Filmmaking at its finest. Great film.

One of the best sea epics ever made. Great film from start to finish.

I am so glad they re-released this film. I missed it the first time it was out and now I had the pleasure of seeing it. All I can say is that this film deserves all the praise its getting from the critics, fans and Academy Awards.

Magnificent, pure, viewing experience. Without a doubt one of the best directed movie with a great performance by Russell Crowe. It is flat amazing that he has not received a nomination for Best Actor.

This movie certainly didn't try to be a " Gladiator " on water ... The purpose of Peter Weir was to describe the life of sailors on a ship of the Royal Navy and he masterfully made it . Viewers which found it too slow were mistaken by a movie trailer which promised a lot of actions . Patrick 'o' Brian would be proud of this adaptation , with wonderful landscapes ( The Galapagos ) , thoughtful script by John Collee and some actors at their best of their talent ( Russell Crowe , Paul Bettany , and a very moving newcomer , Max Pirkis ) … Expand

Awesome! The Best this year!

Wonderful and engaging! One of the best this year! Russell Crowe is amazing as Jack Aubrey!

Wonderful. Peter Weir has brought O'Brian's vision to the screen. Russell Crowe is awesome as Captain Aubrey!

Exceptional film, Russell Crowe and Paul Betany were outstanding. Peter Weir did a great job, and the cineamotography was beautiful.

Beautifully made and acted adventure with an intelligent script and incredible cinematography. An absorbing and exciting delight!

Tremendous adventure with great character development and superb acting all around, especially wonderful Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey, if ever he was born to play a role, this one is it. This role should of garnered Crowe his 4th Oscar Nomination, shame on the academy for bypassing him this year.

It's a "10" in every sense of the word. The idiots who are giving it zeros must be zeros themselves. I think we've got 2 or 3 bored people who keep on signing on under different names. This is a great picture.

Like meeting old friends. Very close to the books, I loved it from the first scene to the last.

Great seafaring epic!

This film has everything - Good Story (from Patrick O'Brian) Great Acting - Russell Crowe- Beautiful & authentic Scenary, Galopogos Islands ,Ocean battle, Music etc.etc.etc.

Russell Crowe takes command of this film from the beginning! There would not be a best pic ture nom or best director without Russell Crowe!

After having read all 20 volumes of O'Brian's saga, I was interested in Weir's interpretation. No movie replicates a book (much less 20 volumes), but having seen M & C, I am at peace with the thoroughness and sensitivity with which Weir accepted this challenge. Crowe and Bettany nailed the subtleties of the relationship, so I"ll forgo physical comparisons. These two men truly invaded the spirits of their characters and became them. The visual effects were breathtaking (especially since they were not CGI), and would love to see it in IMAX, but only if a dryer would be available to deal with the virtual drenching we would experience. Hollyweird has lost all integrity and credibility IMHO, so I won't go further than to say, thank whatever spirits guide the souls who take chances and believe in the intelligence of their audiences to make such powerful yet subtle movies......huzzah to Peter Weir, Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, as well as all the other lads, not to mention the producers and companies who were willing to take the leap of faith with them. We who are your kindred souls salute you and beg for more!… Expand

It is beyond my ability to comprehend how anyone could label this film "boring"! It was a beautiful film which told a simple story about courage,character,cowardice,superstition,loyalty and friendship. Peter Weir took me on a journey to a day long ago and far away and I BELIEVED I was there. Fear not those who are not mature enough for the likes of this film ..There's always plenty for you during the summer! Tori… Expand

This film made me feel I was actually experiencing a whole other world aboard that ship. I was drawn into the characters, the relationships, and the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and will add it to my collection of classics!

Definitely a human tale trying to fit so much into a 2+ hr movie. The acting was superb. Russell & Paul Bettany were snubbed.

