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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 Released Nov 14, 2003 2h 19m Adventure Drama War Play Trailer Watchlist
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85% Tomatometer 225 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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Kat Sachs Chicago Reader Master and Commander is both quite good and a fun watch. May 16, 2024 Full Review Wendy Ide The Times (UK) ... As satisfying as an epic yarn as it is as an intimate study of male friendship and courage. May 8, 2023 Full Review Anthony Lane The New Yorker We feel ourselves to be in good company with these men, and strangely jealous of their packed and salted lives. Jan 18, 2022 Full Review Allison Rose FlickDirect A thrilling high-seas adventure, Master and Commander delivers gripping naval warfare, strong performances, and breathtaking cinematography. Rated: 4.5/5 Aug 5, 2025 Full Review Stephen Silver The SS Ben Hecht Above all else, it’s a portrait of a complex but ultimately healthy male friendship. The kind where the captain and ship surgeon take breaks from their adventures to play classical music duets. (20th anniversary) Rated: 4.5/5 Nov 17, 2023 Full Review Collin Garbarino WORLD The film depicts the indignities of a 19th-century life at sea, along with the horrors of the Napoleonic Wars. But the narrative rests on the bedrock of Aubrey and Maturin’s friendship. Rated: 4/4 Nov 3, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Alex R Riveting and breathtaking. Perfectly shot. The cinematography is gorgeous. It’s setting and how they shot it is an achievement. Perfect cast full of talent. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/10/25 Full Review Andrew B Master and Commander does a wonderful job of immersion and entertainment. The repetition of scenes and circular plot contributes to its two-hour-plus runtime, but the film maintains your focus from the first frame and never lets you catch your breath or go ashore without purpose. Russell Crowe delivers another commanding performance with remarkable chemistry alongside Paul Bettany. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/31/25 Full Review Jerod S Epic sea adventures are hard to pull off - but it fits Crowe and Bettany and the story of courage and friendship. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/13/25 Full Review Marc M This is a wonderful study of late 18th century seafaring. As a historian, I can say the detail is extremely impressive. As a film buff, the cinematography and art direction superb. As for the acting, there is an array of impressive performances--genuine, gritty, and often heart wrenching. Absolutely Russel Crow's best performance. Forceful, nuanced, and emotionally satisfying. Leaves "Gladiator" in the dust. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/08/25 Full Review Audience Member A good movie , well paced and with excellent dialogue. I did not like the fact that there were basically 2 battles in the movie. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 04/27/25 Full Review Michele D This movie is a pure joy to watch. Crowe's charisma is contagious. And the music....fabolous. Bach, Boccherini, Corelli....great! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/27/25 Full Review 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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