I am ashamed to say I underestimated this before starting. More than one friend told me it was very good, but since at least one of them also is a naval history buff I discounted their praise a bit. I thought it might be nothing more than a brisk "fighty" naval action pic but it turned out to be a masterfully-shot and engaging picture of life aboard a man of war in battle and out, alongside a moderately engaging portrait of the nature of command. This could be Russell Crowe's best performance, and he is supported by a fine cast of secondary characters, though I didn't find his central relationship with his ship's doctor, played by Paul Bettany, as engaging as I would have hoped for.

Nice movie. Illustrates a glimpse of the life of crewmates in British Royal Navy. The movie only lacks significant character development for supporting characters - something that makes them feels special were something happened to them.

Love this film - not sure why but it’s as good a depiction of naval warfare in Napoleonjc times as there’s been - shame they didn’t make sequels since there is so much source material - plus Paul Bettany and Rusty Crowe are on top form!

I enjoyed 'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World'. The early scenes are surprisingly (given the relatively close release dates) similar to fellow 2003 release 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl', with a hidden enemy ship spotted amid foggy conditions and then one person spots unexpected cannon fire and tells others to duck... there are even main characters named Jack (lead!) and Will! With those amusing (to me, given that POTC is my favourite film) connections noted, the film goes on, of course, to do it's own thing and I'd say it comes out very nicely. The constant (supremely shot) action is a major plus, as are the performances of Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany. I coulda done with more characterization for those behind Crowe and Bettany as I didn't overly care for them, though the support cast are all solid to be fair.

Master and Commander The film was shot beautifully, the camera work sold the intensity & isolation of the Age of Sail. The action scenes are where this film shines But otherwise, the film meanders. The friendship between Aubrey & Maturin felt cliche. 6.5/10 #NicksMiniReview https://t.co/Bg5LgEoxE1