|
|
|
|
Pug
The Movie Geek
|
|
|
Joined: 21 Aug 2003
Posts: 8924
|
| Back to top
|
|
 Posted: 11/18/03 - 16:24 Post subject: Movie Review: Master and Commander (2003)
A film by Peter Weir
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is based on two of the novels of Patrick O’Brien (both Master and Commander, and The Far Side of the World, the first and tenth books of the series). I haven’t read any of the books, but any movie starring Russell Crowe and directed by Peter Weir is worth seeing. Weir is a very talented director (Dead Poets Society, The Truman Show) and Crowe is such a good actor that when he is in a role you don’t see the man, you see the character. That is rare in a leading man. This movie (as well as the books) is historical fiction.
The captain of the H.M.S. Surprise is Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe). Aubrey is given his orders: to pursue and capture the French ship the Acheron. The Acheron has been harrying and sinking English whaling vessels and it is up to the Surprise to stop this. It’s a simple story and this point is where much of the plot lies: in the chase. The rest of the movie is the development of the friendship between Aubrey, and this ship’s doctor Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany). Over the course of the film (and the long chase of the Acheron) we get to see what sailing would have been like in the 19th Century, and we see how Aubrey interacts with his crew. He is a compassionate Captain, a moral man who leads without being a tyrant. We see Aubrey’s strong leadership with the crew and his humanity both in his leadership as well as in his friendship with Maturin.
This was an impressive movie. Unlike The Perfect Storm, Master and Commander captures the feel of being on the ship and really working. The use of nautical and military terms without stopping to explain each term adds to the realism of the movie. Peter Weir has the details down and he crafts quite an experience that does not go for the cheap payoff in the chase of the Acheron. The acting was top notch, and while the supporting cast was not very well developed (I never saw them as individuals, only as Crew) they blend seamlessly into the movie, and into the ship. I was very impressed with this movie. It had more of a classic film feel in the pacing and the acting, but Weir’s vision was strong and I loved the movie. Highly recommended for anyone.
I would give this movie 4 1/2 pugs out of 5
 
|
|
|
|
|
Running Brewer
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 12 Oct 2004
Posts: 3872
Location: Santa Poco
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 11/18/03 - 16:34 Post subject:
Pug I agree with you. I thought the movie was great, but I do believe that if you are not a big fan of historical based movies or tall ships this movie may not be for you. I looked around during the movie and saw a few people who looked to be sleeping. It is a long movie, 2:40 I believe. I think they may have spent a little too much time on the development between Aubrey and Maturin.
To summarize, I enjoyed it very much, my wife on the other hand did not.
|
|
|
|
|
Pug
The Movie Geek
|
|
|
Joined: 21 Aug 2003
Posts: 8924
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 11/18/03 - 16:39 Post subject:
| Running Brewer wrote: | Pug I agree with you. I thought the movie was great, but I do believe that if you are not a big fan of historical based movies or tall ships this movie may not be for you. I looked around during the movie and saw a few people who looked to be sleeping. It is a long movie, 2:40 I believe. I think they may have spent a little too much time on the development between Aubrey and Maturin.
To summarize, I enjoyed it very much, my wife on the other hand did not. |
Ordinarilly i would agree with your statement about being a fan of historical based movied (which i most certainly am) or tall ships (not so much), I was so impressed with this movie that i briefly flirted with the idea of giving this an unqualified recommendation, which is something i don't do very often. It may not be for absolutely everyone, but i think it was good enough that i'll recommend that people give it a shot.
It was a bit long, though.
|
|
|
|
|
airehead
Oompa Loofah
|
|
|
Joined: 12 Nov 2002
Posts: 18788
Location: Between here and eternity...
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 11/18/03 - 16:45 Post subject:
I am fascinated with movies about leadership--good and bad leadership.
Was this a good example of a leadership movie?
Crimson Tide was great in dealing with leadership.
The Last Castle was brilliant in its leadership angles.
Is it worth watching merely for his leadership qualities?
|
|
|
|
|
Phar lap
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 20 Jun 2003
Posts: 1006
Location: A flawed Utopia
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 11/18/03 - 19:27 Post subject:
Pug, thanks alot, I really enjoy reading your reviews.
