"Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" has two things in common with its Best Picture rival, "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King." One, both films are epic tales of heroic struggle; and two, they both have absurdly long titles. While "Master and Commander" might not beat "Lord of the Rings" in battle and heroics grandeur, it certainly wins the race for the longest title.
That being said, "Master and Commander: the Far Side of the World" is an excellent movie. The movie depicts the world of the sea --the sea of the early 1800s when ships like the HMS Surprise still depended on the winds.
British Captain "Lucky Jack" Aubrey (Russell Crowe) takes his ship, the Surprise, to the far side of the world on a chase after the Acheron, a French vessel whose capture would cement Aubrey's reputation as the finest naval officer of his day. But all is not battles with cannons and younger sailors climbing the riggings. The erratic seafaring tendencies of Aubrey are tempered by his friendship with the ship's doctor and aspiring naturalist, Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany).
Bettany delivers a superb performance as Crowe's second fiddle. His stint as a naturalist on the Galapagos Islands is quite hilarious, and his compassion and courage as the ship physician balance Aubrey's drive for success.
The film's concentration on Aubrey solidifies his position as captain of the Surprise. This is a role in which Crowe is capable and comfortable. The chemistry between Crow and Bettany is unmistakable. Bettany tempers Crowe's dominance, and the wit of the screenplay allows both to deliver top-notch performances.
The film completely immerses the audience into the nautical life, jargon and imagery in which the crew lives. But it doesn't feel heavy-handed. The film creates an air of celebration of the sea -- a wistful return to the nobility and heroism of an era which is quite intoxicating. The cinematography is beautiful and enveloping -- white sails against blue skies and deep blue seas, lush tropical island colors and the hard grays and blacks of ocean storms and naval battles. It is almost impossible not to get caught up in the nostalgia of "Master and Commander: the Far Side of the World," and that is its greatest strength.
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