This almost perfect movie will be enjoyed by fans of Russell Crowe, Patrick O'Brian and the growing number of Paul Bettany fans. The entire cast is outstanding and every shot is stunning. The music used, both classical, traditional and original is perfect with the action. Many people worked to make this beautiful story of adventure and friendship that will be enjoyed by discerning fans.

This movie is a superb collaboration from the director, Peter Wier to all the actors involved. It truly gives an authentic picture of what life was like on a British naval war ship. Russell Crowe carries the film by becoming the epitome of Jack Aubrey. I have read all 20 of O'Brien's books and Crowe is Aubrey. With every look and expression and subtle nuance, Crowe is an amazing actor and worthy of high praise for this movie. Paul Betttany as well deserves praise for his portrayal of Stephen Maturin. I love this movie and have seen it five times already. I can't say enough about how much I enjoy it.… Expand

I hate to be judgemental, but this is a movie for people with a brain in their head. If you get off on films like Independence Day, don't bother going to see this one. You aren't going to like it. But if you have an IQ above 110, and enjoy seeing spectacular special effects that compliment the film instead of becoming the film, go. You'll love it. It's the intelligent person's visual feast. The cast is magnificent and Crowe is right on as Lucky Jack. Weir couldn't have done better.… Expand

The ONLY problem with M&C was the way it was marketed. The comments on this site support that opinion. The only person in my entire family who didn't enjoy M&C had Chainsaw Massacre on her "must see" list. LOL! Master and Commander is an art film at its' very finest. Fox Marketing misled through comments such as "Gladiator on the high seas.." Those of you who rated it low .. Not your fault .... You were not the correct target audience! The target audience saw it for what it was ... a masterpiece! JJ… Expand

As I write this review, I have to laugh at the ten ratings most of the posters gave this awful film. First of all, it isn't worthy of any Oscar except for cinematography. I must admit that the Island Scenes were beautiful to look at. But as far as the acting and the development of the characters it was horrendous to say the least. I am absolutely dumbfounded by the acclaim the professional critics lavished among this unmitigated dissaster. It is so slow and ridiculous that I find it hard to believe that anyone could have liked it, but as I have read some of you have. The proof that the public hated this film is at the box office where it completely bombed. People were actually walking out of the theater, and some teenagers had the right idea when they called out "REFUND!"… Expand

I saw this movie four times with four differant people,no one was disappointed.I loved this movie,i felt as if I were living it,not just watching it.Russell Crowe never fails to deliver the goods and I for one will be first in line when it comes out on video.

Perfect movie ? Directing ? reality Visual Effects ? Produktionsdesign ?costume design ? cinematography ?a wonderful music and a beautiful Mr. Crowe and Max Pirkins.

The umpteenth Best Picture nom to which I respond: Yawn. Lazily acted for the most part. About as 'adventurous' as my arsehole; ending skirmish is disgracefully shot. Stripped down to its purely dramatic element, it can never maintain a competent focus on characterization. In fact, the most it can ever evoke is "Who gives a sh*t?", really. Even bigger letdown than The Truman Show overall, *still* waiting for a Weir film to really floor me.… Expand

Probably one of the most overrated movies I have ever seen. It is so slow that it is like watching Old Man River? The acting is third rate, and as hard as I tried, I felt nothing for any of the characters. The screenplay was simply awful as was the directing. There is no action and the battle scenes fail to invoke any feeling from the audience. It is so bad that you just don't care. And where did they get the nerve to show that Russell had the wisdom to carry spare masts in the belly of the ship just in case they were attacked and not sunk? Please it is so ridiculous that it is laughable. The ship is blown to splinters, but not one hair is harmed on the replacement timber? Yeah, okay, sure, wink wink nod nod. Just a terrible movie from beginning to end. To accept the many holes in this storyline you need to really love swiss cheese.… Expand

I belive the book is a cheap copy of CS Forester's Hornblower books. And the movie is good in it self but it is remarkably american. No English man would speak like the most of the actors does.

