History Buffs: Master and Commander

[@pigpig252]

I think what I love most about Master and Commander is that it's not really a film about war, it's a film about friendship, duty, and loyalty, with the backdrop of war

[@TroubleToby3040]

Just like The Fast and the Furious franchise!!

[@ShonanMiura]

Absolutely. While the action and seamanship scenes are amazing, equally awesome are the scenes of just conversations happening in the wardroom and elsewhere.

[@soxman444]

It's the quintessential "Dudes Rock" movie, and will forever be celebrated as such

[@Philitron128]

I though it was about boats

[@douglasmccarthy8914]

This is one movie that despite knowing the outcome, you can watch over and over again. LOVE IT!!

[@bshocks]

Yup!

[@erigon0448]

My dream is to fly over the rainbow so high

[@XxMasterSasorixX]

I have watched it 8 times in the last 3 years

[@davidhughmiller]

@@XxMasterSasorixX Watt chef it for the first time ever a few nights ago. Wished I had watched it sooner.

[@timpower4922]

A true re-watchable movie for sure. I wish we got more movies like this these days.

[@toddcott9510]

This must be most underrated and overlooked film of all time.

[@toddcott9510]

@@RegulareoldNorseBoy Nothing like a huge enough hit.

[@RegulareoldNorseBoy]

@@toddcott9510 it is a damned fine movie. Lovely lines. She is in her prime ;')

[@alkohallick2901]

Great movie!!!

[@elliotadams3402]

@@RegulareoldNorseBoy huge critical success too, nominated in ten categories at the Oscars, loads elsewhere too in a year dominated by LOTR.

[@7vanave]

It’s not underrated or overlooked, it’s just not that popular anymore.

[@EricJohnson-xy3vj]

Being ex-navy, I really enjoy seeing how many of our naval traditions and terminology come from the royal navy. I also like the subtle reference that the doctor, as a naturalist, being permitted to explore the Galapogos Islands, would have predated Charles Darwin by several decades. This is one of my favorite movies.

[@coldlakealta4043]

Darwin had a better press team ... really

[@TheSMR1969]

@@coldlakealta4043 Darwin was one of the greatest scientists of all time

[@sigmasquadleader]

@LadyGaGa is hot The point you missed is so far away, it's hosted on Vimeo.

[@starfishsystems]

It's instructive, really. Darwin was one of a great many naturalists in a period of flourishing of that discipline which coincided with extensive exploration by sea. But he managed to do something more than collect and classify specimens. That was his genius, but it was well received because of the particular context of investigation in which it took place. Newton and Leibniz contributed something similar to mathematics by (independently and coincidentally) developing the calculus. But there was a context to their efforts as well. Mathematicians were playing with the idea of limits as well as looking for solutions to equations involving change over time. And they were actively corresponding with each other and publishing their results. Another important similarity between mathematics and the natural sciences at the time was the good fortune of having a privileged class with good education, ample free time, financial resources, and a certain amount of political influence all at its disposal. Without those opportunities, no amount of personal genius could be expected to make a significant mark on the thinking of the day. A roughly similar argument can be made for the classic philosophers of ancient Greece. These weren't peasant fishermen. There had to be a setting in which at least some of the general population could take substantial time out to stop and think, rather than toiling constantly for basic survival. Altogether, it makes a fascinating study of cultural tipping points.

[@MozTS]

@@TheSMR1969 and a secret jew

[@chrisjanwust]

How we have 9 spiderman movies, yet no Master and Commander sequel, is beyond me.

[@Oberstgreup]

Master and Commander appeals to an older audience. Older audiences won't see the same movie 10 times in the theater and won't flock as reliably to a sequel. And it was pretty expensive to make.

[@namjoonssexybrain1679]

Chrisjan Wust There are only 6 Spider-Man movies. The last one was pretty great. I would love a Master and Commander sequel, that would be amazing. (Get it? Like the Amazing Spider-Man.)

[@zuzanabicikova2528]

+Christjan Wust Because the movie didn't make as much money as the studio hoped for. It's that simple. I love M&C. I went to see it twice at the theatre and I bought the DVD the moment it came out. I would love to have a sequel but I understand why there isn't one.

[@1IbramGaunt]

Zuzana Bicikova true but he's also right about the older audiences thing, this movie just didn't attract enough younger viewers despite being probably the best naval war movie ever made. Sodding millenials

[@Nantosuelta]

I really wanted to see a sequel as well, but the other factor to consider is how exorbitantly expensive it is to shoot an entire film at sea. It's about the most costly environment to shoot in, and would end up costing an ungodly sum. The first films budget was 150 million, and the sequel would most likely cost significantly more than that.

[@pawlpoche8736]

I was a sailor for 6 years. All the changing of watches, call to general quarters, the officers eating together, the marines handling rifle fire, every detail was reminiscent and great 👍

[@ThePrader]

I too was a sailor. I also enjoyed those same scenes. As an American sea officer I only wish we had been allowed to drink on board. I was lucky enough to be seconded to the Canadian DDH-266, HMCS Nipigon, while serving on an Admirals staff. We had a regular bar in our wardroom. How to make war, but civilized. I almost switched to their navy-LOL.

[@KonradFoxhill]

One of the things I respect the most about this film was the decision to leave out all cringy love-clichés that you find in almost every movie out there.

[@PaulZink]

I'm trying to remember, but I don't recall a single woman being among the characters (not counting the native women when the Surprise anchors at a Pacific island).

[@wokehumanist958]

What about the beautiful native woman who eyes Aubry at the beginning? Talk about a love scene...

[@KonradFoxhill]

@@wokehumanist958 Yes, but that was like just 6 seconds, and didn't have any other purpouse than to refference that a lot of native women had relationships with seamen and explorers.

[@wokehumanist958]

​@@KonradFoxhill Yeah I know. It was a very short scene and not at all related to the plot. I thought it was interesting that they included it though. An interesting little addition to the film, that added some life and character to Aubry. Not consequential but just enough to add some nuance to Jack's character.

[@Cramblit]

The only love Cliche in Master and Commander is the resounding and loyal love the captain had for his ship, and that's not a bad cliche.

[@realrobh]

One of my favorite movies of all time. I can watch this over, and over again.

[@Darthbelal]

If they made more movies like Master and Commander, I'd actually go to movie theaters......

[@jamesward9646]

Being a fan of the books I tend to agree but they (movies) need to be closer to O’brians stories!

[@Konductt]

sadly the average consumer isnt anything like us, and they will continue to pump out hollow movies lacking substance.

[@stupidtreehugger]

Please don't use the term: "pump out". I can barely control my pack of dogs as it is

[@thomasedgington6223]

One of my favorite movies ever

[@thomasedgington6223]

@@Konductt I've grown fond of fan films these past years

[@LordHoth_90]

This movie is in a group, a very small group of underrated movies that deserved vastly more attention.

[@t4rv0r60]

im in dire need of underrated movies. plz name me a some of the movies, that belong in this very small group

[@Stewpkiddable]

@@t4rv0r60 rounders

[@Porshadoxus]

@@t4rv0r60 Greyhound will now be in this list.

[@Luca-bv5ic]

@@t4rv0r60 the duellists

[@dakjones]

Due to the state of current affairs Hollywood will never make another like this.

[@SiGUYE]

And Russell Crowe sounding American, British, Irish and New Zealander all at the same time? We all Love you Russell.

[@darrellsimpson6966]

Sounded like a Kiwi to me.

[@hannahretel1073]

Speaking as an Aussie, his accent is atrociously indistinct

[@whitesimurgh6363]

I was just figuring out that thing the whole damn movie!

[@drewduncan5774]

He's from the whole British empire simultaneously.

[@JohnSmith-gu1dq]

I’m British and I thought the accent was fine!

[@ashscott6068]

The amazing thing is: The most unrealistic thing about this movie, is how quickly that guy carved that model of the Acheron

[@davidkantor8064]

And where did he get the Elmer's glue?

[@JesusProtects]

I think the part where they disguise as whalers is not realistic. That boat is very different from the usual whaler boat.

[@artbagley1406]

Model of SHIP not carved; was pieced together. The carpenter on board Surprise would have had some glue of sorts plus the wood scraps for the model.

[@davidstefano2709]

Nah, the most unrealistic thing is Russell Crowe's bowing technique. Even for an actor faking it, it's really bad. Which is surprising, given he was tutored specifically by Richard Tognetti.

