Master and Commander, and How We Portray Historical Figures

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How do we portray high-profile historical figures on screen? Do we need to care about portraying such figures accurately? And is it even possible to do so while keeping a film interesting? In this video, we discuss these questions through the lens of "Master and Commander," and how they "portray" a man who is perhaps the most heroic of all British historical figures- Admiral Horatio Nelson.
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[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

The thing that struck me as young Lord (Midshipman) Blakeney was turning the pages of the Nelson biography was when he came across the portrait of Nelson. THERE was one of the reasons Captain Aubrey gave the book to the young midshipman. Yes, he's lost his right arm, of course it's traumatic, but here, look at Nelson! He's lost an arm, but look at the heights he's risen to! One picture's worth a thousand words, it's as if Captain Aubrey is telling Blakeney "It's not all over for you son! Not by a damn sight!" A wonderful sequence in a wonderful film!

[@ostrowulf]

100% agree, it was a simple but touching scene showing the depth of care that Aubrey could have for people.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@ostrowulf Agreed! Shows what a thoroughly decent man he is.

[@DaSaintDemon]

Exactly my same thought when i saw it for the first time

[@theavocado6061]

Don’t ever forget in the service one must always choose the lesser of two weevils.

[@ajferet]

@@wayneantoniazzi2706 Mrs. Aubrey might have mentioned some exceptions. I 'loved' "Master and Commander," (it started me on the books) but would love to have "The Yellow Admiral" or "Blue at the Mizzen" produced today. The 'Mauritius Command' would also be epic.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

One thing Master and Commander does that I have never seen in any other movie, is having sound move slower than light, at the start of the movie the French frigate is seen in the distance and you see the flashes of the cannon and then after a delay you hear the sound. It's also the only movie I've seen that has actors of the right age and diversity (as the navy at the time was actually very diverse), it's the only time I've heard mention the standard practice of loading more than one cannon ball in the gun at a time, having the cannons fly backwards when fired and using the correct terminology throughout the movie.

[@BrandonF]

Absolutely on every count- I was so thankful to be able to watch it on a near-theatre sized screen when I first saw the film. Things like the delay between the cannon-fire and the 'thudding' sound effects just made it so horrifically realistic.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

@@BrandonF I am very jealous unfortunately I never saw it in the cinema, but even now I can recall parts of the sound design that sounded so great even through my cheap earphones and even worse quality and noisy portable dvd player

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

@@Alex-cw3rz I was fortunate enough to see this film in the cinema. The auditorium was nearly empty, and I'd dragged a friend along with me. I was mesmerized by the spectacle, and it's still one of the best filmgoing experiences of my life.

[@brotlowskyrgseg1018]

Beyond the accuracy of the physics involved, I think that it also works really well purely from a sound design perspective. Just having that eery moment of silence as Aubrey spots the muzzle flashes through fog before all hell breaks lose.

[@fragwagon]

@@eldorados_lost_searcher it was glorious. I got to see it seven times in the theater and would LOVE for it to return.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

Such a brilliant movie that doesn't get the praise it deserves

[@BrandonF]

So very true

[@dastemplar9681]

To be fair, it unfortunately came out the same year with LOTR: Return of the King.

[@MickHaggs]

@@dastemplar9681 It's not like it came out the same week as ROTK. It was just poorly marketed (in North America at least)

[@mikereger1186]

Definitely one of the best crafted films made up to this date. Peter Weir nailed the historical feel of the film and the casting is some of the best ever seen; EVERY person on set is a “character” and anybody that’s read the novels will pick up on and put names to faces on the screen - “Preserved” Killick the steward, giant Padeen Colman the surgeon’s Loblolly Boy, “Awkward” Davis the big barely-able seaman full of violence... the screenwriter knew the source material, understood it and loved it.

[@raseli4066]

What's the movies name

[@philipsalama8083]

I hate it when historical media does the opposite of this, like Assassin's Creed III, where you meet basically every US founding father and are in most of the important battles of the early war.

[@Richard0292]

@@johngalardi In what scenes where they inserted in to where they weren't present in the books?

[@julianmhall]

Not forgetting that the Templars were eradicated as an Order over a century prior to the Borgia Popes and the Templars were a Holy Order anyway. The whole franchise is historical rubbish.

[@AsserKortteenniemi]

@@julianmhall Dude. It's not even trying to claim to be anywhere near historical. It just fiction drawing stories and ideas from historical events. You're just bitching about fictional story not being historical.

