Rating: 
Summary: This surely will not disappoint.
Review: In the beginning, we are lead around and through a beautiful 18th century wooden ship and are sure we must smell the sea and the wet wood and the mold that must lurk somewhere between. The serenity is broken by fear, then a comforting command decision, and then the source of the fear is proven true but quickly handled by our master and commander. We surely know we, and the ship, are in good hands.Movies aren't made like this anymore. Peter Weir has given us a very refreshing gift of another world, where a leader can lead without shame and fear of reprocussion. The ship is his world, to make of it as he chooses. And he is a good leader. And we are not ashamed of him, or his beliefs in duty, and truth . . . attributes which are scorned by many in our cynical world today. I love this movie. It is beautiful. It is a picture of good leadership, combined with humor and gentleness, and Russell Crowe brings it together in a wonderful way.
Rating: 
Summary: Pretty good...
Review: Pretty good considering that this movie takes place 85% of the time on a ship. I thought they did a great job with the digital imaging and with the camera shots displaying the scope of the ships. More importantly, I feel that they did a wonderful job displaying the relationships between men during that time period. Obsession takes many forms for many different people.
Rating: 
Summary: Decent swashbuckler
Review: "Master and Commander" is a beautifully photographed epic with characters worth our sympathy and an epic story that doesn't rely too heavily on plot manipulation. It's an old-fashioned, exciting, smart movie. Russell Crowe turns in another great performance, up there with his work in "LA Confidential" and "The Insider" (I didn't care for his Maximus in "Gladiator"). As Capt. Jack Aubrey, Crowe exudes authority and often explodes with unexpected wit (I love the joke about the lesser of two evils). He is more than enough reason to see this movie. Paul Bettany is also terrific as Dr. Stephen Maturin, Aubrey's more intellectual friend/advisor. Why both of these guys failed to pick up at least an Oscar nomination is beyond me. The movie is enjoyable, well written and tautly directed. Why doesn't it rate higher than 3 stars? Because, in the end, it feels a little too Hollywood, a little too formula, a little too "safe." This isn't exactly the edgiest of movies, and I have no argument with "The Return of the King's" Best Picture win. This is a fine movie, but wow, it's so very conventional.
Rating:
Summary: Master and Commander - A memorable film!
Review: This is one of those big movies that I would've dearly loved to have made it to the theaters to see but never found the time which is a bit of a personal disappointment as this film, I'm sure, would've been even that much better on the silver screen. While this great film has it's glorious battle scenes, it is a film based not so much in big action sequences but more in the intelligent dialogue and narrative. Few films have so aptly displayed what a harsh life sailors of this particular era lived as well as this film does. Youthful dreams of such a life may have been deftly squashed for many by seeing the harsh realities displayed in this film. Simply put, this film is well paced with an apt balance between intense battle scenes and almost an almost poetic script. For many years now, Russell Crowe has displayed exceptional performances in several movies, showing that he has a wide range of acting abilities and this film is no exception to that as he brings Captain Jack Aubrey to life. Paul Bettany's performance in this film is quite exceptional as well. I believe the only other film I've seen him in was another Russell Crowe film in "A Beautiful Mind." Clearly his future performances are to be looked forward to. Another notable cast member is Billy Boyd, most well known for his role in "The Lord of the Rings" as Peregrin "Pippin" Took. Although his role in this film is minor, he does stand out. Director Peter Weir has had a long and storied career directing in Hollywood with such notable films as "Dead Poet's Society" and "Witness." This film will certainly go down in the history books as one of his best. The Premise: The fate of the British Empire seemingly rests on the shoulders of Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) as he commands a British Naval warship that is suddenly attacked by a much larger French warship that he's been given the mission to capture or destroy. After his first fateful encounter with the behemoth he must repair his ship and embarks on a trip spanning two oceans to capture or destroy the French ship or die in the trying... What follows from there is, as stated above, an extremely well made film that in its dialogue rings to a subtle but poignant tune and its action carries the weight of a big hitter. I highly recommend this film to any and all who enjoy films in this genre! {ssintrepid} Special Features: Strangely enough, the Special Features for this film seem to be somewhat of an afterthought and few at that. Unlisted, the Special Features disc comes loosely packed and placed in the left inset. -Theatrical Trailer
-Behind the Scenes
-Coming Attractions
Rating:
Summary: Brutal and realistic
Review: Russell Crowe is amazingly convincing in this naval - period film. Be forewarned though some of the images can be strikingly brutal.