Little did I realize that when I went to the theater that I was going to see another disaster movie? Master was like the "Morning After" in the Posidon Adventure in that watching it was an utter disaster. NO movie could be this bad or so slow? Where was the character development? And the screenplay was from hunger. One of worst movies I've ever seen. I wish it had been sunk before it was released on the public.… Expand

Pure and simple this movie was an absolute bore. For an action adventure movie I only wish that the entire movie had been sunk in the opening scene. The screenplay is full of swiss cheese that it is ludicrous. The acting is third rate and there is absolutely no emotional connection to any of the characters that appear on screen. How this movie was nominated for anything is proof of the bullshit of politics. This movie plain out sucked wind. If you liked it, fine, go out and watch the paint dry or moss grow on a rock. Both are as satsifying as this crap.… Expand

This movie starts off boring and stays that way until the finish. But you do get to see some nice waves and sails. Rent it and watch it while you do something else. Good background flick while you cook dinner.

Why didn't the Acheron just turn around?!? Yah-HA, HA, HA! Why didn't it just TURN AROUND???? Hee, hee, hee! Because it's a sailing ship, you moron! It has no engine! Once it is downwind of you, it can't catch you! Oh, PUH-leeez! Why didn't it just turn around???? Ha, ha, ha, ha.

A realistic and unpretentious rendition of life aboard a British man-of-war. What it achieves in straightforwardness it lacks in provocativeness. The adventure of the times is captured, but so is the tedium. When the crew was ready to head for home, so was I. It's best feature was its depiction of leadership-by-example within the confines of a vessel long at sea, and the capacity of the crew to respond positively. … Expand

Good movie, if you like sailing and history. There is not much happening for the city-dweller.

If you believe this is an action film then you are missing the point. this movie is the study of a man. a man who must balance duty and desire with humanity and relationships. Delve into Cap'n Jack ane you will see that this is almost a chick flick.

As intelligent and captivating as the books. Weir and Crowe nail this spot on and give us the seat right next to them. You are there every moment of the film - right on board ship with the other 197 souls.

Magnificient!!! Crowe is a shoe-in for his 4th Oscar nom...as well as Weir, and Best Picture. Truly a masterpiece. I'm amazed at those who cannot see the same thing I do about this classic film!!!

Master and Commander is pitch-perfect in every way: rich in historical detail without flaunting it, powerful and grimly realistic in the battle scenes, beautifully acted and filmed from the serenity of the Galapagos Islands to the hellish quarterdeck of a warship under fire. The script is like a symphony in the way it captures the ebb and flow of life on a ship. The delay from the original June release date, which had Fox so worried, was worth it to get the animation exactly right. This is a very strong contender for best picture of 2003.… Expand

The first half of the film is fairly mediocre, but the second half is glorious.

The Stephen Hunter review is dead-on. Everything seems to be so important that you start to wonder if anything really is. I eventually was bored to death. This is an Oscar-machine, that's it. And I wish it the worst of luck - well, this and Mystic River.

I loved it Except the end where it leaves it open for a sequel.

This was a great movie. I can't see how anyone can give it less than a seven! The action was superb, and it wasn't short on plot at all. This is the first good movie that came out this year since since Pirates of the Caribbean!

Terribly depressing movie in which one had difficulty caring for any of the characters. I must admit the scenery was gorgeous. Other than that, I kept looking at my watch waiting for this drek to end. A Pirates of the Caribbean it is not.

Hated this blood and gore boring epic. The characters were flat and never explained their drone existence in the filthy sea.

Besides accuratly portraying sea life there is little here. People say that the movie had no potential to begin with. I mean its constrained to a group of guys on a boat. At first i had a similar opintion, but then why was Jaws so good? Most Peter Weir films dont have parts that you can pinpoint and say that that was well done. However, walking out of Dead Poets Society i had issues to think about if not the movie itself. Walking out of MandC the only thing i was left to think about was the movie itsef, and anyone comes quickly to the conclusion that it was not well done.… Expand

Michael, I have an open mind but I'm sorry to say I disagree with your assessment. I found this to be a very dull movie with excessive violence that served no purpose. The characters were underdeveloped and thus I was without feeling for their plight. Long on wind but not much on substance. Very disappointing to say the least.