[@julianmhall]

@@AsserKortteenniemi no try reading my comment again. It refers to the Assassins Creed VIDEO GAME not a historical fictional story which is usually a lot more accurate.

[@raulpetrascu2696]

@@julianmhall assassins creed is historical FICTION lol the idea is the templars SECRETELY survived as a SECRET organisation that tries to control people. There is room for creative fiction there

[@TSZatoichi]

Nelsons full quote is “In case Signals can neither be seen or perfectly understood, no Captain can do very wrong if he places his ship alongside that of the enemy.” This was said to his subordinate captains in preparations for the coming Battle of Trafalgar. Looking at the whole quote it has less of the youthful exuberance of "always go straight at 'em" and more of the professional sailor seasoned in the practicalities of the coming battle that will cover several square miles of open ocean, involve 60 ships of the line, and god knows how much expended gunpowder (and the smoke it produces.)

[@silentotto5099]

That's a bit reminiscent of the saying among combat troops... "When in doubt, win the war".

[@JohnyG29]

Yes, this is what i wanted to write, but you beat me to it (by 10 months). Nelson wasn't some foolhardy simpleton saying "just go straight at 'em", he was an experienced seaman and commander with sound judgement.

[@Hellvellyn]

@@JohnyG29 But as Brandon said, these lines in the movie display the personalities of the characters rather than nelson. A young midship eager for gunsmoke and a good brawl might interpret Nelson's word's in such a brash manner

[@West_Coast_Mainline]

When in doubt beat their arse

[@jordanryan2497]

@@Hellvellyn that said, and I agree, I feel Brandon might have mentioned said quote in its entirety. It clarifies exactly why anything of the sort would be said

[@nathansclimenti5019]

I believe that the quote, "never mind the maneuvers, always go straight at them" is ripped directly from a line written by Captain Thomas Cochrane, told to him when he met Nelson.

[@BrandonF]

That'd make sense!

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

And "Always go straight at them!" has been in the Royal Navy's signal book ever since.

[@IanJax98]

Cochrane was a hurricane of a man, I'd dare to say the prototype sea adventurer, to use an euphemism

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@IanJax98 Cochrane was incredible, he frightened the Admiralty as much as he frightened the French!

[@IanJax98]

@@wayneantoniazzi2706 and half of south america, while fighting and leading the Revolutions in half of its countries

[@Azdaja13]

2021 remake of Master and Commander leaked: > There will be a gigantic battle scene where Aubrey is sniping French with a musket (360 noscoping them) without having to reload once. He will advocate the removal of uniforms in order to use stealth somehow. > Napoleon himself, played by Jason Isaacs, will appear and start cutting down the sailors and marines left and right and then Aubrey himself will be disarmed and at his mercy. > As all hope seems lost - and while Napoleon is monologuing about all the dastardly things he will do to England - Lord Nelson himself, played by Idris Elba, teleports to the ship and defeats Napoleon without breaking a sweat. > Nelson will proceed to lecture Aubrey at length about modern political issues and why he should feel ashamed of himself. > The uniforms will all be made out of denim.

[@vcorkleth]

Lord Nelson needs to be on a horse as he cuts down Napoleon. Also Napoleon needs to be played by Sacha Baron Cohen using either an outrageous French accent or his Borat accent.

[@Beuwen_The_Dragon]

And half the crewmen portrayed will be women, including the Doctor, who, when scolding Aubrey on his every decision, will always be correct, regardless of circumstances.

[@filmandfirearms]

To be fair, Idris Elba would be a good pick to play a military leader. Maybe one of the black American officers at the battle of New Orleans. Those are some guys who deserve a movie and yet have never gotten one

[@vanyadolly]

You had me at Jason Isaacs!

[@drakeevans3066]

@@vanyadolly I'm all in

[@Highice007]

A lot of Wellington's and Napoleon's dialogs in the movie Waterloo were taken from direct quotes from the men themselves, although not all said that day. "I don't know what the'll do to the enemy, but by god they frighten me." -- Arthur Wellesley

[@cecilyerker]

Arthur Weasley?

[@Highice007]

@@cecilyerker Sorry, got my combatants names confused. Arthur Wellesley was at the Battle of Waterloo. Arthur Weasley was at the Battle of Hogwarts. 😉

[@Winaska]

Plummer's portrayal is rather good. Entertaining anyway

[@ThisTrainIsLost]

@@Highice007 Were there any wizards with Weasley at that particular battle? (Or in general…)

[@brucetucker4847]

@@ThisTrainIsLost Yes, his name was Jonathan Strange.

