Review of Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) by Elisabeth B — 15 May 2010

This is an intelligent seamanship movie, that's more about the values of friendship and integrity than the usual battles and storms. Throughout his mission to pursue and capture a french ship, English Captain Aubrey's relationships with the ship's doctor and crewman reveals his strong character.

The film has rich subplots such as the doctor's desire to collect exotic specimens on the Galapagos islands, and a midshipman's reaction to his own realization he is not cut out for leadership.

Beyond just seeing what it was like to be on the sea in 1805 during the Napoleonic wars, we get a glimpse into who these young men were.