"Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" is probably doomed to comparisons to another at-sea movie with a colon in its title, "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl." But, if anything, it's the thinking-man's "Pirates of the Caribbean."
That's not to say anything negative about Disney's live-action hit, which was pretty fun. But that film was as substantive as cotton candy. At least this swashbuckling adventure feels weightier, more real, than "Pirates" did.
In a lot of ways, this film has what many of us wanted out of the third "Matrix" movie but didn't get: action, but with brains and actual characterization and without the ponderous, pseudo-spiritual mumbo-jumbo.
Also, the fact that this film relies on more traditional forms of special effects instead of computer-generated gimmicks makes it seem more honest and downright refreshing than just about anything else out there right now.
"Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" is based on a novel in a series by Patrick O'Brian, about seamen sailing for the British Royal Navy during the 19th century. Russell Crowe stars as Capt. "Lucky" Jack Aubrey, who commands the vessel HMS Surprise.
Jack and his crew are on a mission to intercept and stop the French vessel Acheron. Unfortunately, their ship is heavily outgunned. What's worse, the Acheron has the nasty habit of turning up when its enemies least suspect. (After being surprised by a sneak attack in a fog bank, the Brits are lucky to be afloat.)
So Jack has to find a way to repair his ship, catch up to the much-faster Acheron and try to incapacitate it and its crew, all of which is easier said than done.
If that weren't enough, he also has to stave off nearly mutinous crewmen and appease the ship's doctor, Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany), who just happens to be his best friend.
The more thoughtful approach to storytelling here may prove a bit trying for audiences who expect wall-to-wall action. However, there's plenty of intrigue and lots of scenes of exciting ship battles.
Besides, it's in keeping with the body of work of its director, Peter Weir, who is known for skill in developing characters and creating believable drama. Here, he really shows a flair for action.
As for the cast, the always-solid Crowe is obviously the film's star, but several other cast members put in serious bids to steal the film out from under him — especially Bettany, whose Man of Science is perhaps the most sympathetic character of the lot. (His performance seems like an obvious Oscar contender on the supporting side.)
Meanwhile, newcomer Max Pirkis stands out as a young officer who learns that duty sometimes has a terrible cost.
"Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" is rated PG-13 for strong scenes of action violence (swordfighting, a flogging and explosive mayhem, including cannon fire), gore and occasional use of strong profanity (including one usage of the so-called "R-rated" curse word). Running time: 138 minutes.
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