[@RobertVlcek]

One could argue that Doctor Maturin's direct response (rolling his eyes) wasn't just a comment on the "quote" itself but could also bee seen as a Meta-comment about the author who borrowed the quote and changed it a bit. In other words: Maturin is a stand-in for the pedantic history-buff.

[@BrandonF]

Hah, I like that!

[@jorgedasilva7665]

You could also play it off that this is how Aubrey "heard" it and so the change in the quote tells us more about Aubrey's character and his relationship with Nelson than it does about Nelson himself. I misremember things all the time, and even my own sayings. How many times do we get famous movies quotes wrong as a society.

[@RobertVlcek]

@@jorgedasilva7665 Absolutely - we misquote accidentally or intentionally all the time. "Beam me up, Scotty." has never been said. To use a movie "quote" that isn't one. Or misquotes of politicians, famous people etc. who technically said this and that but not 100%. We are literally "making" history with things that are happening before our very own eyes and shape it from our own perspective, sometimes with tiny (or bigger) changes to it, sometimes with a comment. Which is why (and I didn't mention that intentionally at first) I think that we should be careful about "original" quotations such as the one in question (not Aubreys version) could technically also just an interpretation of what Nelson said. Or just simply made up. We assume that it is an accurate quote but I doubt that there is actual evidence. The original quote itself could just be changed a tiny bit by the person remembering what Nelson said. And again changed in the movie's universe to reflect Aubrey's passion for the man. History isn't just facts and numbers. History is made. It's been made over 2000 years ago and so on. Even so far that quotes were invented and we remember them to be historical - something that just happened because I remembered incorrectly the famous words of Gaius Julius... and it's actually in Shakespeares drama 😅. See how easy it is to remember something incorrectly. And I'm kind of aware of it. Strange isn't it? (That's why I changed this section because some time later I told myself "Wait, did he actually say that or... uh, yeah, thanks Will Shakespeare for impale this into my head.) But then you write it down and if you are "lucky" it will stay in the heads of the people. 😉 So we are making history right now,even outside the academic discourse. And it's actually more about how we see historical events and people. There was an interesting section in Arturo Perez-Revertes novel "The Club Dumas" (Betten known as "The Ninth Gate") in which the brothers Ceniza explain how a book could be a fake and and original because it's from the very year the real one was made. Just a tiny difference, a page or a sentence that's been swapped out. That's actually the plot of the book: the question if one of the three copies of The Ninth Gate is the real one, although all three were made in 1666. Spoilers: All three are real and none of them is. And the moral of this story: We are relying on what is been told and although we've advanced and got better in telling what's just made up and what isn't, that the science of history got way better over the course of decades, a good part of history is up to our own interpretation of it. And even if we are very careful and pedantic, we cannot always be sure of our sources. History is also up to the interpretation of those who came before us and... if they maybe, intentionally or not, beared false witness and that we cannot and maybe never will tell if they told the truth or not. For example what a certain person said. A quote of a king, an explorer or a man like Nelson. In short: I agree with you. It actually tells us a lot about ourselves then about those other people. And that's how I interpret Maturin in the movie, that in certain moments he is a stand-in for us and/or the script writer and to comment on what's going on for example the flogging. But they are doing it in a seemingly more subtle way (although him scolding Aubrey that flogging is barbarism, that he can understand mutineers and even saying that it is dictatorship by pointing to historical figures as Nero is as subtle as brick to the head) from the characters perspective and his time (because he says the same about Bonaparte and he is "right" from his perspective as a British citizen) - that's probably why they use the most progressive of the characters for that, the explorer, doctor, the one who is curious and the humanist. A man that symbolizes the Age of Enlightenment. And us. Personally I am more open to historical "fiction", I definitely like accurate depictions but I think there is value even in the less accurate movies. All of them, like Aubrey's misquote, tells a lot about us. Actually even more than about the actual history. Btw English isn't my first language, so I hope I didn't make to many errors. 🤔

[@alecblunden8615]

@@jorgedasilva7665 "Play it again Sam"

[@elgostine]

id argue that.. it depends on its position within the film but the quote about power corrupting directly parralels the conficts that aubrey and maturin have throughout the film, one specifically about the abuse of power

[@Hakaanu]

I had the distinct pleasure of seeing this movie opening weekend in a packed theater. Everyone was confused because the horrible promotions leading to the release portrayed the movie as an action flick in the style of Pirates of the Caribbean. But I was hooked. It was like watching a documentary on the age of sail with a Hollywood budget. It is one of, if not the best, historically set movies ever made. It is also the movie everyone should use to test a newly set up surround sound home theater system

[@theaman42069]

This is why I feel like this movie is forgotten, the audience wanted sword duels and swashbucklers swinging on ropes, but I personally much rather have an underapreciatted good movie, over an overrated bad one.

