More Character than Swashbuckling
Master and Commander is a fairly unique movie for many reasons. One, it is an epic that places character development over large action sequences. Two, it provides a look at naval engagements in the 1800's with a far more realistic feel than any other movie I've ever seen. Three, it is an epic that manages to retain a sense of adventure throughout the entire movie, there simply isn't a boring moment to be had. The downfall of most epics is that the characters are boring, and when they aren't fighting, the movie seems to crawl along at an impossibly slow rate. But here, the action takes a backseat, and some wonderful characters are created.
Russel Crowe is a big part of this. He plays Jack Aubrey, a British Captain under orders to seek out and destroy or take as a prize the French ship Acheron. He is a hard but respected leader, and a warrior at heart, which comes into great contrast with his best friend, Stephen Maturin (played by Paul Bettany). Maturin is not a warrior, but a healer, and at times cannot understand why Aubrey does the things he does. The movie, however, is brilliantly careful to make sure neither of the men seem like the bad guy. They are best friends after all, and you'll be going back and forth right along with them when they argue. To put it quite frankly, Russel Crowe is at his finest hour with his performance. In one brilliant scene, he is reprimanding an officer in a harsh voice, but the next moment he is reassuring him in the manner of any good captain. Transitions like this are brilliant, and great fun to watch.
The only complaint you should hear about this movie is that it is set entirely on a ship. While many may find to be dreary, I found it fascinating and realistic. At nighttime, down in the bunks, a lone seamenwalks through, and we can hear the slashing of the water off the boat. It puts the view directly into the ship, and makes them feel like they're sleeping with the others. For a PG-13 film, there are some horribly violent scenes. I suspect it got away with this rating because most of the violence is captured with intensity, rather than gore. Cannonballs smash ships to pieces, sending seamen clear across the ship. None of the sea combat is watered down. If I were to sail out to sea in search of a ship, I can guarantee war would be just like this.
Master and Commander is one of the finest movies of the year, and should get nominated for several Oscars. A Best Picture nomination should be in line, though it will be doubted against such heavy-weights as The Last Samurai and The Return of the King. Russel Crowe should be nominated for best actor, and with his past performances, it's very likely he could win. He will have stiff competition though from Tom Cruise, who was also at the peak of his career with The Last Samurai. Russel Crowe has proven himself to be one of the greatest actors of his generation, and given hope to everyone bored of epics.