I love the review but you didn't mention once in the commentary that a lot is owed to the author of the Aubrey-Maturin series, Patrick O'Brian. The script writer's job was a lot easier having this wonderful author as his source material for the dialogue as well as the director's visual reconstruction of the scenes from the vivid descriptions in the books.

"To wives and sweethearts, may they never meet."

You mention how Capt. Aubrey temporarily abandons his duty to save Dr. Maturin, but you neglected to also mention how, when Dr. Maturin finally gets his wish to find new species to study on the Galapagos, he abandons them when he spots the Acheron in order to give Jack the chance to finally catch her. So when push comes to shove, each man sacrifices his own will for the other man's sake.

Early 00’s Russell Crowe was awesome. Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, Master & Commander and Cinderella Man, back to back. Incredible range.

I used to show this film to my students. The film deals with leadership----the pitfalls, perils, and even thrills of being a leader. At first, the students couldn't understand what the film had to do with leadership; then, as the movie unfolded, they were all hooked. I still think this movie is one of my all-time TOP 5 movies. Good discussion here!

I'm a retired Naval Officer and let me tell you, this movie is really popular with Navy guys. You can find it in almost every wardroom DVD collection.

'The bird is flightless?' 'Yes.' 'Well it's not going anywhere.'

It’s a crime that there hasn’t been a sequel.

This is one of my comfort movies. I absolutely love it and have always fought off people who claim it’s boring. It broods, it waits, but the payoffs are intense!

Wait a sec. Pippin is in both movies.

The weevil joke gets me every single time.

I’m a former military guy, so I recognized the brilliance and realism the first time I saw it. I thought it was magnificent. Thanks for reminding me about it!

Master And Commander was one of the best movies to come out in a long time. It's certainly one of my favorites that I watch whenever it's on.

As a former US Coast Guard officer and one of the lucky few to have sailed a square rigger for an extended time, I can say this film is one of the truest depictions of life’s aboard such a ship. Cramped quarters, scrubbing decks, celestial navigation, unending maintenance, constant danger, and on and on. I’ve watched this movie countless times and it never gets old. As you rightly stated, every actor was perfect in their roles but Crowe and Bettany were devinely inspired. Oh how I wish this had led to a series.

It’s so refreshing to see that I am not the only person who is deeply in love with this film. It’s not just a “movie on a ship.”

The entire sequence when the top mast breaks and the sailor, Will, goes overboard…is one of the best things I’ve seen on film. How it all unfolded…up to the decision Captain Jack had to make to save the crew. The last shot of a massive wave taking Will while he still swims for his life knowing he is doomed to drown at sea is epic. They leave it off screen and to your imagination, just like the crew. At that point you’ve been invited in as a participant in the adventure rather than just a voyeur. I couldn’t possibly rate another film higher than this masterpiece. It is the gold standard.

That last scene, with the ship changing course, the panoramic view of the ocean with its target ship at sight, plus the music. It is superb.

I come back to this movie every 1-2 years and its absolutely one of my favorites

So it was not only me who found it underrated.

As a man that commanded men/soldiers, as a father of sons, as a leader of youth, and just as a man making a way in a challenging world, this film hits every right note to teach timeless lessons of duty, of love for your fellows, and about leadership. Crowe’s acting is unsurpassed. He is Jack Aubrey.

Someone already said it in the comments below but it needs repeating: This movie does what all great movies do.... It transport you to a different time and place then leaves you wanting to stay.

To be fair to the creators of Pirates of the Caribbean, Master and Commander had a whole series of beautifully written novels as its source, while Pirates had a theme park ride.

I've watched this film 6 times and have read all 20 books in the Patrick O'Brian series. The film does justice to the books...the reason the script is so good is that it is faithfully based on the books. If you loved this film you'll love the books. Read them in the order written as they form a chronicle of Aubrey's life. Like the film the books have been acknowledged as some of the best naval historical fiction ever written.