I'm holding off seeing Seabiscuit, any chance of you doing a review.
|
|
|
|
|
Pug
The Movie Geek
|
|
|
Joined: 21 Aug 2003
Posts: 8924
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 11/19/03 - 09:46 Post subject:
| Phar lap wrote: | Pug, thanks alot, I really enjoy reading your reviews.
I'm holding off seeing Seabiscuit, any chance of you doing a review. |
I wrote it months ago when i first saw it. I'll find the file and post it.
|
|
|
|
|
AlaninTX
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 14 May 2002
Posts: 6582
Location: Austin, Texas
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 11/19/03 - 10:08 Post subject:
Airehead, the movie's main premise is about leadership. I thought this was an outstanding movie and have to agree with all of Pug's review.
|
|
|
|
|
MechEngDropout
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 27 Jun 2003
Posts: 10474
Location: Off the grid
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 11/19/03 - 10:23 Post subject:
Thanks for the review. It's definitely on my to-see list.
|
|
|
|
|
airehead
Oompa Loofah
|
|
|
Joined: 12 Nov 2002
Posts: 18788
Location: Between here and eternity...
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 11/19/03 - 13:52 Post subject:
| AlaninTX wrote: | | Airehead, the movie's main premise is about leadership. I thought this was an outstanding movie and have to agree with all of Pug's review. |
Thanks Alan--then I'll definitely go see it. Or rent it. Although I feel some of the movie's main qualities will be lost on our tiny, little screen.
|
|
|
|
|
monk25
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 25 Jun 2002
Posts: 3922
Location: The Beautiful South Shore of L.I. NY
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 11/19/03 - 14:16 Post subject:
I am really looking forward to seeing it... (on DVD)
|
|
|
|
|
Running Brewer
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 12 Oct 2004
Posts: 3872
Location: Santa Poco
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 11/20/03 - 12:25 Post subject:
| monk25 wrote: | | I am really looking forward to seeing it... (on DVD) |
Monk, I have to say, this one is worth the trip to the big screen, just for the ships and sea alone.
|
|
|
|
|
shelee
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 23 Oct 2002
Posts: 2409
Location: IN
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 12/07/03 - 12:56 Post subject:
I saw Master and Commander last night with my mom. We both left the theatre remarking that Master and Commander was one of the best films we've seen in a long time. The director creates tension both within the ship's crew, giving us a microcosm of life on a military ship during time of war and between the two enemies. The cinematography and musical score make each experience real, whether the ship is on the verge of sinking or the crew is exploring the breathtaking Galapagos island. While the theme of man versus nature is common in movies and books set in the ocean, Weir not only develops the theme in natural forces, heat and storms, but also in relationships. Aubrey's dominant role as leader and commander, his pride and arrogance, is contrasted with the gentle doctor's inquisitive and naturalist characteristics. The two of them balance one another, and their friendship explores the virtues and flaws of both personalites. Truly, the character sketches in Master and Commander are impressive, especially considering the size of the cast. The battle scenes are thrilling and emotional, underscoring the glory, brutality, and expense of war.
Airhead, as far as leadership is concerned, Russel Crow beomes Jack Aubrey. His portrayal of this man is quite perfect. The qualities that one associates with a leader, firm, just, proud, arrogant are performed brilliantly.
I'd suggest this movie to anyone. It was more than an adventure at sea, it was a moment in the life of story that will appeal to your emotions as well as your mind.
 ,
Shelly
|
|
|
|
|
shelee
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 23 Oct 2002
Posts: 2409
Location: IN
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 12/07/03 - 12:58 Post subject:
| Running Brewer wrote: | | monk25 wrote: | | I am really looking forward to seeing it... (on DVD) |
Monk, I have to say, this one is worth the trip to the big screen, just for the ships and sea alone. |
yes! The cinematography is awesome...well worth your 8 dollars.
|
|
|
|
|
copteacher
Adjunct
|
|
|
Joined: 08 Jun 2002
Posts: 20588
Location: Teaching in the Halls of Justice
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 12/15/03 - 10:40 Post subject:
Saw it last Thursday. Crowe was excellent as the captain. The doc to was good.
I thought the battle scenes were intense but appropriately done.
Overall, an excellent movie.
And people who said the movie is about leadership, yes it is. A good leader has to make some very tough decision. We see how sometimes they come back to haunt you.
|
|
|
|
