Reviews of Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World review

Posted : 2 years, 7 months ago on 11 May 2007 06:48 (A review of Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World)

I managed to find a couple of hours to squeeze this film in last night and I wasn't really disappointed. I have something of a soft spot for naval stories. I do think this film could have offered more though.

Something of an annoyance was that Russel Crowe's character was utterly infallible throughout the whole film. That meant the typical hollywood happy ending was inevitable and predictable from the off. I was a big disappointed how they overcame their enemy at the end of the film too. A captain so brilliant using such a lame deception tactic. It's pretty illegal to sail under the wrong colours I'm sure.

I was also a bit confused at where the other ship was most of the time too. They seemed to be able to take long breaks before catching it up again. As a big Paul Bettany fan, I can't say I was disappointed with his performance. What a legend. When The Navy boarded the French ship, it was difficult to see the ensuing battle amidst all the smoke. A lazy technique on behalf of the director I assume.

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Age of Sail masterpiece

Posted : 3 years ago on 14 December 2006 10:19 (A review of Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World)

The story is set in 1805, and Napoleon and his French empire have Europe in their grasp, and bloody and deadly battles occur between the British Royal Navy and Napoleon's warships. Russel Crowe is captain of a British frigate, and the plot revolves in his determination to pursue and destroy one of France's most powerful warship, which has faster speed and greater firepower than his ship. He chases the ship from the carrbean all the way south along South America, around the tip of Chile, and all the way back up to the Galapagos islands. The movie recreates the perils and dangers and thrill as well as sheer boredom of being out on a ship for months at a time, and the strategy and determination the captain shows in hunting down his French nemesis.

And Jason, 1 out of 10? Thats a bit harsh. True, the plot is fairly involved, but this isnt a hollywood-style action film with fly-over scenes, camera following cannonball all the way, and showing explosions galore. It shows instead the true side of naval warfare, and I think the director captured the uncertainty and suspense quite nicely.

I recommend this film for history buffs, as well as people that enjoy stories with a lot of depth.

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Master Sleeper

Posted : 3 years, 1 month ago on 4 November 2006 12:17 (A review of Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World)

I spent half the movie trying to figure out who was chasing who and the other half asleep.

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