A Seeworthy Epic (Master & Commander (DVD))

Member Name: Praskipark

Product:	Master & Commander (DVD)
Date:	10/07/09 (65 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A breathtaking epic with some great sets and scenes of voyages

Disadvantages: None

In 2003 Peter Weir made a historical seafaring epic, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. This exciting film is based on the first and tenth novel from the collection of 20 stories written about the ships that sailed the hazardous seas in the era between the Napoleonic Wars. Not only do we encounter the dangers of the ocean, and see life aboard the ships, we also get to know more about the two dynamic men; Jack Aubrey and Dr Stephen Maturin.

Captain Jack, known as 'Lucky Aubrey,' is the one who exercises control over the British frigate, HMS Surprise. It is 1805 and Aubrey's frigate is sailing off the rugged coast of Brazil. The Naval demands have been made clear to him; The Surprise has to sink, set fire to or seize the enemy - a French war ship, Acheron, that has a greater number of men and more powerful weapons than the trusted but more ancient Surprise.

A sudden attack introduces us to a chase that takes the two ships on an enthralling high-risk journey across the oceans, through the storm-lashing waters of Cape Horn, heading south through frozen waters of snow and shattering ice until finally reaching the wild, uncontrolled Galapagos Islands for a final battle between the two nemeses.

There is mental pressure throughout the journey. Aubrey's personal desires collide with the welfare of his men. This tension is played out in the friendship with Stephen Maturin who is the ship's doctor. As the calm and considerate scientist, Maturin balances Aubrey's excesses with his mild wisdom.

But from the beginning it is apparent that Captain Jack Aubrey is the crucial and most important character in the film, and I have to hand it to Crowe - his performance is excellent as the Captain of the Surprise.

A seaman for most of the duration of his life, he loves to relate tales of his navy career. Most of the tales feature the infamous Lord Nelson. Aubrey began his naval life as a member of Nelson's crew and his admiration for the great captain and his old ship is obvious as he tells his men stories of the man's achievements and what it was like to be in his presence. Aubrey was greatly affected by Nelson's leadership and tries to mirror him as a captain. His love of the sea dominates his character but his love for his fellow sailors is also apparent. Through dangerous times he tries to lighten the men's load and as conditions are cramped and uncomfortable he tries to introduce a sense of humour to their daily routine. He is a fair captain and respects each and every one of his 197 crew.

At one point Aubrey's loyalties to his country, the British Navy and his men clash. Here, we feel his inner turmoil. Although suffering mental anguish and pain he never falters and loses vision of his greater responsibility. Captain Aubrey has several dimensions to his character, and Russell Crow skilfully colours each dimension with intensity. From start to finish his presence commands your attention and respect. During the whole 139 minutes you know Crowe is in charge; his acting is never outrageous or exaggerated - only perfect.

The character of Doctor Maturin is played by Paul Bettany. His performance is equally as masterful. Whereas Aubrey's life goal is to serve his men and country, Maturin's is not so dramatic. His loyalty to his nation is by tending to the sick and he is repaid by given the opportunity to travel the world to follow his dream, exploring the world of research pertaining to plants and animals. Bettany's role is one of a calm, complex doctor who has talented skills to treat the sick and wounded but at the same time he is the patient scientist just waiting for the next opportunity to explore biological research.

Al the men aboard respect Maturin. They know that his skills may one day save their lives. Aubrey and Maturin don't always agree and they have different loyalties but at the end of the day their friendship is firm and true. It has been formed through a lifetime of service together.

In most top action seafaring movies, most crew members act as props whose main purpose is to be blown to pieces in battle. In Commander, the seamen are acted by a good supporting cast who add a certain depth and thoughtfulness to the film.

Max Pirkis plays Lord Blakeney - a doe-eyed, innocent youth who hasn't a clue about the horrors of the sea and what he will witness on the journey. Lee Ingleby plays the midshipman who is the central character in a sub-plot that circles the fable of Jonah. Not only these characters but all the rest of the crew show admiration for their captain. They trust him with their lives and expect him to be victorious in his leadership.

All this human exchange is set against a brilliant backdrop including the frigate, HMS Surprise. This ship features a multitude of exciting and appealing technical effects, all of which blend coherently into some of the most stunning sea scenes ever. Having sailed in my family's own boat from Plymouth to Portugal I know what it's like to be in the dark on the deck when the wind is howling and the waves are crashing on board. I love the voyage scenes in this movie and my favourite is the journey around the Cape. I thought it was absolutely amazing.

The man in charge of all this is Aussie director, Peter Weir, who I have admired over the years. He creates a perfect balance of the physical and emotional elements in this film. He follows the author's storyline. To create the authenticity of that time he even employed special historical and technical consultants for their expertise. Most of the movie was filmed in a gigantic tank - the same one as used in the filming of the Titanic. To create the beauty and everyday workings of the tall ship - a real one was re-fitted so it looked identical to a ship of that era.

It may seem that Weir and his crew went to extreme lengths to create a film of such magnitude but I think the end result was worth it. What we see, is an accurate, historical account of life as it was aboard a tall ship on the chase and at war in that era. We witness the stomach wrenching storms, blazing heat, heady madness of battles and the sleep that came after to help heal the wounds and severe injuries. These experiences are intimate. As well as sharing the battles we see this close-knit family living in cramp quarters experiencing life's small pleasures like music, friendship and bottles of good rum.

To summarise - this is a breathtaking epic with two brilliant performances from the lead actors and a strong back up team from the supporting cast. The filming of the sea voyages is spectacular and probably some of the best filming I have seen. It is thoughtful, stirring and adventurous. Even though there is action I like the fact that Weir emphasises the characters more and shows how real these men are and that they have hearts and souls.

The film is rated PG 13 because of some of the intense battle scenes and strong language.

Summary: An outstanding performance from Russell Crowe