[@alfbeef5880]

Why we have the internet and televisions and hobbies of sorts to keep us busy back in them days they had nothing like this that dude could probably carve that thing in a week if he you put his mind to it

[@MisterTutor2010]

My favorite line from the movie is "To wives and sweethearts. May the never meet.".

[@MidlifeCrisisJoe]

Typical sailors . . . That's probably the best line in the original Austin Powers. "No, I meant did you use a condom?" "No-hoho. Only sailors use condoms baby!" "Not in the nineties Austin!" "Well they should those filthy beggars, they go from port to port."

[@Loverrover]

the original Ghostbusters has the best line about fellow sailors when The marshmellow man shows up and they can't figure out how to defeat him Bill Murray says, " We're taking this Stay- Puft guy all wrong. He's a sailor, he's in New York, if we get this guy laid we're ok!"

[@annalieff-saxby568]

Really? My favourite is Lucky Jack's "And remember, Surprise is on our side!"

[@trooperdgb9722]

There is a toast for each day of the week.... to be offered up at a Mess Dinner after the Loyal Toast. (Which of course is made SEATED in the Commonwealth navies...) Saturday is "Sweethearts and Wives"..just that. Some wit will always add "may they never meet" but it is NOT part of the toast. The other toasts include "Ourselves " (Subtitle : as no one else is likely to concern themselves with out welfare) "A bloody War or a sickly season" (Kill off the senior officers to allow promotion) " A willing foe and sea room"... It was delightful as a young RAN officer in the 1980s to be continuing a tradition so old.....

[@ThePrader]

That is an honest to god navy toast. But my favorite, one I heard regularly when I was a naval officer was " to a short and bloody war and quick promotion!"

[@mrcat3493]

One of Russel Crowe’s finest performances. It’s a beautifully filmed movie too.

[@diegorincon4673]

I like how the movie isn’t just cannon and swords. It really shows how BRUTAL naval combat really is.

[@captainyossarian388]

The Constitution deserves a great Hollywood movie. She even had an incredible escape when she was becalmed while being pursued by the British navy. Incredible that she sits in Boston harbor to this day, is sailed out every July 4th, and is open to tours. You can smell the lovely aroma of Oak in her hull.

[@HoseTheBeast]

And she still has her own oak forest, can’t remember which state it is in but the forest is ussed to supply wood for her repairs.

[@Menuki]

@@HoseTheBeastthere’s actually 2 forests, one north one south. To accommodate her demand for both white oak and live oak. It was the naval equivalent of laminated armor

[@N4TER4DE]

Got to take a tour almost 15 years ago. It was awesome!

[@MurderHornet2020]

After Hurricane Hugo in 1989, planks were cut from a lot of the downed live oaks in South Carolina to help repair the Constitution.

[@MrJames1034]

She certainly smells a lot better now than when she was in active service

[@paulthompson5968]

Humbly speaking, this movie goes down in cinema history as one of the most under-rated and ubder-appreciated movies of all time. Indeed, the movie bordered on masterpiece. It also has an outstanding soundtrack, similar to Amadeus and The Mission. Sometimes I feel embarrassed that the culture in the States prefer DC-type super heros over quality history films as this. Your analysis and praise for it is worthy and well deserved.

[@jasonfenton8250]

"Bordered on masterpiece"? I've not been able to stop thinking about it for a couple days.

[@plartoota4584]

Paul Thompson culture in the states? You mean culture in the world?

[@krashd]

No he means culture in the States, if it was culture in the world then we Brits would not tolerate so many movies where we play the antagonist to America's protagonist, but we don't have the same "I'm only watching this if the hero is an American" attitude. Though to be fair I do not even believe Americans have that attitude, it's just that their distributors do and their distributors would rather churn easily-digestible muck on to an American audience whenever possible... The book is about the true story of the HMS Shannon taking down the much larger, much more heavily manned, much better gunned USS Chesapeake but some suit in an office decided to speak for 300 million Americans when he said "Nah, let's make the movie fictional, we Americans don't enjoy history unless we're winning." and that statement would be insulting to me if I were an American and seen as dumb by my own movie industry.

[@radiofreak66]

Believe it or not, there's a lot of Americans out there like myself DYING to see history or fictional war films/video-games through the eyes of another nation, even if it means opposing Americans.

[@HasanibnSabah]

Hell yeah brother...thumbs up to you for mentioning Amadeus here...what a great pairing of films!

[@ainslieberrafella]

I saw this film in the cinema when it was released and aside from being a simply brilliant film one thing that really stood out to me was the quality of the sound editing. The creaks and groans of the wooden ship were a subtle factor but it added an incredible degree of verisimilitude to the film, and this is exemplified particularly in the last scene as Aubrey and Maturin are playing their Boccherini duet and we're blessed with a beautifully rendered final shot of the Surprise in a vast ocean in fading light, the Acheron barely visible on the horizon. As the musical piece ends we are left with the noise of the ship and the wind in her sails, and the trill of knowing the hunt is back on again. It really is cinema at it's finest and I recommend watching it with a fully equipped home-cinema 5.1 audio set-up.

[@kenanacampora6648]

You write magnificently. How about you write the sequel. Trill. Nice! 😬🚬👍

[@profwaggstaff]

I also thought the sound was incredible. I think it was in the behind the scenes footage that they explained how they tested recording cannonballs being shot overhead. In the end, they used the real sounds of cannonballs ripping through the air.

[@jeffnelson1672]

@@profwaggstaff and Ainslieberra, Yes, great sound throughout. The sound of the ordnance was especially amazing.

[@rickhood7570]

With the surround sound turned up at home the battle scenes with connons almost blew out the windows, I recently just watched the DVD again, loved the movie and amazing sound to go with it.

[@ColoradoStreaming]

@@profwaggstaff Supposedly they made a point to not use any "Canned" sound effects. For the storm scene they took a pickup truck and put a grill in the back and a bunch of ropes and stuff and drove it 80mph down the the freeway with mics to get the wind noise.

[@SerCorydonRivers]

I loved the end when the French captain posed as the docter and gave him his sword. I think it was him showing the guy some respect before making a clever escape, showing he too was a clever captain just like jack

[@ach3909]

Might even be the more clever of the two. He surprised the "Surprise" TWICE, coming up on them with the weather gage, first on the fog bank at the start and then from behind them on their run south. Then when Aubrey sprung his trap and cought the French unprepared, they were able to prepare an ambush for the English boarders in the confusion of the opening of that battle. And to quote doctor Stephen "He fights like you Jack."

[@davidstefano2709]

The most underrated part of this film is the accuracy and excellence of the score. Aubrey and Maturin were accomplished musicians according to the books, and Weir apparently took great care in choosing the music they played together. All very plausible - the most recently-composed work they play was from 1780, all of it would've been quite well-known and well-distributed. The only pre-composed work that isn't accurate was obviously the Tallis Variations, but as it was non-diegetic, it turned out to have been the perfect companion piece for the scene it was used in, as heartbreaking as it was and gets a pass from me. And I thought Iva Davies and Christopher Gordon's original work was brilliant.

[@rhyswilliams4146]

The music selection is excellent. It's unfortunate that Russel Crowe looks nothing like he's playing the violin. It's one of the worst depictions of playing a fiddle I've seen in film. The rest of the picture is superb!

[@f1zz-k1d89]

@@rhyswilliams4146That’s interesting, because apparently he was actually playing the violin in that scene- as well as Bettany actually playing the cello!

[@casedistorted]

@@f1zz-k1d89 Yea it's kind of like Hawkeye in the first Marvel's Avengers film. He has very very bad form, so they cut out shots of him actually firing arrows so you can't see it in the finished film. Crowe is playing the song but he didn't have a ton of time to learn it too. So with the time he had and the fact he's actually playing it is quite impressive.

[@xactlee]

Nice, thank for the information

[@fuflang]

My favorite part of this movie as a sailor is the vocabulary that is used. Not dumbed down at all.

[@Euthymia]

Yes! I was also delighted to hear them use the term "larbord" for what we would now say "port," or even in some cases "left." Period correct, as it wasn't until 1844 that the RN switched to "port" (according to Wikipedia).

[@thomasklausen4596]

A balm to the sailor's soul in the era of "Pirates of the Caribbean" and suchlike.

