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Directed by
Peter Weir Written by
Patrick O'Brian, Peter Weir Cast
Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, James D'Arcy, Edward Woodall, Chris Larkin [more]
Release Date
• USA: Nov 14, 2003
• UK: 17 Nov 2003
DVD Release Date
• R1: Apr 5, 2004
• R2: 5 Apr 2004
Budget $135,000,000
Official Website:
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World Website
MPAA Rating
Rated PG-13 for intense battle sequences, related images, and brief language.
Running Time
2 hours, 18 minutes
Country USA
Studio 20th Century Fox
More info on IMDb.com
Other Titles
• Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
• The Far Side of the World
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Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World Reviews |
For those with any interest in 18th and 19th century seafaring or naval warfare, this is a must-see motion picture. For others, it's an enlightening and entertaining experience, but there's the issue of the slow middle act to overcome. The problem exists, but it isn't insurmountable, and that's the reason I'm recommending the film. [read review] 
--James Berardinelli (ReelViews)
If you’re a fan of Crowe and Weir, you won’t be disappointed. But if you’re a fan of a tight, concise story, you just might be disappointed. But Crowe and Weir are so great that you’ll hardly notice the shoddy story and most likely will be thoroughly entertained. [read review] 
--Brian Gallagher (MovieWeb)
Peter Weir proves to be quite adept at directing action sequences, ensuring that we always know what's going on and who's doing what. But his need to start the story off with a bang proves to be the weakest element of the film, and proves to be more distracting than anything else. [read review]
--David Nusair (Reel Film Reviews)
It seems to me the goal of Peter Weir’s “Master and Commander” is to submerge the audience in the world of the early 19th century battleship. Showcasing the cramped living spaces, deafening explosions, and the adolescent nature of some of the crew, I would say, mission accomplished, Mr. Weir. [read review] B+
--Brian Orndorf (FilmJerk.com)
And thus the much ballyhooed and ultra-handsome "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" suffers from what might be called colonitis. It comprises too many equal parts, and they tangle each other up. Everything is important, which comes to mean that nothing is important. [read review]
--Stephen Hunter (Washington Post)
"Master and Commander" is grand and glorious, and touching in its attention to its characters. Like the work of David Lean, it achieves the epic without losing sight of the human, and to see it is to be reminded of the way great action movies can rouse and exhilarate us, can affirm life instead of simply dramatizing its destruction. [read review] 
--ROGER EBERT (Chicago Sun-Times)
But it is Weir's fearsome perfectionism as a director that ultimately brings the script to life with a level of authenticity and attention to detail that is all but unprecedented, evident even in such minutiae as the emulated look of hand-ground 19th century optics in spyglass point-of-view shots. The only letdown comes as the end titles roll and filmgoers discover that they are still on dry land. [read review] 
--Wade Major (Boxoffice Magazine)
"MASTER AND Commander: The Far Side of the World" isn't just a fabulous seagoing spectacle. It's one for the ages. Not only does Peter Weir's film give you an atmospheric feel for the agony and ecstasy of early 19th-century sea warfare, it's a rollickinggood story. [read review]
--Desson Howe (Washington Post)
It is a triumph technically: a film for which the words 'well' and 'crafted' were invented. But while it's easy to admire, it's hard to adore. Like a piece of oak furniture: brilliantly made, beautiful to look at, and rather hard on the backside. [read review] 
--Nev Pierce (BBC Films)
The cast and crew of Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World tackle the subject matter with verve and create a painstakingly accurate picture of life on a 1800s warship. Even when things are dead calm, it's a breathtaking film to behold. [read review] 
--Kit Bowen (Hollywood.com)
Taking place almost entirely at sea, this movie is as gorgeous and gripping as it is faithful to the spirit of Patrick O'Brian's celebrated series of historical novels. [read review]
--Jami Bernard (New York Daily News)
As usual in the Pixar formula, the plot is chock-full of narrow escapes and last-second heroics. But more than anything, it looks as if the filmmakers are having fun. [read review]
--Stephanie Zacharek (Salon)
Russell Crowe and director Peter Weir bring Patrick O'Brian's seafaring adventures to the screen in this glorious and heartfelt action movie for grown-ups. [read review]
--Stephanie Zacharek (Salon)
In the end, "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" seems fated to disappoint everyone except the slick magazines that put it on their covers. [read review]
--Stephen Hunter (Washington Post)
Exhilarating, intelligent action / adventure movie, impressively directed by Peter Weir and featuring terrific performances from both Crowe and Bettany. [read review]
--Matthew Turner (ViewLondon)
Not only does Peter Weir's film give you an atmospheric feel for the agony and ecstasy of early 19th-century sea warfare, it's a rollicking good story. [read review]
--Desson Howe (Washington Post)
Those who enjoy thrillers and go in expecting one will be able to appreciate the film for the way suspense takes priority over action. [read review]
--Carl Lazarevic (MovieWeb)
It’s The Perfect Storm with a far more rousing story, or U-571 with hugely better dialogue. I can’t help but love this one. [read review] 84/100
--Brian Webster (Apollo Guide)
Big, brash and powerfully performed - but it only sporadically holds the interest. [read review] 7/10
--Gary Panton (Movie Gazette)
Put this shell of a film against your ear. You'll hear the ocean roll? [read review] 
--B. Alan Orange (MovieWeb)
Slow and low in parts, but when it blazes, this film really shines. [read review]
--Brian Balchack (MovieWeb)
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