I think Peter Weir was a master at making these quiet masterpieces of films. Films that are absolute bangers that just don’t seem to get the recognition they deserve. This, Gallipoli, Witness, Mosquito Coast, Fearless, etc

“The simple truth is, not all of us become the men we once hoped we might be." Words that hit hard and always stuck with me, especially when judging another.

Shout out to Billy Boyd being in both of these masterpieces!

It's one of my favorite films of all time. The gritty realism, the music, the remaining elements of the Age of Discovery in Maturin's finding of the new species, the battle of wills and wits between Aubrey and the French captain... and, as you say, the cinematography is museum quality, as in you could put some of the frames in this movie alongside some of the greatest naval art in the world and it would not lessen that wall. Did I mention the music? Especially the captain and the doctor's duet!

"Now tell me that wasn't fun!" I loved how Captain Aubrey got down to the teenager's level with that statement and his enthusiasm for it! You could just feel that he loved the life of adventure and wanted to share and instill that same love in the young sailor! 😉💖🙃👌😎

A rarity in modern cinema, a film for adults. The choice of Bocherinni's music was a stroke of genius

funny how Aubrey takes inspiration from the camouflaged aphid to disguise the boat as a whaling ship, Maturin tells Aubrey that in actuality he is the predator, only for the captain of the Acheron to disguise himself as the ships surgeon to evade capture by Aubrey. The subtlety in the writing is a master class.

One of my all-time favorite movies. Bought it at a yard sale never having heard of it. Now I've watched it probably 20 times.

Still watching it every year. My brother and I freaking love it!

This movie was the single best time I ever had at the movie theaters.

I'll always be grateful to _Master and Commander_ for introducing me to Boccherini's music and to Patrick O'Brien's writing.

One of the most amazing movies I’ve ever seen and was worthy of every Oscar. One of Russell Crowe‘s best movies. I've watched this movie at least 10 times and will continue to watch it for the rest of my life. It was an incredible movie.

The movie battle scenes make you feel like you're there with them. It's by far one of the greatest films I've ever witnessed.

You have to give R Crowe his due credit for this one. He nailed it.

How nice to hear your thoughts. I had the great privilege of playing Mowett in the movie and I think often of how special our time on the Surprise was. You are right in so many ways. I can tell you that Peter Weir needed a will of iron at times to make the movie that he wanted to make. The historical accuracy and the life of a community at sea were of paramount importance to him. He is simply the most civilised man I have ever met in the movie business.

Seen this film 100+ times seriously. Had dvd and watched it on repeat for year + and i still go back to it. Its just perfect and a historical film like no other

Watching the captain perfectly balance being a good soldier for his country, a good leader for his men, a good friend for the doctor, a good example for the young officers, all as he accomplishes what he does in the movie (trying to avoid any spoilers) it’s soooo frickin good. A perfect man movie

One thing you missed was the marvelous music score that accompanied this masterpiece.

One of the best movies ever. A masterpiece in leadership. Should be required viewing in all military academies. I watched it as a Lieutenant, taught me a great deal about how real leaders behave.

For me it is a classic. I can watch it over and over again and not get bored. The sound effects puts me onboard the ship and the cinematogrophy is absolute. I wish more movies are made like this.

The lesser of two weevils bit is one of the most naturalistic punchlines to any character interaction I have ever seen. Completely agree about the acting of every cast member, and the tone and progression of every bit of conversation is just pristine.

One thing that I need to mention is, THANK YOU to all the riggers that made this possible! Both ships in this film are real tall ships used as props, such a beautiful movie but could not have been done without the use of real vessels to add depth to the immersion of the film. I am proud to say (and honestly it’s really interesting how much work goes into the rigging) but a gentleman who I sailed with on tall ships, and learned a lot from in my sailing days was in fact one of the master riggers that made these ships sail worthy for the film. Thank you to the actors and editors and director that made this movie reality but also thank you to the amazing seamanship and rigging skills that these ladies and gentlemen brought to the table to make the film just a chefs kiss of a masterpiece

Buddy of mine is a traditional boat builder in Bristol, England, and he worked on the ships in this movie. If you are ever in Bristol, stop by Rolt’s Boatyard and tell him how much you loved his work. He specializes in “shipshape and Bristol fashion.”

