Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

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Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

PG-13

2003

2h 19m

Adventure

Drama

War

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Popcornmeter

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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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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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

Sep 9

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.

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Kat Sachs

Chicago Reader

05/16/2024

Master and Commander is both quite good and a fun watch.

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Wendy Ide

The Times (UK)

05/08/2023

... As satisfying as an epic yarn as it is as an intimate study of male friendship and courage.

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Katie Hogan

FILMHOUNDS Magazine

Sep 10

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.

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Douglas Davidson

Elements of Madness

08/29/2025

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.

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Allison Rose

FlickDirect

08/05/2025

4.5/5

A thrilling high-seas adventure, Master and Commander delivers gripping naval warfare, strong performances, and breathtaking cinematography.

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Chris S

@Janomi Aug 10

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.

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Jason E

@Jenglish24 Jul 30

Russell Crowe was captivating. Great movie for those looking to be inspired by leadership, Witt’s, and bravery.

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Nic S

@NicSmith37398392 Jul 29

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.

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Garrett B

@gmoney637 Jul 26

A solid epic period war-drama feature.

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Alexander H

@RT45852088 Jun 10

I've loved through my whole childhood, teenage and even later years to come. More than a masterpiece, a film with a feeling you can always re live.

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Dean M

@RT68157419 May 31

A masterly crafted piece of cinema and what I believe is the single greatest depiction of any sort of naval combat ever put to film. Bettany and Crowe are truly at their peak here.

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Peter Weir

Director

Russell Crowe

Jack "Lucky" Aubrey

Paul Bettany

Dr. Stephen Maturin

Billy Boyd

Coxswain Barrett Bonden

James D'Arcy

Thomas Pullings

Lee Ingleby

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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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