Master and Commander is based on the first novel by Patrick O’Brian is an adventurous episode partly based on a real event. The H M S Surprise, a 28 gun Royal Navy frigate was pursuing an American warship around the tip of South America during the circa1805.

The films revolves around two characters , Captain Jack Aubrey the brave and strong leader of the vessel and Stephen Maturin the ship’s surgeon. Russell Crowe plays the role of Capt. Aubrey and Maturin is played by Paul Bettany.

During those days French used to rule the high seas and the English vessel The H M S Surprise was also roaming the same ocean looking to carry out the order of intercepting any French ship they encounter. One of Napolean's best ship French Privateer, Acheron launches an unexpected and merciless attack on the English vessel. As the Capt. of the Surprise, Jack Aubrey refuses to accept defeat with the French and he is willing to carry out his assignment at any cost even as Maturin struggles to cope with the wounded with the limited resources.  

The movie focuses on the relationships between the officers and the crew., especially the emotional relationship between Aubrey and Maturin. The veteran director Peter Weir had done an excellent job. The battle scenes are authentic and the storm scenes are very powerful. Russell Crowe gives a magnificent performance. Betteny matches him with his own portrayal as the surgeon.

It is a delightful sea adventure taken with care and details. It is a good thriller and it could be the best adventures movie of the year 2003.

We rate this film VERY GOOD.