[@LacoSinfonia]

What’s so funny is the final battle has some of the best combat and editing for an action sequence I’ve ever seen.

[@alakhazom]

@@LacoSinfonia It's no coincidence-the extremely underated director,the australian Peter Weir makes some wonderful movies,sensible and poignant. I would recommend Gallipoli,or the Year of living dangerously.

[@filmandfirearms]

@@alakhazom Wait, those are the same guy? Three of my favorite movies, made by the same director, and I didn't even know it

[@alakhazom]

​@@filmandfirearms Well,happened to me also...Saw this one, Truman Show and The Way Back many years before that i realized they're connected! Then what bugged me,was a tiny little film called The Green Card(Depardieu and Andie in a romantic movie)- it clicked with me that this is not Hollyweird,and there was some subtlety in the script and execution. Then i went and watched mant more of his movies like The Witness(about the Amish community and outsiders),The Last Wave( about a man in 'Straya who's having visions of apocalipse),his first movie Picnic at Hanging Rock(which is a delight for the senses) and obviously Year of living dangerously! I haven't seen his most famous one yet: Dead Poets Society! And Fearless with JEff Bridges-will see in the future for sure What is clear though,he has his own style,which for me after seeing thousands of movies from around the globe,it's kinda difficult to be impressed with. He has this humane touch in his movies,always with attention to detail regarding the surroundings,history and especially the human condition! They are very subtle,his movies,not in your face american bombastic shyte.

[@majorhawker4776]

I am not a Russell Crowe fan, but I have to say he was made for the role of Capt. Aubrey. Still one of my favorite movies, and one that they could have bled dry with sequels but instead and imho stayed with the single movie. Some can say it the last scene is a cliff hanger for a second movie but I feel it ended perfectly with them coming about, leaving you with the Idea of whatever you wanted to happen happen. Great job on covering Master and Commander.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

There's an old show business saying: "Always leave them wanting more!" They sure did with "M and C!"

[@MisterCrowely]

The novels carry on for quite a while, on the other hand.

[@Flugkaninchen]

@@MisterCrowely Unfortunately Patrick O'Brian died before he could finish the 21st book and I try to comfort myself with the thought that Captain Pullings would FINALLY get his own command instead of only being second in command under Aubrey or taking home prizes if the author had lived long enough.

[@Nerobyrne]

Master and Commander showed us that he's not a bad actor, he just keeps given bad roles ^^ Or at least it shows us that when he is given an appropriate role, he's great in it. Maybe he's a bit like Robert Downey Jr. Downey isn't really a great actor, but he's amazing in roles of characters that match his actual personality. Someone like Patrick Steward could shine in any role. Downey Jr. only does good in some roles, but he is GREAT in them.

[@filmandfirearms]

@@Nerobyrne That's definitely the most accurate. Just like how I can only think of two roles where I actually liked Johnny Depp. Of course, you've got his most famous role of all time that I don't even need to name, but there was also Donnie Brasco. Holy shit, he nailed that role. I think it definitely helped that he had Al Pacino working with him, and when you've got such a legendary actor as that working with you, you're going to step up your game, even just subconsciously

[@onecertainesquire486]

Master and Commander is one of the only recently made films which I sincerely believe will stand the test of time, like Lawrence of Arabia

[@fragwagon]

Agree heartily! Lawrence is one of my all time favorites!

[@narsil1984]

One more thing we could say for Aubrey's anecdote is that we dont know within the context of the story if he's telling the truth, adding or purely inventing. After all, the moral of the story is very much one his officers, especially the young ones (and the whole crew who will hear of it through the ever present servants/Killick ofc) need to hear at that point. It's less about the reality of the story to Aubrey, more about what it can do to the morale of his crew. In film-making perspectives, you're 100% right that all these stories and takes on Nelson mostly serve to character build, including Stephen's lack of respect for authority and everyone else's hero worship, including the naivety of the navy itself. Also, thanks for using this film as an example, it's by far my favorite historical film of all time and among my top films all categories together.

[@99IronDuke]

Good video sir. The Young British Royal Navy midshipman who has just lost a arm, also sees in the portrait of Nelson in the book, a Nelson who lost a arm... Master and Commander is a very fine film and the books of Patrick O'Brian are even better.

