H geocities.com /darxekergab/MasterAndCommander.html geocities.com/darxekergab/MasterAndCommander.html delayed x kJ ్ OK text/html `ʮK b.H Tue, 30 Dec 2003 03:23:12 GMT + Mozilla/4.5 (compatible; HTTrack 3.0x; Windows 98) en, * kJ
Master and Commander: Far Side of the World Dir. Peter Weir |
|||||
I have a hard time remembering the difference between starboard and port sides. I dont know a hoist from a mast. I have no idea what a petard is (I do know that its used in conjunction with your own hoist.) Nevertheless, I enjoy naval movies, and Master and Commander is a fine example of one. I realize I would have enjoyed it even more if I knew a blessed thing about ships and the sea. The story is exciting, and while there are many slow parts in here, its done in the name of letting you know whats going on. Letting me know whats going on is well appreciated see above comments about ignorance and convinces me that anyone who chose this life way back then was a very brave born fool. Its a way of life that is brutal and wet. The officers had it all right, when they werent being blown to bits, but the sailors had to be among the damned in life. The story is about a naval captain for the British during the Napoleonic War. Captain Jack Aubrey or Lucky Jack (Russell Crowe) is one of the finest and craftiest weapons the British Empire has on the sea. His orders are to follow a French ship. As it happens, the French ship doesnt like being followed and it turns the tables on the good captain and crew. We find out the Acheron (the French ship) is bigger, faster, and stronger than the HMS Surprise. (Yes, thats really the name of Lucky Jacks ship.) That doesnt stop Lucky Jack from deciding they will win the battle, take the ship, and save the day. He decides this against the counsel of the captains best friend, the ship surgeon. The relationship between Captain Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany) is the greatest thing in this wonderful movie. Two smart, strong, educated men who are the best of friends, although they occasionally disagree. The next best thing is the sea battles, with swashbuckling, strategy, and big cannons going off. The ocean scenes are huge and overwhelming, and the island scenes are beautiful. As an extra bonus, the main characters are the underdogs in this fight, and we all love to root for the underdog. All in all, incredibly satisfactory. I rate it: Full Price Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey Paul Bettany as Doctor Stephen Maturin James DArcy as 1st Lt. Tom Pullings Two pieces of trivia: 1. Crowe and Bettany worked together before, in A Beautiful Mind. 2. Look for Billy Boyd (Pippen from Lord of the Rings) as one of the shipmen. He even gets to swordfight this time. |
|||||
Back to The Movie Junkie Main Page |