Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

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Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

PG-13

2003

2h 19m

Adventure

Drama

War

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Popcornmeter

85%

Tomatometer

227 Reviews

80%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

In 1805, aboard the H.M.S. Surprise, the brash Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) and his trusted friend, the ship's scholarly surgeon, Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany), are ordered to hunt down and capture a powerful French vessel off the South American coast. Though Napoleon is winning the war and the men and their crew face an onslaught of obstacles, including their own internal battles, "Lucky Jack" is determined that nothing will stop the Surprise from completing its mission.

Critics Consensus

Russell Crowe's rough charm is put to good use in this masterful adaptation of Patrick O'Brian's novel.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

Sep 9

5/5

It’s the stuff in between the action, of course, that marks this movie as a masterpiece. Weir is one of the great thinking film-makers and a committed altruist, so the lion’s share of screen time is devoted to small acts of kindness on board.

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Kat Sachs

Chicago Reader

05/16/2024

Master and Commander is both quite good and a fun watch.

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Wendy Ide

The Times (UK)

05/08/2023

... As satisfying as an epic yarn as it is as an intimate study of male friendship and courage.

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Katie Hogan

FILMHOUNDS Magazine

Sep 10

4/5

Master & Commander could very well be considered a forgotten epic but with releases such as the new Steelbook, keeps the magic of the film alive.

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Douglas Davidson

Elements of Madness

Aug 29

It’s because of the film’s ability to balance so much that audiences connect with "The Far Side of the World," creating the burgeoning fan base that has kept the film in conversation well past its initial release.

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Allison Rose

FlickDirect

Aug 5

4.5/5

A thrilling high-seas adventure, Master and Commander delivers gripping naval warfare, strong performances, and breathtaking cinematography.

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J H

@JLHIII May 18

Best Napolitanic sea movie ever!

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Anthony H

@RT51117754 Apr 30

The cure to male loneliness is watching Master and Commander with the boys

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Douglas S.

@kayakdoug Apr 22

I watched the Disney “Pirates of the Caribbean” after watching this movie and couldn’t stop laughing at the horrible Disney set. M&C ship seems so real and the Sparrow boat is as fake as his name.

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bob C

@RT46426964 Apr 8

Outstanding sea movie. Didn’t involve Americans so only did moderately well financially. Pity. Great.

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B M

@RT35567789 Mar 15

Extremely high quality movie if you love history or human drama. Fun and epic.

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K C.

@K-Poppin Feb 20

Absolutely perfect. This movie is a national treasure.

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Peter Weir

Director

Russell Crowe

Jack "Lucky" Aubrey

Paul Bettany

Dr. Stephen Maturin

Billy Boyd

Coxswain Barrett Bonden

James D'Arcy

Thomas Pullings

Lee Ingleby

Hollom

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Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In 1805, aboard the H.M.S. Surprise, the brash Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) and his trusted friend, the ship's scholarly surgeon, Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany), are ordered to hunt down and capture a powerful French vessel off the South American coast. Though Napoleon is winning the war and the men and their crew face an onslaught of obstacles, including their own internal battles, "Lucky Jack" is determined that nothing will stop the Surprise from completing its mission.

Director: Peter Weir
Producer: Samuel Goldwyn Jr., Duncan Henderson, Peter Weir
Screenwriter: Peter Weir, John Collee, Patrick O'Brian
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Samuel Goldwyn Films, 20th Century Fox, Universal Pictures, Miramax Films
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Adventure, Drama, War
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 14, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $93.9M
Runtime: 2h 19m
Sound Mix: Surround, DTS, Dolby EX
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)