[@MichaSennin]

@@Euthymia well, you learn everyday. thanks!

[@jedpcuk]

Yep, as an ex-killick Bunting I could not agree more !

[@XxowendanxX]

@@thomasklausen4596 think of this as the day you ALMOST caught Captain Jack Sparrow

[@rangedlime]

The scene in this film where they talk about Horatio Nelson and their admiration for him is just such a brilliant scene as someone who bloody loves Horatio Nelson. To not only entertain the fact that this is how those in the navy saw him, but that it could be seen almost as an homage to the man from the filmmakers just warms my patriotic soul

[@painiscupcake5433]

Blakeney is basically a young Nelson-in-the-making. Missing right arm and all. The captain giving him the book, is basically saying "Hey, it's not so bad. Nelson also lost his right arm and look what became of him".

[@davesy6969]

You should try reading one of Lord Thomas Cochrane's biographies, or the Autobiography of a seaman by himself. He was in danger of becoming more famous than Nelson for his exploits.

[@jhtsurvival]

You should just read the Patrick Obrien books. There's like 25... they're way better than the movie. This movie combines aspects of like 10 different books into what I would consider to be nonsense. The chase of the enemy ship was actually an American Friggate in the books during the war of 1812. And if memory serves me proper, they lost the battle and get captured... it's tough because the book Master and Commander is nothing like this movie except the same ship name and then "The Far side of the world" is like the 12th book or something... which is also nothing like the movie except maybe the sailing around south America...

[@topshots0074]

I'm from Bolivia (landlocked country) and I truly admire the work of Horatio Nelson and the royal Navy. I'm just about to finish reading Roy Adkins book Nelson's Trafalgar which is amazing! This movie really inspired me to buy a book because of the way they mentioned him! I usually never read a book except for school.

[@theresadoll5374]

James, if you are not also a fan of Winston Churchill’s favourite movie, “Lady Hamilton” I’m going to tut tut and also cry a little ;)

[@Ahivalaostia88]

The music in this film is fantastic.

[@JerusnamWien85]

The engagement between the Speedy and El Gamo is actually the inspiration for the one between HMS Suprise and the Cacafuego in the first book of the series, Master and Commander. Thanks for making this episode-- both the movie and the book series are my favorite!

[@sgt.oddball7556]

HMS Sophie, HMS Surprise doesn't make an appearance until the 3rd book.

[@JerusnamWien85]

@@sgt.oddball7556 right! The lopsided sloop! I haven't read the books in ages.

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

Cochrane was an absolute legend. Founded half a dozen South American navies and remains a hero in many including Chile

[@stanbartsch1984]

This film inspired me to read the entire series of books - and I can't thank it enough for that!

[@jameshunter5485]

Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey Maturin series of novels created a cult following as they were written, published and desseminated. Like the movie they inspired, was their attention to detail, historical accuracy and above all the fleshing of their characters. Glad you.enjoyed the books as I did.

[@exidy-yt]

Excellent. I hope you're not the only one because it's the best series of books i've ever read. Not just best historical fiction series, BOOK series. Like James Hunter above said, the attention to detail of getting the timeline and the personalities right is just stunning to behold and a joy to read.

[@exidy-yt]

@B H Hell yes. The only areas it slows down in is the frustrating love triangle between Jack, Stephen and Diana Villiers. It takes far too long to resolve and Jack to marry Sophie (no thanks to her mum) and Stephen to marry Diana, but they aren't TOO painful to read. Many other side stories (Padeen Coleman's addiction to tincture of opium without even knowing it's name leading him to knock over an apothecary and get his ass transported to Van Diemen's land and it's result on Stephen is particularly a good one) add to the drama, but it's the naval scenes, wether happy sailing, stormy weather or full-on battles (especially the last 2 together) that make the books impossible to put down.

[@ColoradoStreaming]

@@exidy-yt As good as these are, I am going to have to nominate the Flashman series as the best historical fiction series. Nobody could bring historical characters to life like George MacDonald Fraser.

[@vardito10]

so great aren't they!

[@bhf4u]

as a side note.... you can thank the British for USS Constitution still being in the shape she is in. a common practice of the British was to make a full set of working plans (blueprints) of all captured ships. in January of 1815 the British captured the 44 gun frigate USS President . her construction was the same as that of USS Constitution.at the end of the 1990's the USS Constitution was in bad shape. rot had weakened her to the point where just towing her was a concern. it was decided that she would be "refit" and unlike other maintenance done on her, this work would be done in a manner to restore her to her original condition and form. the plans made from the captured USS President were found in British archives and used as the basis for rebuilding USS Constitution.

[@brianwrynn3109]

Interesting. Thank you Queen Elizabeth.

[@stephengalindo6340]

@@brianwrynn3109 yeah, thanks mom for helping is rebuild that car we used right after we moved out against your will lol

[@NinjaTyler]

bhf4u that’s a really intelligent military move and surprised this wasn’t done with more militaries

[@scribblerjohn1]

@@NinjaTyler The Brits gave a lot of thought to naval matters, and for good reason.

[@DarkAnd1000]

@@NinjaTyler Might be due to time and cost reasons. Lesser naval powers would be hard pressed to find the drydock and port space to place a captured ship while its studied and analized, prefering to just press it into service or sell it to another nation for cash.

[@heavypen]

Master and Commander is incredible because the source material is so utterly fabulous. Three cheers for Patrick O'Brian.

[@jimmywrangles]

I've read every book.

[@kennethfharkin]

ans three more for Cochrane!

[@BarrioFabulous]

@@jimmywrangles So I have I. Toward the end of O'Brian's life, I was keenly awaiting the next. The fragmentary "21" is heart-breaking for its incompleteness.

[@greggrobinson5116]

Yes. Several times. And anyone attempting to translate the books into film would know that historical accuracy down to the finest detail would be absolutely imperative. I know of no other books that are so excruciatingly exact and yet so immediate and alive.

[@Kedbuka]

Yes sir, agreed. The Aubrey-Maturin series is superb.

[@Tonyblack261]

Master and Commander is an amalgam of scenes from the various Patrick O'Brian books. O'Brian goes into great detail, in his books, to describe the Royal Navy and how things worked aboard a Man-o-war. I love this film, because it remains faithful to the book . . . for the most part.

[@paulandresen8671]

The lesser of two Weevil’s

[@Schluge96]

He who would pun would pick a pocket.

[@frankstippel5988]

@@Schluge96 In German: Wer kalauert, klaut auch.

[@diogov8]

In portuguese "em chuva de pica escolhe a menor e senta"

[@alvarohernani6645]

Sadly i didn't get the joke till i watched the original version.

[@TheBarroomHero321]

TO THE LESSER OF TWO WEEVILS!!!

[@A_Eichler]

Peter Wier. The reason a story like this was executed so finely as a film, should not be overlooked.

[@Axgoodofdunemaul]

Don't forget Patrick O'Brian. His novels are amazingly sweet to read. That sweetness went right into the movie.

[@milescallamy6815]

@@Axgoodofdunemaul His novels should be turned into an HBO series, but i don't know how much HBO would be willing to make a series that doesn't have tits every third scene.

[@BumMcFluff]

Thank God Ridley Scott didn't try to make it. HMS Surprise would probably be an aircraft carrier.

[@kaloarepo288]

Love the music of Bach and Boccherini as used in this film.

[@joannagodfrey5111]

Music is always a theme throughout the books

[@chrisholland7367]

Kalo Arepo Also used was sir Ralph Vaughan Williams Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis During the burial at sea

[@DuxCorvan]

I absolutely loved the historical music, although I must point that its use, although not at all anachronistic, is far from authentic. I'll explain myself: 1) Bach's music wasn't completely forgotten by 1805, but only his keyboard work and specially his "Well Tempered" preludes and fugues had significant difussion outside Germany. His sacred works were a staple mostly in his native Thuringia, and his cello and violin works were quite unknown. 2) Corelli concertos were published in 1714 and were a BIG hit in Britain, influencing a whole generation of composers like Handel, Geminiani, Avison or Boyce, but almost a century later were decidedly out of fashion. Still the most likely of the film choices. 3) Boccherini piece was part of some divertimento written for Spanish noblemen about 1795. Although certainly contemporary it was a relatively obscure piece outside Spanish noble circles by then.

[@mlembrant]

COOKIEEEESSS!!