The child performances are also exceptional.

I have read every book in Patrick O'Brien's Aubrey-Maturin series at least 3 times and this movie did the best job of adapting a book to film that I have ever seen.

I talk about this movie with every film fan I know. SO UNDERRATED! My favourite film of that whole decade, hands down. It certainly has never gotten the recognition it deserves. I have the blu ray that came out ages ago but it needs a proper re-release and not just by anyone. Criterion would do a spectacular job with it if it was ever to happen.

Supremely underrated. The fact that this film didn't get multiple sequels is a travesty.

This is probably one of the best three movies that I have ever seen. I think about it often. I can smell the sweat, humidity, blood and filth. I can feel the anxiety, worry and lastly relief and physical pain. It's a total masterpiece in every way.

My Dad showed me this movie years ago. It still sticks with me as being utterly unique.

I watched this movie in theater with my Dad and it has always been one of my favorites

One of the saddest facts about Master and Commander is that there was not only no sequel, but that if one were attempted today, it would be hard to bring back the talent that created this masterpiece.

A few words only to say that I have watched this movie a thousand times and I think your review is impeccable. Very good. Bravo.

Russell Crowe never gets his due. Master and Commander and Cinderella man are two of my favorite movies and imo, two of the most underrated movies of all time

Master and Commander has my favorite example of "Show, don't tell." There's a scene, after the first battle with the Acheron, where Captain Aubrey brings Blakeney, who is recovering from a wound that costs him his arm, a copy of Lord Nelson's book. As they're discussing it's contents, you can see Russell Crowe holding back emotions. And after he walks away, Blakeney turns to a page showing a drawing of Nelson, which prominently displays Nelson's amputated arm.

As a Navy Squadron commander, I took all 200 members to watch this movie. The examples of leadership are simply fantastic and deserving of analysis. This review clearly brings them out.

it is very interesting, once you've decided to dive into the world of Patrick O'Brian to keep reading books after books, submerging yourself into both the Napoleonic wars and the intricacies of Maturin and Aubrey's friendship, especially to see that O'Brian's beloved character was depicted beyond perfection in this movie. masterpiece , truly!

nothing short of a brilliant portrayal of Patrick O'Brian's story. Russel Crowe deserves huge credit for his thoughtful, insightful representation of Jack Aubrey, the fallible but successful ship master of O'Brian's sea and navy sailing ship epics. As a sailor, was always impressed how Jack would win battles by out maneuvering his opponents on the water ...expertly shown in M &C. Top marks, in fact in my book a classic!

Peter Weir is one of the most underrated movie directors period. All His filmography pass the test of time.

I worked on this film. It was amazing. I was there for the last month of shooting and was in the big battle at the end. Mr. Crowe is one cool guy! Peter Weir and his family were great!

This was my dads favorite movie. He could never comprehend how much i valued him watching this with me. Bonding with me that one time. Everything this guys says about this movie and than some. It truly is a masterpeice blending history and hollywood in a way we only get to see glimpses of, but they keep the pace for the entire film

You did this film justice. It’s a masterpiece indeed. ❤

I love the part when Aubrey explained the strong structure of the Acheron to his officers and ended it with “...the modern times we live in”.

I think it was a great film on every level. Historical . Not boring . The captain and the doctors conversations was excellent intelligent scriptwriting. Of course the acting could not have been better .

I own all twenty and one half of the Patrick O'Brian books on which the movie is based and yesterday I watched a short documentary on the restoration of the Surprise. Gratitude to Peter Weir and all concerned for so much I recognize on screen from what I read on the page.

I have read every Patrick O Brian's book. He would have loved this film, albeit its slight mix of stories. The acting, Crowe is great but carried along by a very good cast. Filmography and attention to historical detail is sublime. Its a joy of a film to watch over and over again!!

