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Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Play trailer 2:41 Poster for Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World PG-13 2003 2h 19m Adventure Drama War Play Trailer Watchlist
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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.
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Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

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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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Critics Reviews

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Kevin Maher The Times (UK) Sep 9, 2025
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. Go to Full Review
Kat Sachs Chicago Reader May 16, 2024
Master and Commander is both quite good and a fun watch. Go to Full Review
Wendy Ide The Times (UK) May 8, 2023
... As satisfying as an epic yarn as it is as an intimate study of male friendship and courage. Go to Full Review
Katie Hogan FILMHOUNDS Magazine Sep 10, 2025
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. Go to Full Review
Douglas Davidson Elements of Madness Aug 29, 2025
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. Go to Full Review
Allison Rose FlickDirect Aug 5, 2025
4.5/5
A thrilling high-seas adventure, Master and Commander delivers gripping naval warfare, strong performances, and breathtaking cinematography. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Nick H @RT65301951 11 hrs ago Genuinely love how they included like all the details of living on a ship. Felt immersive and exciting through the entire experience. Also watched right after finishing the AC Black Flag Resynced and it kinda made me feel like I was back in the game. See more Robert P @Superbad 4 days ago Master and Commander etc.. = a *4* star Movie! See more Alfred R @RT56085908 5 days ago Such a well rounded movie with plenty of action, suspense, superstition, and what I really appreciated humor. Russell Crowe does his usual top notch job and even though he is the only heavy hitting star the remaining cast are very convincing in their roles. I saw this flick when it was initially released but I believe I enjoyed watch the second time twenty years later even more! See more Chris S @Janomi Aug 10, 2026 Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is very solid because the shipboard world feels so authentic. The routines, sounds, discipline, danger, repairs, meals, cramped spaces, and chain of command make the HMS Surprise feel alive rather than just a movie set. Russell Crowe gives Captain Aubrey authority, warmth, pride, humor, and real command presence. You believe men would follow him into danger. Paul Bettany is an excellent contrast as Dr. Maturin, bringing intellect, curiosity, and moral skepticism that give the story depth beyond naval combat. The battles are tense, physical, and strategic, with cannon fire, splintered wood, smoke, and silence before attack all staged beautifully. The movie can feel slow and episodic at times, but the craft, performances, and atmosphere make it a rich and immersive naval adventure. See more Jason E @Jenglish24 Jul 30, 2026 Russell Crowe was captivating. Great movie for those looking to be inspired by leadership, Witt’s, and bravery. See more Nic S @NicSmith37398392 Jul 29, 2026 This movie made me feel all over the place with emotions. But I'm very fond of it now. I ate way too much pizza so I felt sick in the beginning, which lowered my expectations to just wanting to not feel sick, and made me - kind of joking - empathise with all the injuries in the beginning of the film. See more Read all reviews
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Movie Info

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)
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