong direction in a very unnautical concession to drama. The moral of this movie is that the enemy should have attacked while the Captain was drunk. Also, Americans build the best ships, but they always sell them to the French. I hope you have liked my review: it seems as though I was seasick when I wrote it. Oh, I read about Jonah in the Bible: The point of the Book of Jonah has nothing to do with bad luck, and it didn't end with a cannonball either. Nevertheless, Master & Commander is great. Now I want to see another movie where everything blows up and everyone talks funny.Vollständige Rezension lesen
Having built 3 small wooden boats, I had more than a passing interest in seeing the movie which I did at the theater. One day I was in a major book retailer and saw a collection of books - the spines of which made up a portrait of beautiful ships of the line in battle - I looked at the titles and realized that Master and Commander was the first of 21 books written by Patrick O'Brien and bought the second Post Captain and read it and loved it too. I went on line and found all the 21 books available in a 5 book boxed set hard cover for a fraction of the total cost of buying them individually. The total pages for all is 6600 pages. I read them all and then bought the DVD and watched it again and realized that is twas a compilation of snap shots taken from several of the books, principally Master and Commander and On the Far Side of the World. When I started reading the books, I skipped the first, Master and Commander believing that I had no need to read it as I had seen the movie. After reading all the books save the first, I watched the movie and then went back and read the first Master and Commander and found it to very compelling. Having read the books and then seeing the movie for the second time it was a completely different experience as I now knew all the characters and had a deep understanding of the completed story. I highly recommend the movie, but it pales in comparison to the rich experience of sitting down and reading a truly wonderful story. Completely fleshed out with wonderfully full characters. The only regret that I have is that Novel 21 is unfinished and the author passed away before it completion. The set is one of those rare reading experiences that you want to continue on and on. When you are done, you are lost, you don't know what to do. My methadone treatment of choice I am on now is the Hornblower series of 11 books.Vollständige Rezension lesen
I loved this film! I am a middle age women who usually sticks to Chick flicks and romantic comedy. But a friend tld me about this movie so I rented it. I loved this story so much! That I had to buy it for my collection. I would recommend watching it the first time with subtitles, so you won't miss important dialogue during battle scenes etc. I loved this story of Courage, loyalty and Love and Admiration for duty and country. I was facinated by the hierachy of British Navy life, and how young the sailors were (some were mere boys of 12.) Action packed and beautifully made. Some of my favorite parts are the music playing sessions between the Captian and his good friend the Doctor. Everytime I watch it I pick up more details I had missed on the first veiwing. Wonderful! Next to teh great film Gladiator, this is also Crowe at his best! IMHOVollständige Rezension lesen
This is a marvelous historic drama featured great acting, great story, great sound track and great directing.
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