AWESOME, ENTERTAINING, SPELLBINDING - these are words that could NOT be used to describe this film. Who cares about historical accuracy when you are bored to tears? And even if you could stay awake during the hour long filler in between, the battle scenes were not that great since there was little about the characters to make you care whether they died and zero tension to make you realize the danger. Pirates of the Carribbean may have been silly and annoying in parts but at least it kept me awake. … Expand

Incredible. Crowe proves once again that he is the quintessential actor of our time. Almost upstaging him, however, is Paul Bettany, creating a layered and strong supporting character. The music is phenomenal, the story even better. This is the movie to beat this fall.

Terribly slow depressing boring ACTION ADVENTURE film. That in itself is an oxymoron as I could not wait to leave. People were actually walking out of the theater as it was that bad. Not worthy of your time nor money. Avoid.

A movie that builds to nothing. Really, it was a waste of money, energy, and TIME. Seriously stupid. What happened to the Gladiator character?

I liked the cinematography but nothing else. Boring, no performances worth remembering, and I had absolutely no empathy for the crew or the time. Much ado about nothing.

What planet are these readers/users living on!! This is a thinking person's action flick. With so many mindless movies out there this one stands out even more. Compares favorably with my all-time favorite movie (also a Weir flick) "Witness".

Beautiful film. Well worth the money!

Really wanted to like this movie, but was completely bored. This will not and should not receive a Best picture nomination.

Sucked big time. What a waste of time and money. Booooooring.

So far, my favorite film of the year, and probably my favorite war film of all time. Succeeds on all levels: cinematography, sound design, soundtrack, flawed yet heroic characters brilliantly portrayed, gripping action, and a subtle, non-hollywood plot arc that a brain-dead generation raised on television may find boring.

A beautiful film -- the cinematography, costumes, acting were outstanding. I think many reviewers gave poor grades because they thought they were going to see a simple-minded action flick. This was a study in leadership and Russel Crowe is probably the only actor today who could pull this off so brilliantly.

MooCow if you thought that Pirates was a disaster all I can say is look at the receipts for Pirates vs. this crap? This may be one of the worst movies ever made. Perhaps, you are one of those pseudo intellectuals that enjoys watching paint dry? Please spare us the crap about this lethargic piece of garbage in that not one character had any soul. A waste of time and money.

I'm suprised to see how many detractors this film has. I'd give it a 9.5, but there isn't one.

Possibly one of the most overrated films ever made. It was terrible except for the scenery. If I need scenery I can find it elsewhere at much less the cost. National Geographic is more exciting than this horrible excuse for a movie.

In looking over the reviews, the movie seems to score either very high or very low--there are no 5 or 6 scores. I have read most of the books from the series that the movie was based on and I loved the way the characters were developed on screen and action that is described in the books is made violently real. I also enjoyed Pirates of the Carribean, but let's face it, folks, that was a complete cartoon--a fun one, but not serious movie-making at all. Master and Commander is a grown-ups' movie, and I suspect that many of those who were disappointed just didn't get the quieter, more subtle moments of the film. It isn't perfect, and it isn't completely faithful to the books in actual incident, but the character development was quite true to Patrick O'Brian's conception. Crowe is physically perfect as Jack Aubrey.… Expand

Action, Adventure? This dud of a movie had neither. It was a terrible boring disjointed flick that should have sunk with the opening scene. How anyone can find any redeeming value in this dreck is beyond me? Perhaps, the book(s) were good but not this film as it was sadly lacking in conviction and character development.

This was one bloody mess of a movie. It was awful. The less said the better.