[@scc970]

In the books the characters go out of their way to search out obscure works that are technically difficult to play. It is acknowledged that they are almost unknown by their contemporaries and totally out of fashion. As such the music chosen for the soundtrack is authentic to the main characters and theme of the ongoing story.

[@lacavadeguillermo2942]

For me, best "historical" navy movie ever. Period. I can watch it 3 times back to back without getting bored. The first DVD I bought in Christmas 2003, with special packaging (navigation map included) is one of my more dearest treasures. Great video, great analysis. Congrats!

[@shadowphoenix8962]

The only thing bad about M & C is it had to end,no sequel.

[@scorpio66invt]

NO SHIT !!!!! WHERE THE F*** IS M&C 2??

[@nippy7425]

Don’t ruin the movie

[@Otswartz]

Read the books. There is a whole series.

[@sparrow56able]

this film doesn't need a sequel, period

[@bchadaway7469]

William Myers Master and Commander was intended to be the first of a series, but it flopped. Ocean going stories are notoriously expensive to film - you can basically assume that any normal production cost will be multiplied when filming on the water. But if they make money, like Jaws did, there will be sequels. Unfortunately, this one didn’t.

[@neilpemberton5523]

The best laugh in the movie, as first written by Patrick O'Brian- "There I have you,' cried Jack. 'You are bit - you are completely dished. Don't you know that in the Navy you must always choose the lesser of two weevils? Oh ha, ha, ha, ha!"

[@simonmorrison8570]

There’s another lovely little quip from the book. I’m paraphrasing as I can’t find the book but, after Stephen has amputated the young midshipman’s arm he says to Aubrey ‘I know his father. He’ll be very proud’ to which Aubrey replies. ‘I know his mother, she’ll be livid’. Superb stuff from O’Brian

[@JimBrodie]

I love the Nelson dinner party anecdote. Classic end-of-the-pier joke.

[@roguepsykerhaaker4813]

@@simonmorrison8570 that was in the movie too, which is nice

[@mitigate385]

He who would pun would pick a pocket.

[@binglamb2176]

I often wished they could turn the novels into a multi-year historical TV epic like Outlander or the Sharpe series.

[@binglamb2176]

@Kirbe Strom I was not aware of this series. It looks like something I need to read! Thanks for the tip.

[@gerrytinder3602]

I have read Patrick O'Brian's Master and Commander series three times. These books have absolutely ruined for me any other sea sagas from the age of wooden ships. None can come close to the scope or breadth or humanity of Mr. O'Brian's works. If you want 20+ novels that transport you into the realm of the golden age of British sail I unreservedly and confidently recommend these.

[@binglamb2176]

@@gerrytinder3602 Agree. None better but I still have a soft spot for my early foray into the world of the classic age Royal Navy through Forester's Hornblower stories.

[@fernandomartin-gullans7095]

Check out the Horatio Hornblower miniseries from 1998.

[@thedude7450]

If you like Master and Commander you will like the Horatio Hornblower series. It was outstanding.

[@topshots0074]

I'm from Bolivia (landlocked country) and I truly admire the work of Horatio Nelson and the royal Navy. I'm just about to finish reading Roy Adkins book Nelson's Trafalgar which is amazing! This movie really inspired me to buy a book because of the way they mentioned him! I usually never read a book except for school.

[@kwanman5146]

Reading will set you free.

[@stuartmccall5474]

From your part of the World, I thought you would have been more inspired by the actions and successes of Admiral (Lord) Thomas Cochrane RN who played a not insignificant part in quite a few South American Nations, like Chile and Brazil, gaining their independence from the Spanish and is today more revered there than in his home country of Scotland.

[@severianxi6990]

this is the best naval adventure that was ever put on film.. i have the blueray and watch it every once in awhile... pay attention to the sound... incredible

[@felmlee1876]

During the movie release, NPR did a long interview with the director. They actually shot canon balls through thick planking and masts and recorded the sound.

[@demerjr8097]

not the best,, its good, the best is DAS BOOT, by far

[@DreadX10]

@@demerjr8097 agree, 1. Das Boot , 2. Master and commander

[@tjn1559]

I always enjoy the Galapagos scenes, where the doctor has to leave his discoveries behind. I wonder if he was made off of Charles Darwin.

[@d.scottjohnstone6813]

I am glad I ran across your comment! With my degree in Biology with a core emphasis in Genetics (tho quite awhile ago) Mr. Charles Darwin was mentioned just a "few times" during my studies. I think the ships doctor, who, because of some on deck antics, accidently took a bullet and nearly lost his life, was almost definitely Charles Darwin in his early years. Galapagos Islands? The obsession and collection of newly observed creatures and where they fit in (class, phylum, etc...etc...). You tell Me? Haha....I thought of Charles thru out the whole movie! Great flick!

[@JeffreyDeCristofaro]

Those scenes were definitely fascinating, particularly the appearance of the Galapagos Iguanas. I've always been used to watching those lizards, which are among my favorite animals, on TV documentaries as a kid, and seeing them in the film added more to the immersive feeling of the period, the exotic locales and fauna being characters all their very own.

[@andrewpandrew7786]

@@d.scottjohnstone6813 also the actor plays Darwin in a different movie as well!

[@d.scottjohnstone6813]

@@andrewpandrew7786 Cool! Any idea what the other movie is? And many thanx for the reply by the way from balmy Las Vegas Nevada!

[@TomDestry]

@@d.scottjohnstone6813 In case you've not found out yet, the other film is Creation, starring Paul Bettany.

[@RamdomGuy1337]

Man i am still bummed they opted out of another movie. Master&Commander might very well be one of my favorite movies out there.

[@patrickbrennan1317]

Heinz Guderian no they would rather make superhero movies which are just silly versions of pagan myths

[@Euripides_Panz]

And Pirates got FOUR $equel$.

[@simonferrer]

Heinz Guderian I had never heard of the books, but when I saw "Based on the Novels by Patrick O'Brian" in the end credits, I decided to check them out. The novels are absolutely fantastic in my opinion, and follow the careers of Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin from 1800 (Master and Commander) to 1815 (Blue at the Mizzen). The Far Side of the World is book 10 in the series. If you liked the film and haven't read the books, I definitely recommend them.

[@chatteyj]

@@simonferrer Are they really that good? Is there any sex, plot twists or high drama or is it just plain sailing?

[@theresadoll5374]

My Grandad, who served in the British Royal Navy in BOTH world wars, also stood as part of “the thin red line” as it were. This film is stirring, inspiring, and ... timeless. In the best sense of each of those terms.

[@AverageAlien]

No need to say "British Royal Navy." It's simply THE Royal Navy

[@scottwallace5239]

The thin red line was the argyll and Sutherland highlanders during the battle of balaklava in the crimean war

[@georgejones8481]

Served in Crimea, WW1 & WW2?

[@scottm9010]

I feel that historical accuracy IS entertaining. I want a film to transport me to that time.

[@Wayzor_]

Sea Wolf may be the coolest nickname to have ever existed.

[@Kevs442]

I'm going to go with "Laser Face".

[@PaulRudd1941]

@@Kevs442 had lasers been invented during the age of sail I am sure he would have gone with that.

[@D1str1ct]

He was also called El Diablo when he fought against the Portuguese in South America, when he freed them from the Empire. With one ship he took the entire fleet and made them sail home. Theres a good kings and generals channel that does a documentary on him. Its on youtube.

[@b.l.1289]

You know your legacy is secure when you're given the title "The Sea Wolf" by both friends and foes.

[@TommyCurrell]

You know your legacy is lame when everyone calls you the sea cow

[@franmadaraki616]

Just like Erwin Rommel as the Desert Fox

[@michaelgomez3044]

My great great great grandfather was Captain of the USS Constitution from 1851-1853, this is one of my favorite movies. When I first saw it, I knew the Acheron was based on the Constitution.

[@VitaKet]

Gomez? Yea... I don't think so.

[@nicolasuribestanko]

@@VitaKet Why not? His maternal ancestry might have been American. We're not just descendants of our fathers.

[@michaelgomez3044]

@VitaKet Great Great Great grand father on my mother's side. John S. Rudd. You have no idea what you are talking about. He was also commandant of the Washington Naval yard. An American flag was flown over the Constitution on my birthday commemorating my relationship with my famous ancestor.