I served 10 years on Submarines in the Navy and I tell you this is the ONLY movie I have ever seen that has captured the crew dynamic. The friendship and comradery is perfect as well as the banter between them. It's like listening to my fellow mechanics and I mess with each other in the engine room back in the day. Another thing it nails is the different ways the crew interacts with the officers and mid ship man. I can put a real face that I served with to every character in this film that is like a perfect personality match. Great film.

One of the greatest nautical films of all time, and definitely one of my favorites. This film is CRIMINALLY underrated. As said, it's not for everyone, but any history buff NEEDS to see this. And I also would love to see another film about Lucky Jack.

As a professor of history, I have seen this film many times. I love it! I really cannot attest to its value as art since I have no academic training in Cinema. However, the historical accuracy of the film simply amazes me. It is the only film I know of that truly explains what it is like to serve on a British Naval Vessel during the Napoleonic Wars. I thank you for your video. I must add that as a former member of the US Army, I would side with "Captain Aubrey" when it comes to military discipline. Again, thank you for your very fine video.

.....a glass of wine with you sir. Let's not forget however the author of the stories upon which this visual feast was based. Patrick O'Brian. The dialog, however knotty, comes straight from the books. This has been said before and below, but as a reader, I have to repeat it. A sequel? DESOLATION ISLAND and pull no punches.

“I know it sounds absurb, and were it from another man, you'd cry out ‘Oh, what pitiful stuff’ and dismiss it as mere enthusiasm. But with Nelson... you felt your heart glow.” An absolute masterpiece.

I was so glad to hear that this movie won for Sound Effects. One of the things no one realized was how a cannon of the period onboard a ship aurally sounded. They actually recorded the sounds of vintage cannons and used them in the movie. The piercing, buzzing sound of the battle scenes was totally authentic and had never been used before for a navel battle scene.

I saw this film as well as "The Lord of the Rings." I loved both. However, "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" is my choice to go back to many times. I also own many of the books by Patrick O'Brian. I bought the DVD and it is my favorite movie. It seemed to me that they combined "Master and Commander" and "The Far Side of the World." I have read and own both books. Patrick O'Brian was a great writer. All of his books about "Lucky Jack Aubrey" and the doctor, naturalist, and spy, Stephen Maturin are wonderful. Thank you for telling everyone how great this film truly is.

Let’s take time to appreciate how Pippin managed to sneak himself on board that ship right after the battle for middle earth. ❤

Master and Commander is one of the smartest movies every made in my opinion. The dialogue and interactions with the crew is so realistic. The scene where Jack Aubrey asks Stephen what the crew is saying about him after he had to cut the line freeing the mast that was dragging the ship down was so well written. A great movie even by today's standards.

There's one line that I feel sums up the heart of the film (SPOILER, obviously): At the end, when Blakeney is sewing up Peter's hammock, but can't do it because he only has one arm, he turns to the sailor across from him and simply says "Can you help me?" And that's it. The entire movie is about everyone pulling together, and making sacrifices for those around them. The sailors on this mission for England's sake, Aubrey turning back to land after Maturin is shot, Maturin then abandoning his finds when he discovers the Acheron, and so on. Again and again, the characters in this film show an incredible willingness to sacrifice for their friends... and that's what makes the deaths (especially the cutting loose of the broken mast) so heartbreaking. If these men could have stood and died in their friend's place, they would have. You want to stay on the ship when the movie is over because you've been drawn into their tiny culture, and there's such brotherhood there. The other men on the ship will do the things that you can't, and excel in the areas you're lacking, and you'll do the same for them. It's Jack's compassion and authority to turn back to the Galapagos that saves Stephen's life, and it's Stephen's discovery of the stick insect that gives Jack the inspiration to disguise the Surprise and defeat the Acheron. Blakeney can command the gunnery and lead a boarding action, but he can't use a needle and thread properly. But the man across from him can. And so, on the Surprise when you ask "Can you help me" in your rawest, most broken moment, sewing up your friend's hammock to bury him at sea... the answer is yes.

