I can recall seeing Master and Commander back when it was released in Theaters with my good friend, Rich. At the time, I enjoyed the film but was not quite mature enough to notice and appreciate some of the subtle nuances the movie has. At the time, I was recovering from an addiction to action schlock, preferring movies with gunfights and explosions over craftsmanship and historical context. I was pleased to receive this film as a reader's request to test my critical metal and rewatch a good classic. After watching it once again, I am happy to report that the film still holds up in quality and entertainment value.
Based on a series of novels by Patrick O'Brian, taking place in 1805, the story follows a Royal British Naval Ship helmed by one Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) and his ragtag crew. When he's not managing the ship with a stern but respectful demeanor, he spends his free time playing music with his best friend, naturalist, and ship's doctor Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany). During this time, Napoleon has taken over most of Europe, and England is securing its borders. The open seas are battlegrounds. While on patrol, they run into a fast and powerful French warship, which nearly crushes their vessel. Eager for payback, and to fulfill his patriotic duties, Aubrey pushes his crew and himself to the breaking point to find and take over the enemy ship. The only question is, does the team trust him enough with their lives?
The most impressive aspect of the film, arguably, is its level of accuracy and attention to detail. As I mentioned earlier, I saw this film in theaters with my friend, Rich. Who is not only a nautical and sailing expert but has also read some of the books, unlike me. Everything about sailing is accurate, right down to the ropes used on the ship, specially made for filming to match the coiling style used back then. Also, he enjoyed how the officers were also gentlemen: being musicians and scientists and the like. I liked this aspect as well, as it made the characters more textured. One of the few parts of the story that was changed is the British battled against an American ship, not the French. Since this was an American production, it's understandable why they took that creative liberty.
The entire cast is top-notch. This movie was just before Russell Crowe fell into his monotone stoic style of acting that has dominated his screen presence as of late. Russell Crowe's performance here is energetic and loaded with conviction, further enhanced by his excellent chemistry with Paul Bettany.
Probably my only gripe with this film is that it goes on for just a bit too long. While it never felt repetitive or padded, I can't help but suspect the runtime could have shaved off at least twenty minutes or so. This notion may be primarily due to the action scenes that, while competently put together, don't have much sense of variety to them. I grant you; there are only so many ways to stage action scenes in such a confined space, but still.
Even so, the film's real strength lies within its performances and visceral presentation of old-fashioned sailing. It's a movie that feels like an active and enthusiastic history teacher who's doing everything possible to make the class fun and engaging. If you're in the mood for a classic tale of adventure and history, check it out.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you all for reading.
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