[@michaelgomez3044]

@VitaKet Try to research your own ancestry one day, you might find something interesting.

[@sigmasquadleader]

Vitaket Jefferson-Freeman

[@lynneperry7454]

This is a great review and shows the integrity with which Peter Weir treated them. It was a crying shame that there wasn’t a sequel, after all, with 20 books to choose from there was heaps of material. Just recently Russell Crowe twitted about how much fun it was to make the movie.

[@Tar-Numendil]

Everything about this movie is spectacular. From the soundtrack to the plot, the characters and the historical accuracies. I love this movie!

[@jasonlc23]

One of my all time favorites. That movie leaves a huge smile of my face every time I watch it.

[@laserbeam002]

Master and Commander has been one of my favorite movies of all time since it first came out. I have it on DVD and have watched many times. Thank you for posting.

[@franug]

I saw this movie yesterday and loved it!! They don't make movies like this anymore... I actually said to my husband that the story reminded me of Lord Cochrane; being Chilean I know a bit of his adventures, so it's cool to know the movie was inspired by him😊

[@shagrat47]

I can absolutely recommend the books by Patrick O'Brian, if you liked the movie. The Film is very condensed and there is a lot more background and storytelling combined with a brilliant depiction of naval life and death in the book series.

[@davesy6969]

There are many places named after him in south America, and the Chileans hold a yearly service in his honour at Westminster cathedral.

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

@@shagrat47 I second that. Indeed several of the books towards the end of the series parallel Cochrane's adventures in Chili.

[@TheColombianSpartan]

I've been on HMS victory herself when i was on vacation in GB. Truly a magnificent experience. What a ship!

[@nippy7425]

TheColombianSpartan cool I was on the USS Constitution I appreciate the ship more after watching this video.

[@Venezolano410]

@OneThiccPepeForTwoThickerKekes Fuck the USS Constitution.

[@nickbarton3191]

I visited it when I was a kid some 40 years ago. The matelot giving the tour pointed out the brass plaque marking where Nelson fell and said "no wonder he fell here with that bloody big plaque in the way".

[@simonbutterfield4860]

@@nickbarton3191 British humour at it's very best.

[@geminisixx4]

@@Venezolano410 if you want splinters have at it

[@carljuvy]

I know this is late but I review on Das Boot would be nice? It's probably the best U-Boat film ever. Like ever.

[@TheStapleGunKid]

Of course he should cover that one, as well as its polar opposite, the god-awful "U-571".

[@TheStapleGunKid]

Yep, which is why I'm hoping Nick covers U571 eventually.

[@thitran1362]

yasss, U571 it would be fun for him to do a video one

[@alexandarvoncarsteinzarovi3723]

Wait that movies is REAL!? :D I thought it was just a meme or gimmick!

[@neilwilson5785]

Yes, Das Boot. My uncle served in a U-boat and says it is accurate. Especially the bits where it goes from very quiet, listening for the RoyalNavy on headphones, followed by the mad panic and 'ALLLAAAARRMMMM!!' when destroyers are detected. If you haven't seen it, do so.

[@amykelly4904]

Love this movie - I watch it every time it’s on TV. I think Max Pirkis gives such a terrific performance as Blakeney, especially for one so young. Really a highlight of the movie for me.

[@midshipman8654]

I think something more films should really take notes of from the likes of this movie is that pretty much every single second of the film is entertaining and engaging in some real very immediate way. there are a lot of films that have protracted scenes that are only really interesting once, and afterwads they feel like a slog. in this film, you actively enjoy the in the moment actions of each scene.

[@paulhahn5229]

Acheron was not a French warship, it was a French privateer. Which means that it wasn’t actually part of the French navy, but had “permission” from the French government to basically be a pirate as long as they only attacked British (or whomever else the French were at war with). The movie even touches on that. Given that fact, it is possible that the captain somehow acquired the Acheron in the US at some point, which is especially likely given that the French and Americans were quite good friends during that time due to their mutual dislike of Britain. Also, ships got around. When captured in battle they would generally be put into use by their new owners. Neither is truly a great explanation, and I can understand Weir’s reasoning and change in the nationality of the ship, so this point never bothered me that much.

[@karakorum2007]

You know, "american" people can´t understand beyond the way that Hollywood tell the stories. The only condition of people to appreciate a movie of this kind is the american always must win.

[@Quillons1]

@@karakorum2007 When it's your money, you can write a screenplay and make us lose. Until then, live with it.....or don't. The British, to this day, still can't accept the defeats of the Guerriere, Java, and Macedonian. Let alone the defeat of the British squadron on Erie.

[@peterbstrong]

Nice response Paul and reasonable speculations. Really enjoyed the movie and when the French captain lay dying and extended his hand to Aubrey, that was classic. The dichotomy of the savagery with the chivalry.

[@Deevo037]

​@@Quillons1 A fair comment. You only need to see the way the British media of the time (and since) have talked up the Bismark into some kind of supership after the loss of the Hood in WW2. That and they absolutely shredded Captain Leach and the crew of Prince of Wales in the same engagement calling them the battleship that ran despite the ship being deployed before she even had completed fitting out and suffering massive machinery failures during the engagement.

[@willsmith6946]

@@Quillons1 To be honest mate, by and large we Brits have never heard of those particular engagements. I suspect they feature more in american history than ours. Besides, they seem to be little more than singular frigate actions...? The actual war was fought against the frogs. Everyone knows this!

[@gregcampwriter]

Point blank range comes from the French point blanc--the white circle at the center of a bullseye target. It's the range at which a ball will hit the center without doing a hold-over, using the sights without adjustment. A rifle's point blank range is usually over two hundred yards, for example. Point blank doesn't mean only within conversational distances.

[@tSp289]

Did not know that. A lot of old phrases lose their original meaning though. E.g. 'There'll be hell to pay is not only about getting in serious trouble, it is about having something extremely difficult to do and nothing to do it with, from the phrase "There's hell to pay and no pitch boiling". Hell being the name of the longest seam on a sailing ship, 'pay' meaning to caulk or waterproof the seams, and pitch being the tar used to do so.

[@ferofax]

And here I was thinking point blank meant the muzzle practically touching the target.

[@Slechy_Lesh]

How strange. May I add 'raining cats and dogs' - apparently flooring was so bad in most homes in medieval times - just rushes and a plank by the door to stop the rushes going out via people's feet - that animals would congregate in the rafters. Dogs is pushing it but I can imagine cats, geese, chickens up there. And sometimes the rafters would collapse, raining animals etc onto anyone underneath

[@Epicshadow123456789]

ferofax, if you're a bad enough marksman it does!

[@jasenwright1178]

No leading lady lovey dovey scenes and NO swearing noted in this! Amazing !!

[@sharonmitchell5695]

There are intimate relationships through out the 20 books. And swearing, though much less than modern fiction. What I thought the movie neglected or could not make room for was full richness of the characters and their relationship. One main relationship, that of Aubrey and Maturin is a prime example of almost not existing. Maturin is a complex and interesting man that was conveyed very thinly if at all. The movie is entertaining while the books are rich and amazing.

[@FreakTimmah]

@@sharonmitchell5695 Yeah it really does cut out the whole intelligence aspect of Maturin's character. His political beliefs and intelligence connections are almost always the setup for all of their voyages. It puts Jack and Stephen on equal footing because Maturin's missions are always assigned to Jack and it furthers his Naval career. I can forgive it though since the movie needed a streamlined story.

[@thomasklausen4596]

@@FreakTimmah What is very enjoyable about the movie, though, is that when you watch it with the books as background, there is not one scene where the characters do something out of line with their book counterparts. When movie-Stephen says "They have their spies, as do we", we nod knowingly. The personalities are dead-on.

[@TheWombat2012]

One swear word. The whalers they rescue, one says they were attacked, and said “F**kin’ pirates!”, quietly. That’s it. It’s slipped in so “naturally” for a bluff tough sailor, that even my elderly mother didn’t complain. Same in the movie “Australia” when after the Japanese attack on Darwin, Hugh Jackmans character goes into a bar with his aboriginal friend (aboriginals couldn’t be served alcohol back then), and when the bartender says they couldn’t serve him, Hugh says angrily “give him a f**king drink!”. Again, it’s one word in the whole film, and it’s done to emphasise a point, nobody complained. There’s swearing for the sake of it, and swearing in context.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

No girl bosses !!

