MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD (2003) / *** 1/2
Directed by Peter Weir. Screenplay by Weir and John Collee, from the
novels by Patrick O'Brian. Starring Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, James
D'Arcy. Running time: 138 minutes. Rated AA for violent scenes by the
MFCB. Reviewed on November 21st, 2003.
By SHANNON PATRICK SULLIVAN
Synopsis: During the Napoleonic Wars, the HMS Surprise, captained by
"Lucky" Jack Aubrey (Crowe), is charged by the British navy with the task
of preventing a powerful French warship from entering Pacific waters.
Aubrey is determined to stop the French vessel at all costs, bringing him
into conflict with his friend, ship's surgeon Stephen Maturin (Bettany),
who is devoted to ensuring that the Surprise's crew survive to see home
again.
Review: It is rare to encounter an adventure movie which manages to work
on as many levels as "Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World".
And I'm not just talking about the successes of the various individuals
involved -- although, certainly, the performances are very good
(especially Crowe and Bettany in their roles as firm friends yet frequent
ideological opponents), Weir's direction of the chaotic maritime sequences
is excellent, and the picture as a whole benefits from a handsome and
brave look which nonetheless avoids seeming overly romantic. No, the true
accomplishment here is Weir and Collee's script. It works on a broad
scale, giving the viewers an idea of the state of affairs at the time of
the Napoleonic Wars -- offering insight not just into politics but also
science and sociology. And it works, of course, on the smaller scale of
one boat against another, telling a tale of high seas conflict which is
straightforward but no less enjoyable as a result of that. But best of
all, "Master And Commander" pays attention to its characters, weaving
together several different subplots to really give the impression that the
crew of the Surprise are living, breathing people and not just a laundry
list of ranks and duties. Is it any wonder, then, that it becomes so easy
for the audience to immerse itself in a world two centuries removed?
Copyright © 2003 Shannon Patrick Sullivan.
Archived at The Popcorn Gallery,
http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sps/movies.html
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X-RT-RatingText: 3.5/4
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