Review of Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) by Amy B — 23 Jul 2009

A masterpiece on film. A wonderful story about the adventures and trials of a British captain and his crew who are on a mission to chase down a French privateer. More importantly, through excellent direction and stellar acting, this film provide not only an entertaining but engaging look into a time that has evolved out of existence. A time where man lived out in the open with only the stars to guide him. While it seeks to portray the realistic workings of the ship and her crew the film never loses the sight of the drama and (lack of a better word) poetry that the untamed oceans produce.

With all this talk of seafaring it should not be said that this is the primary focus of the film. It is perhaps closely tied to what is at the center of the film but it is not its theme. At the center of this film is the brotherhood, the fraternity that is aboard that ship. The relationships between each other and their captain, who all deeply admire for his skill and leadership but as well for his love of service, country, and his own crew. And with Russell Crowe masterfully handling his part it is easy to see why the crew remains loyal and follows their captain through the good and the bad times.

It is my wish that we have more authentic sailing adventures like this film like the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the Pirates movies but there are plenty of fascinating historical nautical adventures ready to be made into really good films and I liked to see them. As well I would love to see another film from the series of novels that Masters and Commanders is based on.