[@elnogri776]

Thank you so much for covering this absolute diamond of a film. It's been one of my favourites for years but so few people seem to know it. I read the book when I was in high school, not long after seeing Pirates of the Caribbean, and was in my "High Seas" stage ha ha. Master and Commander absolutely gripped me and I was drawn into the detail and complexities of that world. I'm so so glad to know it is very accurate too, now I can enjoy it on a deeper level, thank you.

[@Legohaiden]

Master and Commander is one of my Favorite films ever made. Being a Navy Veteran myself its really cool that they use REAL naval bell tolls and whistle calls (they still use those in the Navy when out at sea btw) Hearing the Reveille whistle in the film and recognizing it and what it was made it that much more special I think.

[@julianwaugh968]

Thankyou for your service. I Took a tour of HMS Victory, HMS Belfast and USS Intrepid. I was struck by how these ships had so much power and yet be so fragile against enemy fire . Truly the crew were terribly brave who faced not only instant death but die in the freezing sea while being burned to death . My Uncle Commander Alfred Garvin of the USS Wadliegh recieved a Silver and Bronze star, one for saving the ship after a torpedo strike . I know you are all trained in the art of war, but when you throw in the element of the cruel sea it takes a different kind of stamina. For those in peril on the sea , I salute you .

[@Legohaiden]

@@julianwaugh968 Luckily we were never struck by enemy fire, though an insurgent "craft" more a fishing boat with a big motor, got close enough to fire an RPG at our ship... Lady luck was on our side and it flew high, and over our flight deck striking nothing but air. They tasted the 50 cal's of justice firing 500 rounds of freedom per minute from at least 3 mounted positions.

[@ColoradoStreaming]

Fun Fact: It was considered extremely unlucky to kill any seabird back during the Age of Sail as they were thought to carry the souls of dead sailors. When the Surgeon was accidentally shot it was because the Marine tried to shoot an Albatross and the bad luck caused him to shoot his own crew.

[@Haydy5040]

I've seen the USS Constitution several times in person It's gorgeous.

[@toddbarney4738]

Go to England and walk the decks of HMS Victory. I've done both, and it's like the difference between a great high school football stadium and the Superdome. The Constitution is beautiful and incredible, but the Victory is all that, times 10.

[@ericstearns170]

I've been to neither, but I've been on the Constitution's sister ship the Constellation. I've always been a soldier but even I have to admit, she's a beauty. I can only imagine what the other two are like

[@maceofbass9295]

@@ericstearns170 The Constellation is absolutely beautiful. Well worth a visit for anyone in the Baltimore area.

[@proudamerican183]

@@toddbarney4738 Are you British or American?

[@michlo3393]

@@toddbarney4738 That's what happens when you compare a frigate to a first rate ship of the line!

[@Cocoanbiscuits]

Excellent review! The cannon fire in the opening battle scene is one of the greatest movie experiences you will ever have. The firing practice scene on the cramped gun deck is so intense and realistic I felt like I was on the ship and watching the real thing. When the sailor is cast in the waves with the broken rigging and the axes come out your heart aches. On and on. The realism and acting are fantastic. I agree, this is easily the most underrated movie all time.

[@HankD13]

I think this really is one of the greatest movies of all time for a military history buff. I have read all of O'Brian Aubrey-Maturin books and was so pleased how faithfully this movie kept to their tone. Stay to true to some truly wonderful source material and you can make wonderful movies. It is a masterpiece, and I can only agree wholeheartedly with your comparison to the "based on a true story" drivel like Braveheart. Historical accuracy and entertainment.

[@marclynch314]

David Threlfall as Killick was an inspired choice. I can't but picture his face when I'm rereading O'Brian.

[@treizTUBE]

I love this movie. When I saw it in theaters I couldn't believe in wasn't a huge hit. I remember walking out and thinking bewildered, where was everyone and why weren't they coming to see this awesome movie in droves?

[@fistfulohorde]

I think it had to compete with 'the return of the king' at the time.

[@VRichardsn]

It had the awful luck of being pitted against The Return of the King. It is a real shame, because Master & Commander could have been huge if released in a different year.

[@Knifetrader]

It was planned as the beginning of a whole series of movies as well, which obviously didn't happen with the less than overwhelming box office results.

[@JackFN_VR64]

I remember the same and again with the film Gravity. It's because the general public prefer films that are thin on plot and substance and high on explosions and flashy visuals like the marvel franchise, transformers and fast and furious.

[@barryalexander2909]

I agree, massive shame. I think a reason for setting the action in the spring and summer of 1805 was to put Lucky Jack and the crew of HMS Surprise in the right place and time to lead into a second movie covering the Battle of Trafalgar in October 1805.

[@EarlyCrowd]

So.. Letters from Iwo Jima next?

[@sobemonster]

Second that!!!

[@fds7476]

Aaand... fourth!

[@void870]

Fifth

[@samuelblacke]

Sixth!

[@Edithae]

Seventh!

[@jeremybridges6015]

Didn’t mention the music or the “natural science” aspects of this movie. One of my favorite

[@BjornTheDim]

Supposedly the first time that a non-documentary film had been allowed to be filmed on the Galapagos Islands.

[@Hunpecked]

Loved the Galapagos scenes. Darwin would set off on the Beagle less that 30 years later.

[@yamagata008]

Yes, to me that was quite humorous. Though it is fiction, I found the Darwin like character played by Paul Bettany trumped by war into not completing his research, setting back the theory of evolution by 30 years!

[@dwilson2212]

If it hadn’t been for lord of the rings this film, I would hope, would have had so much more recognition. There are so many more books in the series this is adapted from and I would love them to be made in this style again.

[@orionknight4803]

I may be 4 years late but I just got to say this movie is fantastic. The last time I watched it was when I was very young. And now that I've been reminded of it i'm desperate to watch it again.

[@DarkLordLinkOfficial]

Saw this in theaters with my dad when it came out (I was a young kid at the time). Definitely the reason why I love historical films and 1800's nautical history

[@captinobvious4705]

then you would love the admiral : roaring currents

[@johnnydsnarkangel]

God, I would have loved to see this on the big screen!

[@dashsocur]

My only complaint with The Admiral was the spy sub-plot. It seemed completely unnecessary and disrupted the main story. Aside from that, I agree it was awesome.

[@WickedMuis]

If you love naval history and games, you prolly would like the game Naval Action :) it's still in early stages of development but it shows great promise!

[@DaDunge]

Then why did you like this movie? it's rubbish from a historical standpoint?

[@Johnny-Thunder]

While I agree with Nick's comments on changing the enemies from being American to French I actually do like that change: because one of the things at stake in the movie is maintaining British naval superiority that prevents France from invading England. Had the surprise lost to American enemies that would have been bad for them, but it would not have endangered England. Having the enemies be Napoleonic France adds a layer of suspense.

[@1IbramGaunt]

Johnny Thunder historically I agree with you, at the end of the day the 'Jonathans' were no real threat to England whereas Napoleon was looking for any chance to invade, no matter how fleeting and had a massive force ready and waiting to do just that; however in the cinema the French have not really been shown as any great threat to Britain at any time especially at sea, from Nelson to Hood and Drake, Hornblower and Killegrew to Lucky Jack they're never really shown in what public perception there is of the era as being superior to the British, and the British never the underdogs; the French or Spanish navies fighting the Royal Navy would not, as far as modern audiences without any great knowledge of history are concerned provide anywhere near the suspense and controversy that a Britain versus America battle would make for, it's my view that instead of playing it safe they should've went for it and made them American, as whether they'd love or hate it you KNOW that'd get people wanting to see it and made the movie far more money

[@1IbramGaunt]

LordVader1094 yeah but the film wasn't a big box office success, and I reckon the controversy from hype of an upcoming modern blockbuster movie pitting the British against the Americans, two of the leading world powers and the main voices of the English-speaking world, especially given how much anger 'The Patriot' before it sparked outside America, would've gotten far more people in seats to see it, made more headlines and social media comment streams, generally gotten more attention; as it is it flew under the radar and in my opinion it's because of the French no longer being considered the major threat they were at the time. To you and me they make historical sense sure, but to the vast majority of the modern, younger movie-going public there simply isn't the suspense there

[@jonsnor4313]

Because the americans ant be an enemy? UK vs usa is a very suspensful rivalry.