[@BuckshotPA1]

Capt Jack Aubrey was based on an actual British ship’s Captain Lord Thomas Cochrane, His exploits would be worthy of a movie on the scale of Master and Commander!

[@vinnyganzano1930]

A 6'+ red head Scottish laird who on one of his commands would stand in his cabin with his head sticking out the quarterdeck to shave.

[@jeremyszpicki491]

I swear thats an important and famous name.

[@diabolicwave7238]

@@jeremyszpicki491 It is, especially in Chile and Brazil!

[@tommiatkins3443]

"always go straight at em" was a actual quote of Nelson, to none other than Thomas Cochrane.

[@Periapsis_]

I don’t mind the quote being slightly different to the source as Aubrey states “he told me a *story*” rather than “he recalled to me such and such event”. Just my opinion, but the fact he used the word ‘story’ would imply to me that perhaps Aubrey knew there was some kind of lesson to be learnt from its telling. And I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if Nelson decided to lean a little more heavily on the zeal in his retelling of it, as after all he’s a commanding officer probably seeing an opportunity to inspire the young Aubrey, as Aubrey himself is now using the story to inspire a young officer under his own command. 🤔 That was always my take on it anyway. Master and Commander is truly a masterpiece of a film in so many ways, It still finds ways to amaze me with every viewing. 👏

[@hallamhal]

I've always loved Nelson, ever since reading a book about him as a child (Dead Famous I think it was called) It's ironic that a lot of the initiative, nay audacity, that made his name and lead him to victory time and time again, seemed to fade away after his death. Culminating in the sinking of HMS Victoria in the 1890s

[@mikereger1186]

I’d contend that it lasted into 1916 with that idiot Beatty at Jutland, who threw away three Battlecruisers thanks to ignoring shell-handling practices.

[@keithscott1255]

Admiral Lord Horatio D'ascoyne

[@arcturus64]

Darthmod used a lot of Master and Commander Musics and it really increases the enjoyement of the game (Empire Total War).

[@theaman42069]

There is nothing as great as fighting outgunned with the master and commander music.

[@Bigrago1]

One thing I found interesting about the film is that it's set in early 1805(I believe it's set in April) and with the crew praising Lord Nelson he'll eventually be killed that same year.

[@ohauss]

Well, the original story in the book is set during the war of 1812, but you can't have that for a US audience, actually describing Americans as "the enemy".

[@michael.bombadil9984]

Excellent. What I've heard many history professors try to explain, keep it simple, primary sources, talk around the subject if there is little actual information and the subject will describe itself. And, you gave a brief lecture with pictures and music. 🍸

[@fragwagon]

So happy to see you getting around to this one, I enjoyed your focus on Nelson's part in the film. You will find if you ever get going on O'Brian's series, that much of the dialogue is lifted directly from the books. Even little "throwaway" lines and minor characters. It is a miracle on many levels, this film. It simultaneously keeps a sort of hyper fidelity to the source material, while making noticeable leaps from the actual plots. The documentaries from the DVD show what real love Peter Weir has for these stories, and set the standard for how to really do an adaptation.

[@Koala1203]

"To Lord Nelson!" (eats eucalyptus from gum tree)

[@rossfindlay7760]

I always thought Aubrey was reticent to talk about Nelson as he had respect for Nelson but perhaps personally didn't like him. Perhaps a falling out at the battle of the Nile. So when the young boy who he gives the book to asks him what Nelson was like, he tells him to read the book as Aubrey didn't want to take away the heroic image the young boy has instead of the flawed, complex man that he was.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Interesting. I got the impression the even though Captain Aubrey had a ship of his own and wasn't an inexperienced young officer anymore he was still in awe of the man.

[@davidgrounds2168]

In the books Aubrey serves as a fifth lieutenant on a ship of the line - but not the flagship. He does come to regret the great man saying “never mind manoeuvres” especially as he takes command of the flotilla sent to take Ile de France etc - The Commodore book.

[@anthonyoer4778]

Also, both Nelson and the boy were amputees.

[@anon17472]

It felt to me like he didn't want to 'blow his own horn' (if you'll excuse the pun) by what we would call name dropping.

[@stevenlowe3026]

Interesting idea - I'd never thought of it like that. But the books make it clear that Nelson was very much a hero to Aubrey.

[@kinggeorgeiii7515]

It’s a wonderful day when Brandon uploads. Thank you for the great content, and keep up the great work!