I just came back from watching this dreck and believe me that isn't a strong enough word. Master is one of the slowest films I have ever seen in which there isn't any character development, and even worse, the viewer doesn't care about the characters. Other than the scenery, which I gave one point for, the movie is devoid of any redeeming qualities. Since Kevin piqued my interest to go see it, I would suggest that Kevin present himself for psychoanalysis because this was a film only a turtle or a moron could love. Avoid at all costs.… Expand

2003 Best Film. Spellbinding. Russell Crowe is the perfect Lucky Jack Aubrey. Commanding, funny and brillant when called upon to make hard choices. Life on this boat became a part of the viewer. Peter Wier brought the Patrick O'Brian books to the screen in the most compelling way possible. Should give Russell Crowe his second OSCAR and one for the movie and Wier. Loyalty and honor were admired traits. Great movie that deserves a 10.… Expand

Attocious in every respect. Slow and without any emotion. As I watched this nonadventure film unfold all I could think of was the Dead Sea. This film should have been sunk before it was released. This ranks as one of the worst films of 2003. Avoid.

One of the dullest movies I have ever witnessed. Enough said.

A row boat ride is more exciting than this poor excuse for a feature film. As a documentary, I would have changed the channel. Terribly slow and devoid of ANT character development. It makes me want to rush to my nearest library and burn the books.

This movie gives a new meaning to water torture. Bland, trite, and idiotically slow. This lackluster boat adventure flick suffers from indifferent direction and inane writing.

Easily the most overrated boring movie I have ever seen. Absolutely hated it.

If only a U-2 boat had magically appeared and sunk this disaster? What it doesn't make sense? It is as real as carrying timber to replace the masts after they have been destroyed by an enemy who blasted the ship with cannon fire but somehow didn't sink the ship or harm one hair on that precious replacement timber?

Talk about a complete waste of time and money then Master is it. I have never been bored more in my life. The screenplay was awful and almost laughable. The acting failed to invoke any emotion as the characters were lifeless and dull. Just terrible.

Lukewarm action-adventure with bland acting.

One of the worst movies I have ever seen. Boring is an understatement. Terrible writing and acting. The only decent thing was the cinematography. And if I want that I can buy a postcard. Just awful.

This is a movie for simpletons. No creative writing, acting or directing. Awful and boring.

quite frankly the most boring movie I have ever sat through. The screenplay was terrible, the acting was poor as was the directing. I really tried to feel something for the characters and was unable to do so. This movie was as bad as a two day old cold fish.

There is no beating around the bush. This flick sucked from the opening scene to the antiseptic ending. Moss grows on a stone faster than this non action film moved.

This movie is about as dry as the deck of the boat was wet in the storm. Crowe's performance was, to say the least, boring as he pretty much had only one facial expression. His character wasn't a master or a commander. The movie was also emotionally empty. Every single sailor, minus the doctor, was the same as the next and no one who died I even remotely cared about. The plot was virtually non-existant... I give the director kudos for being able to turn an adventure movie into the most wasted two hours of my life thus far. What were the Oscar Academy thinking?… Expand

I only wish this movie had been torpedoed within the first 5 minutes as it was the longest, most excruciating boring movie I have ever seen. How can any swashbuckling pirate movie be this slow. As for Russell and his one dimensional character and crew there are no words worthy of describing how awful and emotionless this film truly was. If this movie wins even one award tonight it would be a complete and total disgrace. … Expand

I saw this tepid adventure flick back in October, and I have no idea why it was re-realeased. While it has some decent scenery and battle scenes, it is still frustratingly dull. You'd think that a high seas adventure movie based on a beloved series would be more involving. Apparently not. The acting is pretty bland and the screenplay is shoddily written and lazily paced. If I had been alive during this time, I would have tried to sink this boat myself and put it out of its misery.… Expand

I guess you have to be older and better educated than the general public to get the greatness of this film. I thought it realistically captured the life on an 1800 fighting ship. It was spectacular, and Crowe WAS Jack Aubrey. I saw it with my sister, husband, and my two sons who are in college; we all thought it was great.