[@deniseeulert2503]

I remember when I first saw this movie. During the one battle, with all the fog and smoke, Aubrey sees the flash of a cannon and dives to the deck, taking a crewmember with him. THEN you hear the roar of sound. The attention to detail was phenomanal. I once saw something like this. On July 2, 1977, I was at Ft Lewis in Washington state, and the US and Canadian forces held a joint national day celebration. The 1812 Overture was played, with 105's for the cannon. They were of course far enough away that one could see the jerk for the firing mechanism, and cover your ears to muffle the sound.

[@naxotogo]

the street where a friend of mine grew up (here in Chile) is named lord cochrane. Cool to finally know why.

[@davesy6969]

There are many places in South America named after him.

[@geoker55]

Having read the entire Horatio Hornblower series, this movie and in fact this review, have made me look for Patrick O'Brian and these books. Just started the first one.

[@greggrobinson5116]

I'd like to know what you thought of them. Far as I'm concerned, the books are not only amazing historical fiction, but world-class literature in their own right.

[@geoker55]

@@greggrobinson5116 Really good reading and fantastic world building within the "real" world. I am waiting on HMS Surprise from my library... the courier is super busy and takes a bit longer during this time.

[@alexbrown1995]

You'll love them. I read all the CS Forester books when I was a kid and loved them, but O'Brian is way better, IMO

[@benwilson6145]

You should read about the man who inspired them, Lord Cochrane

[@alexbrown1995]

@@benwilson6145 Yes indeed. A remarkable man.....

[@hewen8199]

"Emotionally confusing" is a red herring. It's about money; they made the decision they thought would get them the biggest audience.

[@Mayakran]

Yes. And now that China (and the CCP) is a major player in the movie market, they’re going to become even shallower to appeal to/not offend the most people. This is one reason I’m interested in late Soviet films; while they couldn’t exactly openly criticize the government, they didn’t have to worry about appealing to the masses because the party funded their movies, not the market.

[@trentmacdonald6283]

This was a film in production shortly after 9/11 so it definitely would've be a gamble to cast America in any sort of villainous light. Also, given the anti-French sentiment ("freedom fries") that was manifesting in America at time of release, this change is understandable to me if I imagine the point of view of Hollywood producers.

[@MacakPodSIjemom]

@@trentmacdonald6283 Also, this was shot 17 years ago, when self hatred and non-patriotism still wasn't a thing as it is today. Notice that these days nobody films big budget movies where your (whichever it is) side is good and the enemy is bad, it all has to be nuanced not to offend anybody, with a strong antiwar message.

[@AttackStart]

@@MacakPodSIjemom I haven't noticed. Any examples? I'm not sure the recent Afghan war movies have been terribly nuanced. Taliban bad and Americans good and all that. I haven't seen a lot of Apocalypse Now or Platoons made too recently. What's Oliver Stone and Francis Ford Copolla up to these days? #whynosequal

[@MrMorelloJr]

The philosophical and scientific ideas discussed by characters in the movie also delightfully resonate with the modern ideas that dominated western thought at the time. Darwin’s work would come as a result of naturalist expeditions like we see in the film, and it was also a time of political upheaval where ideas like freedom, anarchism and democracy circulated among intelectuals. Simply an outstanding attention to detail from the filmmakers.

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

Indeed. One can see an aged Jack Aubrey and Maturin making the Galapagos voyages of Darwin in HMS Beagle in some alternate reality from our own after the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars....

[@midshipman8654]

And I like how nuanced it was about it too, it gave more than one position dignity in how they were portrayed as well as rather blatent flaws as well rather than going after some narrow metacommentary moralism.

[@benjameshowden]

It's the depth and detail of the source material; which the filmmakers did an excellent service

[@drlca6601]

the focus on humanism is great when it is done subtly.

[@MaggotDiggo1]

Some of the most famous voyages of the time were notable, in part, for their advancement of science. Namely, Darwin's voyage to the Galapagos islands and Banks' findings in the Pacific/Australia. I agree that having a biologist on board who's keen to study new plants and animals was a nice touch.

[@Kyle899]

I love the little details. When the doctor is doing brain surgery and they comment that he’s no surgeon but a physician. Back when a surgeon wasn’t a doctor but considered more of a butcher.

[@alexisclements3167]

In most instances they're still just glorified butchers even today.

[@cindykq8086]

And they said larboard instead of port, historically accurate.

[@HO-bndk]

No, a physician had a degree in medicine, a surgeon had a warrant from the Sick and Hurt board.

[@thomasnash3064]

They were called " bone carpenters"

[@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi]

They still are known as butchers. Hahahaha

[@343guiltyreflex]

Great video, and a great movie. in answer to your question, as to why the French warship was built in Boston, there was some precedent to the idea. In 1780, the first Ship of the Line that the US ever built, USS America was given to France. so it's not outside the realm of possibility that they'd build France a frigate as well.

[@davidmartin6474]

The America was given to France to compensate for a French SOL lost at sea in appreciation for France's help in the revolution. John Paul Jones was slated to be the America's first commander and supervised her completion. America didn't last long in the French navy because she was built of green timber and had to be scrapped after just a few years of service.

[@AlbinoLoki]

Hurray! A new video has arrived! Thank you, Nick for fueling me with life.

[@AlbinoLoki]

Also, I'm glad to see you up and going after your vacation.

[@mythicaldust8670]

Holiday*

[@bryanfox5457]

This was one of the few movies I literally knew nothing about going in, and after seeing it realized it's one of my favorite movies ever. It's one of a handful of movies I wish I could forget then "watch again for the first time." A masterpiece of storytelling.

[@ScreaminEmu]

This movie has always been in my top 3. Fantastic screenplay, amazing work by the costume and art departments, an absolutley sublime soundtrack. Just a beautifully done film that doesn’t get enough credit.

[@charles-y2z6c]

It had Russel Crowe, at the top of his game, any sins are forgiven.

[@taylort123]

@Joe Milosch it had the misfortune of being released at the same time as lotr rotk. Lord of the rings are my favorite movies and master and commander is my second. I was 13 at the time and i think there was a father and son in an otherwise empty theater. no one i know likes the period pieces like i do which is a shame really

[@davidpomeroy8165]

IMO Russell Crowe is one of the most under-appreciated actors around today. He matched the spirit, the big personality, and the sensitivity of O'Brian's Jack Aubrey perfectly. Kudos to him, to Peter Weir, and to all who were a part of making this epic movie. Kudos as well to the History Buff channel, well done.

[@andrewdarrell4970]

Now I've GOT TO watch this film.

[@nimay13]

Go ahead, you wont regret it.

[@korky94]

it''s outstanding. the music is brilliant

[@DeciVonW]

Great film! Good Choice!

[@army310]

AS a SJW I think the should replace the crew with trans women because it is 2016

[@Synystr7]

Especially for the music.

[@Aquatarkus96]

The music and sound fx mixing of this movie is literally perfect. A good surround sound system is necessary to get the full effect of cannon balls whizzing past and wood splintering.

[@TheSlandis]

Master and Commander is one of my favorite movies. It so well captures the drudgery of being on the sea which is violently interrupted by brief but intense situations.

[@belle.m]

Absolutely love this film. Very underrated, and deserves more praise than it received. So happy to know it is as historically accurate as it is.

[@chuckbodnar5756]

Master & Commander was one of the best historical sailing movies I have ever watched. I've watched it at least a dozen times and it just gets better and better every time. The Galapagos island shots are just wonderful. Cannon battles are as realisticas it gets. Thank you for a great review of this film.

[@thedrunkenelf]

I know this is considered overlooked, but I’m an English teacher in Australia and we studied this movie with year 9. We compared it to the poem Rime of the Ancient Mariner. It was cool to introduce the students to this movie.

[@Trund27]

I LOOOOOOOVe this movie so much!! Film was absolutely PACKED with detail, which I crave. I was so sad this wasn’t a series.

[@scorpio66invt]

Russell Crowe's BEST acting appearance in my opinion since Proof Of Life. Excellent video ! exceptional historical records !!!! I was VERY IMPRESSED !!

[@severianxi6990]

watch "The Loudest Voice" Showtime.. he will blow u away

[@wattlebough]

catothewiser Proof of Life is a great film on so many levels. Believable modern action scenes with real human dynamics at play even among the minor characters which make the film richer than many. One of the most underrated films of the new millenia imo.