Although the power of the film is in the authenticity of the locations and period, for example the dialogue and costumes seem so authentic, the plot is a little thin to me.
Nonetheless time passes quickly and if you're a fan of Russel Crowe's acting this is a not-to-missed piece of his best work.
Rating:
Summary: The master plus the commander of all DVD's
Review: The capitan -played by Russel Crowe- displays the admirable ethics of naval warfare. It starts out when anoter frigate (a huge ship that surpasses the 'Surpise') surprise attacks Crowe's ship. Unlike other movies, this movie doesnt just focus on the revenge. It also unveils the life of a sailor, and shows the hardships that they had to go through. I really like the story this movie put up. While trying to find the ship and take it over, the crew is met with horrible and gleeful situations. This movie does a marvolus job in describing the world they live in, such as thier expeditions to find new species and thier zeal to explore more lands, also thier doctors and medicine (only other gory part besides the battles) becaue they dont have the medicine that we do today. This movie did an amazing job showing battle ethics, and I think is a masterpiece of it. What I didn't like personally, was the dry parts, like nothing but talk for a long time but those parts were far in between. All in all this movie is a masterpiece, all credited to the acting and towards Bruchemier's brillant mind. So 5 stars
Rating: 
Summary: curiously lightweight and unconvincing
Review: peter weir continues after all these years to make bad movies---this one is more hollywood than most of his other mishaps-its not believable despite the other reviews here-- the first half almost sinks under the weight of garbled dialogue----- its all salty aND BRINY and british-- AND OVERWRITTEN--- the action is all close ups of wood being exploded --- u dont have any feelings for these sailors ---one actor astands out-- the lad who assists the doctor and captain and gets to see his other young friend die in battle----there are a few moments that are compelling- but not that compelling to make the voyage worth while---the suicide---- almost poignant but not quite- because of the general failure of the movie to put us convincingly where the action is- its all pretense and with no real plot----it adds up to much ado about very little-- in other better seafaring movies like the old moby dick-- or captains courageous----you are there on board ship having these great adventures ! !!!!here its all second hand--and you are always conscious yer watching something that was badly edited & unconvicingly shot-- this movie joins the ranks of the rest of the garbage that won awards last year-- the crappy mystic river- the unbearable sophomoric and moronic sophia coppalla nonsense - that hobbit idiocy -the oppressive and the depressing sand and fog --all just more smoke and mirrors !!!!! dont waste yer time matey !!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Best Movie of 2003-2004
Review: This film is the only accurate depiction of life aboard a wooden fighting vessel ever produced. In all ways, it should have taken all the Oscars. Author, Patrick O'Brian, may be the greatest historical novelist of the 20th century. Russell Crowe's portrayal of Captain Jack Aubrey greatly exceeded my expectations. I fervently hope that the remaining 18 O'Brian books in the series will be made into film with Crowe at the helm.
Rating:
Summary: Insert clever pun here
Review: Not only is this a great movie, but it is a fantastic DVD. One thing you really notice is the outstanding picture and audio transfer that made it to this disc. Even on my small 30" TV it felt like I was watching this in the theater again. If you have a DTS capable DVD player, you'll really appreciate the Bruckheimer soundtrack. The extras on this DVD are where it really stands out. This thing is packed to the brim with extras. And I'm talking about quality extras, not a bunch of "music video" or "upcoming trailers" fluff to fill up the disc. The extras are all entertaining, and fairly lengthy. The shortest one on here is the HBO First Look, which is still 25 minutes long. I almost enjoyed watching the extras as much as the film.
Rating:
Summary: Great
Review: If you like films with tall ships, this is one not to miss. The acting is great (Russell Crowe is at his usual top) and the filming is first rate. The period costumes are dead on. It is a wonderful film.
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