Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany

Directed by Peter Weir

 

A story set in the Napoleonic wars in the 19th century, Master and Commander takes off right away in the opening moments to the seas and engages the audience in battle onboard the HMS Surprise, captained by Jack Aubrey (Crowe) with his steadfast sidekick/ship's doctor Stephen Maturin and crew of hardy sailors.  Under attack from the French in the foggy waters off the coast of South America, you're unwittingly placed directly on the ship itself and made to feel the shiver-and-shake experience of the war on the high seas, where Captain Jack and his eager crew and modest vessel - at least compared to the might of the ships of Napoleon's French fleet - endure a pummeling from the enemy, but live to see another day and take another crack at the mighty villain. 

 

The opening sets the tone for the film expertly crafted by Peter Weir, giving you involvement in the story and leaving you with the feeling of urgency that Aubrey must get the job done with his men.  Crowe does an impeccable job in stepping into the shoes of the captain here, playing a respected leader of his crew with the surety of the Academy Award Winning actor's chops that he possesses.  Watching him is a treat to behold, as he manipulates his movements and vocal intonations to a convincing effect that leaves almost a documentary-type effect in its wake.  Crowe is aided by Bettany's turn as Stephen Maturin, the ship's doctor with only primitive medicinal methods at his disposal to tend to his shipmates' onslaught of injuries.  In turn, the supporting cast, made up of men and boys of various ages, support Bettany's efforts dutifully as patients who must endure the crude procedures to fix what ails them, and genuinely express their trust in the doctor even in the face of fear of the hurt that stares them down. 

 

The comraderie that is established between Aubrey and Maturin is developed effortlessly, or so it seems, between the actors wonderfully as the movie progresses.  When the two reach a crisis midway through the film in a clash of priorities that tests the relationship between the two friends, they work through it in a way that can be appreciated by anyone watching who have been in similar situations, as we all have.  This adds to the realism of this epic watery adventure that brings life to the story when the action temporarily ceases and holds your interest until the closing credits.  This is character development at its best, and no one in the supporting cast is left out, even the young boys who must grow up fast or be sunken in the treacherous waters of war.

 

If there's anything bad to be said about Master and Commander, it might be argued that sometimes the dialogue is needllessly stretched out at some points where you may wonder Weir is trying a bit too hard to emphasize character development.  But this is a minor quibble about a movie that, ultimately in the end, will leave you chomping at the bit for a continuation in the story.