Based on Patrick O'Brian's novel "The Far Side of the World" from the author's "Master and Commander" series, Peter Weir ("Gallipoli") directs this clipper ship war drama with loving attention to the magnificence, skill and ethos of life on the high seas during the 19th century Napoleonic Wars. Captain "Lucky" Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) leads his British crewmembers on the dangerous pursuit of a French warship called the Acheron through surprise attacks, volatile moral shifts, and grim weather conditions. Paul Bettany ("A Beautiful Mind") is engaging as the ship's nature-obsessed doctor/surgeon Stephen Maturin who plays right-hand-man to Commander Jack. "Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World" is an expansive cinematic achievement that sits well against such adventure classics as Lawrence of Arabia, and is a sure bet for fans of ocean bound drama.
Rating PG-13. 137 mins. (A-) (Four Stars)
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