I think this is -- by far -- the best piece of film criticism I have ever seen. The text works perfectly on its own, yet the addition of the clips goes beyond perfection! Usually I avoid any review that goes beyond 4-5 minutes, or get bored after that long. With this discussion I didn’t even notice the time until I realised it was drawing to a close. I felt that I wanted more ... but as it concluded, knew it was, in fact, the best possible length! Can you tell ... I am blown away by this review and will -- this very day -- desperately seek out this film. Thank you very very much!!!

"every frame a painting" indeed. truely a masterpiece. great cast, acting, script, scenery, camera work, costumes. always enjoy rewatching this film because its so well done.

Man.. Russell Crowe _absolutely nailed_ this role Its sad this film doesn't get more recognition; easily one of the best of the Century and arguably Top 5

I'm approaching 40, and I saw this in theaters as a teenager. The film is as impactful to me now as it was then. This is the bar-none best summary of Master and Commander on the internet. Well done, and thank you.

YOU NAILED IT. Example, notice when the French vessel first fires as a ghost, and upon playback and slo-mo, you can just make out it's shape in the fog, just as Aubrey does. It does take a replay to see it. Spectacularly done!

One of my top 3 movies. Watch my dvd probably at least every 6 months. Incredible film work, acting, story, and soundtrack. Wish for sequel!!!!

I watched this film as a child, and just right now again. The epic amazement I felt as a girl wasn't my imagination. It's a bloody MAGNIFICENT FILM.

I love how they incorporated the Napoleonic era debates around government and science into the story. Even though every scene is on a boat, you feel like the movie takes place in a momentous wider historical context. Brilliant stuff.

One of my favorites. Apart from the fantastic two lead roles, some of the supporting roles were made interesting also. Such as the portly sailing master who was a known alcoholic but the Captain didnt care and had 100% faith in him as the best man to get an extra 1/2 knot speed from his ship. The movie gives you just enough insight into characters, but no excess. Almost a documentary in its attempt to be period accurate, and excellent performances by Crowe and Bettany in the leads. Both complex characters. The other big releases that year were simply fantasy fiction on a big scale....this brilliant movie shows that reality can be just as entertaining as fantasy.

They did an excellent job of emulating what it would have been like for both the captain and crew during those times... Viewers didn't appreciate all the work that went into creating it... Glad to see that it's finally getting the recognition that it deserves...

You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned “different mindset” in a historc era. Too many movies use a modern mindset for characters in historical dramas. They can’t truly sympathize and dig into the minds of our ancestors, or other people’s ancestors.

The opening scene between the two battleships is one of the greatest battle scenes in film history.

As US Navy Chief I love this movie, and own it, well worth the buy, I hope there is a sequel someday!

My dad is 74 and this is the only movie I have ever seen him watch, he's seen it at least 100 times

Former Navy guy here, this was a time when the men were made of iron and the ships were of wood. I don't own a lot of movies, but this is one that can be found in my home.

I would say this is a better film and Crowe's performance superior, to Gladiator.

As a lifelong sailor and former Coast Guard petty officer, this is definitely one of those movies I've watched so many times I can almost recite the lines along with the actors as they go. Great film

Without a doubt, one of the best movies of the 2000s and it has stood the test of time. I wish there were more movies like this.

""I have never met a dead man who bought me a drink" "And i've never met a live one that you bought one for, neither".

When I saw it in the theatre, my reaction was, "Wow. Best Star Trek film in years." I later read that Weir was indeed imagining the distance and isolation of the voyage in terms of space travel.

As a modern Merchant Mariner, Master and Commander is excruciatingly accurate. The proper vocabulary and terminology is near perfect. I've seen this movie perhaps 20 times and I still catch phrasing that I missed before. Someone really did their research on this. If you don't have a common comprehension on naval terms or early British naval etiquette there is a lot to miss in this film. This film might be the greatest historically accurate film in my lifetime.

This brilliant commentary is as deep as the movie itself and there are still nuggets of this masterpiece to be found! I was surprised by the station and maturity of the young teens earning their responsibly of leadership roles on the ship. What a contrast to our generation, the lack of responsibility extending their childhoods deep in their 30s!