[@theaman42069]

My lord?

[@mike7652]

I'm gonna toss your tea into a harbor!

[@kinggeorgeiii7515]

@@mike7652 You wouldn’t dare.

[@seacheese7280]

Hey Brandon. I'm thinking about getting a musket and I wanted to know how to clean it. I'm fairly new to muskets. But for whatever reason I love them. Examples I want to know: -What do I use to clean it? -Do I use soap? if so, what kind? -Do I need patches and oil? -How do I clean the touch hole, pan, frizzen and hammer? Other things I wanted to know: -Can I make my own cartridges? ( if so,out of normal printer paper) -How much powder do you put in the piece? -What type of powder do I use? (FFg, FFFg, FFFFg,) -How do I put powder in the piece safely? -Is wadding necessary? If so, what do I use? -How often does flint need replaced? -How do I keep the piece from rusting? -How do I put the flint in the hammer? -Do I need leather for the flint? One thing i'm worried about is that if I take off the cock mechanism it will come apart/break and I won't be able to fix it. Basically i'm asking how to maintain a musket, clean it, and "assemble" a new one that hasn't been shot. Thank you!

[@BrandonF]

Send me an email at [e-mail] and I can forward you a guide on how to do so!

[@seacheese7280]

@@BrandonF Thank you!

[@seacheese7280]

@@BrandonF I'm sorry to bother you again but what about the other ones? (sorry if that sounds rude)

[@BrandonF]

@@seacheese7280 Sorry, didn't see the other questions! For how to make cartridges, you should be able to find guides online on how to do so. It's pretty simple, just involves a wooden dowel rod. Amount of powder can vary on the musket calibre and weight of the ball, if you're firing live or not- I would ask for specifics from wherever/whoever you buy powder from. How to put powder down safely- make sure you're on half cock and that the half-cock is safe (holding the musket upside down by the weight of the trigger is a good way to make sure no amount of force will accidentally shoot the thing- do so before you start shooting) and also you can use a hammer-stall for added security. Then just pour the powder down, is all. Wadding is recommended, you need no more than the remaining paper of your catridge after priming. If you're cutting separate cloth, make sure the round is tight in the barrel but not difficult to force down, because you want it to be able to actually get shot out and not get caught! Experiment with less wadding before you use more! You can use either FF or FFF, but FF is better for muskets. Some guys even use FFF to prime and FF to load. The flint will also vary- some can last months, some will break after literally the first shot. Buy a couple and look for a good sharp, flat edge. Leather or cloth can be used to secure the flint in the cock, but never just put the flint in on its own, as you can shatter the thing between the jaws. You can use a 'musket tool,' or just a regular screwdriver, to unscrew and tighten the jaws around the flint. Hope this all helps! Double check everything with the people you buy the musket or powder from though, you definitely want multiple opinions on shooting.

[@seacheese7280]

@@BrandonF I seriously can't thank you enough for taking the time to type this out. seriously. I'm guessing that was annoying to type out but in all seriousness, i thank you.

[@raw1175]

That raid ad hit like a brick

[@ironstarofmordian7098]

First thing i watch after the duty day. Master and Commander is my favorite naval movie. Love it.

[@michaelwright8978]

"Never mind maneuvers, go straight at them" was a direct quote from Nelson to Tomas Cochrane Upon his Commissioning to the sloop "The Speedy"

[@Gallipoli620]

Bro did I just sit through a lore breakdown for Raid: Shadow Legends?

[@keepermovin5906]

It is the kind of game with the audacity to include the pay to win aspects in the actual plot.

[@thijmenvb1305]

Thank you for covering this movie, it's an absolute diamond!

[@musicwindow-gk1cq]

Brandon keep doing what you are doing love your work

[@BrandonF]

So I shall! Thank you!

[@keihin74]

Jack Aubrey himself is based on a real life person, his name was Thomas Cochrane aka The Sea Wolf. He was an amazing seaman who’s exploits are simply legendary. From the decoy Jack Aubrey used to escape the Acheron as well as disguising the HMS surprise as a whaling ship to lure in the beastly French predator. Thomas Cochrane is the man who pulled off these great feats in real life. He’s seriously worth looking up and reading about.

[@DanDavisHistory]

This was great, thanks. The authenticity and characters make O'Brian's work the best historical fiction series. I love the film too.

[@lucasmatiasdelaguilamacdon7798]

Well, can you make a deep dive on the boarding scene? I'd love to see that. Details such the number of marines that ought to be on board a smaller vessel, or why did the Acheron have sailors but not french marines, how grenades were used on boarding battles, how pikes were used, were there marine sharpshooters, and all that. That would be fascinating!