[@wattlebough]

catothewiser Hi there! Glad you enjoyed it. It’s possibly in my list of top ten favourite movies. I might be a little out on my own in rating it that highly, but I’m ok with that. Each to their own. Have a great day!

[@macnutz4206]

The British learned the value of well trained professional sailors the hard way. When Henry VIII decided to expand the navy and build a lot of warships, his flag ship, the Mary Rose, went down with all hands, as a direct result of the combination of untrained crew members and language problems created by hiring so many foreign sailors. By the time of Napoleon, that problem had been fixed, very well fixed. Gun crews on British ships practiced constantly and it proved to be well worth the powder burned in all of that training. They actually were good enough to have shot the mast off the French ship. i have forgotten just how many times I have watched this film. I know a couple of people that played sailors in this. Several were hired not only because of appearance but also because they were musicians. Russel Crowe is quite a musician himself, and I hear the many sessions when on location, were spectacular.

[@oliver8928]

The Royal Navy learned a lot faster than that. By the time Henry VIII's youngest daughter, Elizabeth I, was on the throne, the Royal Navy was pioneering professionalism. English naval doctrine was pioneering ideas such as 'raized' galleons with a uniform armament mounted on shackled 4-wheel gun carriages, its officers becoming national heroes. It would face difficulties with crew training still for another century until the official nationalisation of the Navy around the time of the Civil Wars from which it emerged very similar to that of Nelson's time 150 years later.

[@richardmalcolm1457]

Mary Rose was also top heavy as a result of overgunning - a major contribution to her loss. (Oddly, overgunning ships tended to be a weakness for the Royal Navy right into the 20th century, albeit not to the severe degree that Mary Rose suffered.)

[@trooperdgb9722]

@@oliver8928 There really must be something to the old saw that "you scratch a Brit and find a sailor". With a significant proportion of PRESS GANGED men onboard each ship, the RN managed to outfight most other navies of the time with relative ease... (Of course the French and Spanish navies were no doubt NOT "all volunteer" forces...)

[@cuchulain1647]

Thanks!

When Cochran took out a troop of........French Cavalry.The man was incredible.His biography is an essential read.

[@adamgreene8466]

Which biography would you recommend? As I understand(correctly or incorrectly), he wrote an autobiography of sorts, but there have been biographies written by others. What's the most balanced and accurate, in your opinion?(Serious question, just incase you were in doubt)

[@simonbutterfield4860]

@@adamgreene8466 I understand Patrick O'Brien himself wrote a biography on Cochrane himself though I have not read it. Cochrane is mentioned in the Aubrey/Maturin novels and one day I will look into his book.

[@mrb7094]

Love the film, it's magnificent, but I absolutely adore the books. They are, quite honestly, one of the literary treasures of my life.

[@scorpio66invt]

Mr. B I agree. Personally I would rather read the worst book ever written then see the the shittiest movie made to try and recreate the book.

[@TenderHooligan]

I have tried the books a few times but i get lost in the jingo

[@29trent]

@@TenderHooligan Do you mean Aubrey's hero-worship of Nelson? Patriotic, yes, but the books don't seem jingoistic to me, esp. compared to, say, the Tom Clancy novels. There's lots of admiration for the French (esp. their ship-building skills) and the Americans - and likeable French and American characters (Christy-Pallière, Mrs Wogan, Herapath). Give the books another try.

[@willywonka8730]

Total 100% agreement with your critique I own it I watch it I never tired of it. Your explanation of its appeal attention to detail historic accuracy are precisely why I enjoy the movies so much as I am a sailor myself.

[@Dougfunny37]

My father (R.I.P. big guy) LOVED this movie. Between this and gladiator russel Crowe dominated the dad movies

[@SefniAsheforr]

I think I speak for most of America when I say that we can easily watch a film where the Americans are not the protagonists (especially in regards to history). However, considering that no ship and captain actually took down the U.S.S. Constitution, using a fictional ship is completely fine imo. I do wish that we got a more nuanced film about Britain during this period though. I would love a film about the Revolutionary War that portayed the legitimate reasons that someone would remain loyal to Britain and give us a nuanced view of both sides of the conflict rather than just "good vs those evil lobsters". American audiences at large would not reject it the way I see it, however, Hollywood just won't take that chance.

[@13thdukeofwybourne69]

In the Master and Commander books it was the U.S.S. Chesapeake, sister ship, of the U.S.S Constitution, that was "actually took down" by the H.M.S. Shannon. This was not merely a fictional encounter though, it occurred of Boston in 1813.

[@SefniAsheforr]

Paul Robinson Oh wow! I wish they would went with that for the film. That would have been interesting to see. Thanks for the info.

[@chrisrobinson7546]

Great comment melanic. We're starting to see sci fi films showing humans as the bad guys.

[@samsami937]

Don't forget that Letters from Iwo Jima was told from a losing japanese perspective.

[@fabulousdolphin4221]

The Revolutionary War was A British Civil War...this is something Amerixans cannot understand.

[@Gamble661]

I'm from Massachusetts and have been on the USS Constitution many times but I paid much more attention to what I was looking at after reading Patrick O'Brian's books and seeing this movie (4 times to date). I also got to see the HMS Rose, the ship used as HMS Surprise in the movie, it's based in San Diego. Now if I can just get to Portsmouth and stand on the deck of HMS Victory I'll be a happy man! This move should have won best picture that year. I don't usually like film adaptions of books I've loved but this one was spot on.

[@paulfletcher2029]

The narrator got it wrong. The ship was the U S S Essex a frigate with a smaller ship was defeated of Valparaiso, Chile. This ship did catch and sink a number of British whalers hunting for Wales. The area of battle being the Pacific. It was the Frigate U S S Essex that is the ship not the U S S Constitution. The British also defeated two super U S frigates. The U S S Cheasepeske and the U S S President. Of the U S Atlantic coast.

[@guydavies3035]

A visit to HMS Victory is well worth it! Astounding what conditions men had to live, fight (& die!) in!!

[@granthurlburt4062]

You wont be disappointed. I visited the Victory and it felt so familiar, having read the books several times. It almost made my heart swell. Plus you can see the Mary Rose, half of the hull of which is visible as are hundreds of artifacts from the ship.

[@paulfletcher2029]

@@granthurlburt4062 Have seen it to. Love the Royal Navy.

[@matthowe2703]

Return of the King was released the same year so it won a lot of the awards this movie should have

[@stevesandford8993]

Great to see you back, Nicholas!!! (Fabulous work, as usual!!!) xx SF

[@stevesandford8993]

Still holding out for BONNIE AND CLYDE!!! (You could SO do a NUMBER on THAT movie!!!) xx SF

[@yazmon4515]

With Patrick O'Brian, being one of my favorite authors, I was familiar with the scenes in the movie and naturally could tell that they were drawn from several books. It did not detract from the movie though since even an old salt recalling sea stories to youngsters could mistake which event happened in which battle, of which there were many. I did worry that by taking a lot of cool parts from several books lessened the chance of other movies being made from the series. Still, I'm glad we have this one.

[@10laws2liveby]

My favorite books, Patrick O'Brian one of the most gifted authors and historians If you haven't read his books and you're interested in Navel History you will be thrilled. The move is also one of the best I have ever watched.

[@Lieutenant_Dude]

Thomas Cochrane sounds like the most awesome sailor who ever lived. The brass balls on a man like that.

[@matthewburgess5070]

FallaciousScotsman if you want more information on him let me know he is a relative of mine

[@MrVlogman101]

The flag switching sounds a lil like a war crime to me tho

[@DUCKYXD]

well there was no geneva convention back then

[@HO-bndk]

It was a perfectly legitimate stratagem provided that you pulled down the false ones and ran up your own colours before actually opening fire (which is exactly what Cochrane always did - and Aubrey in the film does too). Only pirate scum fought under false colours - and sometimes even after making fake distress signals too.

[@GiftofChaos]

you lucky bastard.... The greatest frigate captain of all time, though almost useless as an Admiral, or commanding anything larger than a 4th Rate

[@Wessex90]

For another great piece of historical fiction, I recommend “The Cruel Sea” (1953).

[@achmed51]

Its all in the details! many people dont care about that, they just want action and love storys (braveheart for example), but for us that are interested in history, we pay attention, and we can truly appreciate this kind of film. Good review!