A beautiful and intelligent film. I find that those who found it boring were usually very young adults, teenagers or kids, who prefer lots of visual effects and have no use for dialogue. The "X" generation doesn't like to think.

Incredible movie for it is unique and absolutely outstanding! Watched it ten times at the movies and with each time loved it more. Each time I discovered more wonderful details. You just can't grasp the depth and beauty of that cinematic masterpiece when watching it for the first (and perhaps only) time. The greatness of M&C doesn't reveal itself in the action and battle scenes but in the more subtle sequences depicting the relationship between Aubrey and Maturin, between the captain and his crew and in those scenes which just give an impression of day-to-day life on a man-of-war of that time. If you are not only waiting for the next battle scene, if you are willing to get involved and if you are willing to look at that movie as you would look at a work of art (and a work of art M&C is!) then you will discover that it is as beautiful and very similar to a painting of William Turner.… Expand

Absolutely stunning film. This is the kind of film made for those who aren't into the thrill-a-second car chases. The film makers decided that audiences are mature enough to enjoy a character study rather than an amusement park ride.

This is a gorgeous, entertaining and inspiring film. I've seen it several times and it gets better with each viewing. Russell Crowe is the Captain, personified and Paul Bettany perfectly complements him as his friend, the ship's doctor. Everyone else, down to the most humble sailer deliver authentic performances. A must-see!!!!!

This was more than an action movie as advertised. It was life at sea in a time long gone. The comeraderie of men far from home. I especially enjoyed Jack and Stephen's friendship. Maturin's pursuit of nature was the perfect counterbalance to Aubrey's seafaring prowess.

This film is an ensemble piece, folks. This, and the fact that the film has its lenghts, might make it boring for the average "fast-food-"viewer. But if you take the time to have a closer look and just enjoy the narrating of the story, you will be awarded with high-level entertainment.

Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey and the entire crew of the HMS Surprise made this movie a really exciting and moving movie experience.

This movie was great! My only complaint would be that Russell is not in it enough. Paul Bettany, though, more than takes up the slack left by Russell's absence. It it too bad that Fox has done such a poor job promoting this film. I was very much surprised when I did see it; it was nothing like I expected based on the trailers and advertisements.

Wonderful flick. The action scenes were awesome. Really felt like I was onboard! The acting, direction, cinematography, costumes were all top notch. Don't miss this one!

Kept me spellbound. Great ensemble piece.

I simply loved the movie and Russell Crowe as lucky Jack! Too bad he wasn't nominated for an Oscar.

It's obvious the $135mil spent on this film was for special effects only. No stand-out performances except for the young kid. For the ensemble cast, it just wasn't there. Crowe's performance was a disappointment, but you can't be great in every role you undertake. Going by the just the last 10 or so glowing reviews here, there must have been a call to action to Crowe's fans.… Expand

Really great movie. A piece of fine art. A must see.

Having read all but 4 of the series, this film is wonderful presentation of the characters and times set out by O'Brien. Enjoyed it immensely.

At last, an action/adventure film where the special effects serve the plot and are not only flash and spectacle. A movie--Finally--with the courage to delve into its characters and make them come alive! This is a thinking persons film, no emply effects and popcorn brained plot, you have to pay attention and engage your brain. Crowe is stupendous as Jack Aubrey--playing for subtlety and depth as opposed to the scenery chewing other actors get Oscars for. Paul Bettany should have been nominated for a Best Supporting Oscar--the entire cast makes this film come alive. A film you have to se more than once to catch all the details and appreciate the subtlety of. We can only hope that this film marks the return to true story telling in Hollywood and not the continuation of empty plotted, vapid character peopled and spectable special effects driven pap tha passes for entertainment these days. … Expand