[@Alex-cw3rz]

I can answer one of those the reason the ship didn't have French marines is because it was a Privateer so not in the actual French navy.

[@Riceball01]

I second this idea, it sounds like a great opporunity to a colab video with Matt Easton of Scholagladiatoria. Brandon can over the broad strokes while Matt can do a vbdeo on the wepans, particularly the swords.

[@philstothard8333]

Further to answer at least one of your questions , the French navy had disbanded their Marine Corps during the revolutionary period , so sailors did the duties of marines . On RN ships a simple and rule of thumb would be one marine per gun in the ships rating , but numbers in fact varied widely .

[@Alex-cw3rz]

@@philstothard8333 the sailors doing Marines duty, wasn't exactly what you think. It was recruiting from sailors to make specialist naval and amphibious troops, they still wore marine uniform. It was also suppressed after 1792 and reverted back to the old ways, the movie takes place in 1805. The reason there are no Marines is because the French ship is a Privateer, so not part of the actual French Navy

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@Alex-cw3rz French marines had certainly been re-established by Napoleon's time. There were French marines at Waterloo and some also served in the Penninsular Wars. Mind you, with most of the French fleet bottled up after Trafalgar Napoleon probably couldn't see the reason for letting good infantrymen sit around with nothing to do!

[@Philip271828]

Drachinifel has been mentioning this quite a lot recently. I'll have to get around to watching it sometime.

[@gijoe508]

Peter Weir is an incredible director. Gallipoli and Master and Commander are two of the greatest period films, I really think Master and Commander may be THE greatest period film ever.

[@ronmaximilian6953]

The person who looms over the books but is never mentioned is the man upon whom Aubrey was modeled, Admiral Lord Thomas Cochrane. The 10th Earl of Dundonald led a life that is too amazing for fiction.

[@ethanbritton9484]

I must say I always thought of Thomas Cochrane when watching this film always imagined Aubrey to be loosely based on him

[@adventuresinhistoryland5501]

Excellent stuff as always, sir!

[@BrandonF]

Well thank you, sir!

[@fatdaddy2859]

I wish my high school history teacher could have made history come alive as you do. Thank you sir.

[@rickansell661]

May I propose a second Toast. "To the Master, Patrick O'Brien, upon whose works the film is based." Most of the film is actually spliced together from excepts from the book. The portrayal of Nelson is the portrayal created by Mr O'Brien, the use of original sources is due to The Master. Cheers to the Author, a man who reinvented himself and created the best written series of novels of war at sea ever written. 21 books from which exactly one film was drawn. I drink to Patrick O'Brien Irishman, born Richard Patrick Russ, Englishman, spouse of the Countess Tolstoy, a man of his time, the early 19th Century, in which he was fated not to live.

[@LacoSinfonia]

It always gets me choked up when the shot lingers on the portrait of Nelson with his sleeve pinned up.

[@piganagun9069]

even Brandon has fallen to Raid shadow legends, today is a sad day

[@RJ_Productions316]

Is no one truly safe from this absoloute scam of a "Video Game"?!

[@justdags6611]

Sadly money makes the world go around, and reenacting is an expensive hobby. I just skip the promotion and am glad that Brandon is able to get some income from them.

[@piganagun9069]

@@justdags6611 brandon deserves more veiws ):

[@justdags6611]

@@piganagun9069 agreed but he also needs to eat.

[@khartog01]

From Caeser to Nelson, there have been great to keep those rowdy Gauls in check.

[@micahistory]

It's always a good day when Brandon makes an extremely long video about a tiny specific topic

[@johnavast5939]

Well I have to say that the first video I excitedly stumbled upon- where you savaged Sharpe for his "spit loading" and his messed up uniform- almost had me grabbing my musket and heading for battle. Seriously though, after I realized you were making a very smart and cutting sarcastic joke- I have not stopped watching your videos! You are very well educated on this subject and make some great points and facts. I don't agree with all you say but that is totally ok- I am a big fan and am learning a bunch! I was scared when I fo0und this one on my favorite characters Aubrey-Maturin series. Well done sir and I look forward to checking out other videos! Take care! God Save the Queen! :)

[@BrandonF]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words. And absolutely, no need to agree with me on everything. Just a matter of respectful discourse and enjoying that which you do agree with!

