Master and Commander | The Most UNDERRATED Cinematic Masterpiece | Film Summary & Analysis

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is an epic, Napoleonic era war film released in 2003. Co-written, produced and directed by Peter Weir, the movie’s plot and characters are adapted from three novels in author Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey–Maturin series, which includes 20 completed novels of Jack Aubrey's naval career. Russell Crowe stars as Aubrey, captain in the Royal Navy, alongside Paul Bettany as Dr. Stephen Maturin, the ship's surgeon.

The movie was filmed on the open sea, as well as on replica ships, and on the Galapagos Islands. It cost $150 million to make, co-produced by 20th Century Fox, Miramax Films, Universal Pictures, and Samuel Goldwyn Films, and released on November 14, 2003. Unfortunately, it underperformed at the box-office, grossing $212 million worldwide.

However, the film was praised critically. At the 76th Academy Awards, the film was nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director—winning Best Cinematography and Best Sound Editing. In all other categories it lost to The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

While originally there was a plan to create a franchise, no sequels were made.

[martinsinfield]

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.

[jculver]

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.

[lcdrugo]

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.

[johnharris]

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

[charliebigbear]

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.

[richtea]

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

[leehallam]

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.

[waltsears]

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!

[harps]

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.

[James_Bee]

The weevil joke gets me every single time.

[XanderBudnick]

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

[drewpowers]

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.

[gregspencer]

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

[goobfilmcast]

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.

[CaptainSinbad]

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

[alexbertrand]

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

[chixixoplix]

“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.

[Inkling]

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.

[eliquate]

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.”

[WQuantrill]

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