Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Download Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
(action, adventure, drama, history, war)

During the Napoleonic Wars, a British frigate, HMS Surprise, and a much larger French warship, the Acheron, with greater fire power, stalk each other off of the coast of South America. Russell Crowe brings great intensity to the role of Captain Jack Aubrey. Lucky Jack, as he is referred to by his crew, is well regarded by his men, who trust him implicitly, even after the first devastating battle and an apparent personal vendetta against the French captain. While the naval battle sequences are quite fantastic, the film is successful because director Weir chose to build the story to get to know the men who are locked aboard the tight quarters of a small ship and how they interact everyday. The officers and the mates are well-known by the time the final battle comes. Paul Bettany offers a strong performance as the surgeon and naturalist who balances the violence of his chosen life with the quiet demeanor of the scientist. He is the captain's friend and confidant, the two frequently playing violin and cello duets together. The horrors of the injuries from the war are frequently implied, but vividly depicted in the reactions of the characters..

actors:

Russell Crowe as Capt. Jack Aubrey
Paul Bettany as Surgeon Dr. Stephen Maturin
James D'Arcy as 1st Lt. Tom Pullings
Edward Woodall as 2nd Lt. William Mowett
Chris Larkin as Royal Marines Capt. Howard
Max Pirkis as Midshipman Blakeney
Jack Randall as Midshipman Boyle
Max Benitz as Midshipman Calamy
Lee Ingleby as Midshipman Hollom
Richard Pates as Midshipman Williamson
Robert Pugh as Master Mr. Allen
Richard McCabe as Surgeon's Mate Mr. Higgins
Ian Mercer as Boatswain Mr. Hollar
Tony Dolan as Carpenter Mr. Lamb
David Threlfall as Captain's Steward Preserved Killick
directors:
Peter Weir
rating:7.50

See also: Action: Punisher, The

See also: Russell Crowe in For the Moment