Likely most action and/or Russell Crowe fans have already seen this film in the theater. For those who haven't, Master and Commander, The Far Side Of The World is based on the Patrick O'Brian novels that deal with the 1800's wartime adventures of Captain Jack Aubrey ( Crowe) and his friend Dr. Maturin ( Paul Bettany).
I haven't read the novels so I don't know where this story fits, but basically the film starts when Crowe's ship suffers severe damage after a sneak attack by a superior French frigate off the coast of Brazil. The rest of the story deals with Crowe's chase of the enemy ship around the Horn and into the Pacific and the Galapago Islands where a fierce battle follows. During the chase, there are several scenes of tension between officers and crew, as well as the friendship between Bettany and Crowe due to Crowe's obsession to catch the French frigate and exact his revenge by destorying it. The ending leaves the possibility open for a sequel, which I for one would love to see.
Crowe, as usual, does an excellent acting job here, and Bettany who, if you recall, starred opposite Crowe before in A Beautiful Mind, also does a fine job. The rest of the cast is also convincing.
This is a Peter Weir film. Though it may seem slow and quiet at times (remember Witness), we do get to know the characters and get to see what life must have been like at sea on a British frigate during the 1800's war between France and England. And when the battle scenes hit the screen, they are some of the best I have seen on film.
The overall picture quality is quite good, but bear in mind that there is little blue sky or sunshine. Most scenes are overcast, foggy, or set in the Captain's quarters or the crew's quarter's in the dark, dank underbelly of the ship, so be sure to have your PJ's or TV's black levels set properly for shadow detail. As for the sound, well that is something else. Every creak of the ship, the fierce howl of stormy winds, the bone crunching thud of cannon fire, all this and more will surround you and make you feel like you are there. In fact, this will probably become another reference audio disc for some to show off their system. It certainly showed off mine.
I highly recommend this film either as a rental or a keeper. For me it is definitely a keeper.
:5:
I haven't read the novels so I don't know where this story fits, but basically the film starts when Crowe's ship suffers severe damage after a sneak attack by a superior French frigate off the coast of Brazil. The rest of the story deals with Crowe's chase of the enemy ship around the Horn and into the Pacific and the Galapago Islands where a fierce battle follows. During the chase, there are several scenes of tension between officers and crew, as well as the friendship between Bettany and Crowe due to Crowe's obsession to catch the French frigate and exact his revenge by destorying it. The ending leaves the possibility open for a sequel, which I for one would love to see.
Crowe, as usual, does an excellent acting job here, and Bettany who, if you recall, starred opposite Crowe before in A Beautiful Mind, also does a fine job. The rest of the cast is also convincing.
This is a Peter Weir film. Though it may seem slow and quiet at times (remember Witness), we do get to know the characters and get to see what life must have been like at sea on a British frigate during the 1800's war between France and England. And when the battle scenes hit the screen, they are some of the best I have seen on film.
The overall picture quality is quite good, but bear in mind that there is little blue sky or sunshine. Most scenes are overcast, foggy, or set in the Captain's quarters or the crew's quarter's in the dark, dank underbelly of the ship, so be sure to have your PJ's or TV's black levels set properly for shadow detail. As for the sound, well that is something else. Every creak of the ship, the fierce howl of stormy winds, the bone crunching thud of cannon fire, all this and more will surround you and make you feel like you are there. In fact, this will probably become another reference audio disc for some to show off their system. It certainly showed off mine.
I highly recommend this film either as a rental or a keeper. For me it is definitely a keeper.
:5:
I've been wondering about the soundtrack for a while now as it looked promising...after your comments I can't wait to hear the cannon shots in my own home :P 
) and Master & Commander definitely stood out as the better performer of the two. Samurai's picture looked downright grainy in comparison :lol: 
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