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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85%

227 Reviews

Tomatometer

80%

100,000+ Ratings

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, 2025

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

May 16, 2024

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

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Wendy Ide

The Times (UK)

May 8, 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, 2025

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

Aug 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

Aug 5, 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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Feb 1, 2019

The best epic movie ever made!

Finn M

Jan 3, 2019

This is such a great movie, if for no other reason than for the fact that its on 18th century naval history. The film looks gorgeous and the storyline is interesting. Russell Crowe owns the role and Peter Weir is an assured director which shows in the way the film is presented. Weir is a veteran director whose films have always been characterized by their uncommon intelligence. He has been at the helm for the likes of Picnic at Hanging Rock, Witness, Dead Poets Society, Fearless, and The Truman Show. For Master and Commander, Weir has been given a huge budget (rumored to be in excess of $120 million), and every cent of it appears on screen. For those with any interest in 18th and 19th century seafaring or naval warfare, this is a must-see motion picture. For others, it's an enlightening and entertaining experience, but there's the issue of the slow middle act to overcome. The problem exists, but it isn't insurmountable, and that's the reason I'm recommending the film.

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Aug 11, 2018

Great war/adventure movie.

Ron P

Jul 27, 2018

true to the Patrick O'Brien books. Sharp historical detail, strong characters, lots of action and some humor.

Anakin W

Jun 28, 2018

Possibly one of my favourite films of all time. Disappointing that it didn't receive the recognition it deserved.

Leia S

Jun 4, 2018

Master and Commander will leave you wanting more and wondering where the sequel to the movie is. One of Russell Crowe's best, and certainly the same for the supporting cast.

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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

Hollom

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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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