Review: Master And Commander is One of the Greatest Films Ever Made.
- Feb 10, 2017
- 2 min read
Peter Weir, director of Gallipoli and The Mosquito Coast, turns his hand to the high seas. From cannon fire and sea shanties to mutiny and ocean bound surgery, Master And Commander has it all and more.
Captain Jack Aubrey (Russel Crowe), commander of the HMS Surprise, is in search of the Acheron, a French ship that has been terrorising English whalers. But, when he discovers that the Acheron's power far outmatches his own, a desperate game of cat and mouse begins.
Master And Commander is, first and foremost, a character piece, and a good one at that. Russel Crowe, along with Paul Bettany form the core of the film, both giving excellent performances. Crowe's Aubrey is driven and inspiring, a man who earned his crews respect. Bettany plays Dr Stephen Maturin, the ships surgeon and Aubrey's closest friend. A soft spoken and strong willed man, he provides a counter to the captains more relaxed manner, the two of them often feeling like separate parts of a single person. The rest of the cast give equally excellent performances and help to create an atmosphere unlike any other.
The characters pay off during the action scenes which are unlike any other put to screen. From storm to broadside, we see all manner of conflict and it's all really well done. Cannons tear apart woodwork, splinters and debris fly through the air and swords are drawn in earnest. It's fast, easy to follow and suitably visceral. And the incredible musical score that accompanies it only serves to further elevate the film.
From the opening battle to the final shot, Master And Commander is a tour de force of film making and a favourite of mine. From excellent acting to stellar action, it's not only Weir's best work but also one of the best movies ever made.
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