[@benjaminharrison9500]

Great video, thanks for what you do

[@sparkymmilarky]

Legitimately my favourite movie

[@BrandonF]

It's definitely up there for me!

[@seanwalker6460]

Following on from the comment from Wayne - one of the funniest things about the portrayal of Nelson in any film is that he had a Norfolk drawl as his accent. The number of times he is on film and sounds like he went to Eaton is hilarious

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Of course, we don't know and never really can know what any historic figure who lived before sound recording was invented really sounded like. I enjoyed the film "Gettysburg," but found Martin Sheen's (Robert E. Lee) forced Southern accent a little grating, at least until I got used to it. Linguists say American regional accents had developed by the time of the Civil War but in fact are heavier now than they were in the 1860's. Growing up in Alexandria Va across the river from Washington DC as he did Lee may not have had much of a Southern accent at all, if at all. British regional accents I can't comment on at all, I'm no expert by any means.

[@irongeneral7861]

I love that KZbin made this movie free!!

[@waltonsmith7210]

I watched this movie in the berthing lounge of an actual Navy ship (USS Halyburton ffg). Everyone was spellbound. Such a brilliant film.

[@jesseusgrantcanales]

This film is a treat in many ways; for me it is the battles in the film! Naval combat at its brutality! From firing live rounds at wooden walls to get the sound of cannons striking a ship! Or capturing the low moan of a passing ball that misses! Or the other visceral sounds and experience of combat at sea! The historical accuracy is also incredible and a delight, I am not even one who is committed to the era (Civil War Enthusiast) but this is HIGHLY engaging to get my interest and keep my attention.

[@markbrailsford7502]

A wonderful underrated film in my humble opinion

[@einarbolstad8150]

Master and Commander - a truly excellent movie based on great books. It's simply a must see (and read).

[@marinuswillett6147]

This film was great, except that they changed the enemy from Americans to Frenchies. As an American myself, I wish my countrymen had a more nuanced view of historical conflicts. In the past we tended to unrealistically glorify our country which has lead, in recent years, to many people taking the opposite extreme and unthinkingly trying to tear it all down. It's a mess that could have been avoided if we had promoted more nuances in the first place

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Many of the people trying to "tear it all down" as you say are merely wallowing in their own guilt, for whatever reason they've got it. Some people aren't happy unless they're unhappy about SOMETHING. And as the old saying goes: "Misery loves company."

[@marinuswillett6147]

@@wayneantoniazzi2706 there's alot of truth to what you say. There's a theory which attributes alot of that guilt goes back to the trauma the Western World suffered as a result of the World Wars.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@marinuswillett6147 It's possible. We could write whole dissertations on that subject but since I'm not up for a doctorate I'm not even going to try!

[@kensmith1913]

Piece in the background was Concerto Grosso in G minor by Corelli. In case any of y’all were wondering.

[@charlesq7866]

THANK YOU!

[@theaman42069]

Two truths and a lie: Brandon F. Is a good youtuber. This comment helps engagement. The Civil War was about states rights.

[@BrandonF]

Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know I had such a chad in my comments section

[@theaman42069]

@@BrandonF The only chad amongst our ranks is you, Brandon.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

"States Rights?" Well, not to interject contemporary politics here, but whether the "States Rights" concept is valid or not depends on your point of view, doesn't it? In the 1860's? As far as slavery was concerned "States Rights Good!" "No it isn't!" In the 2000's? "Legalise marajuana! States Rights Good!" However, weed's still illegal federally. See what I mean? Times change and nobody's perfect.

[@theaman42069]

@@wayneantoniazzi2706 Well first of all, I kind of had a stroke trying to read that, but states rights has nothing to do with point of view. The truth is that the south feared an economic deppression if it lost it's slaves, and they also feared that the newly enfranchised african americans would rise up and start a race war. The Lost Cause mythos, states rights, and southern pride; are all made up concepts for the ex-confederate populace to justify why they went to war, when the anticipated uprisings didn't happen. A good youtuber by the name of Atun-Shei Films, talks extensively on this topic, you should watch his videos. But please Wayne, let's try to keep this comment section civilized, and respectful.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@theaman42069 I agree, and I apologise if I misinterpreted your comment! I'll tell you, I'm relieved to see someone (yourself) bring up the economic aspect of slavery. Money certainly had a lot to do with the slaveholders outlook, especially considering there were over four million slaves held in the south AND the price of an average field hand was anywhere from $800 to $1,000 dollars. They lost it all anyway. Firing on Fort Sumter was stupid. And I HAVE watched Andy's (Atun-Shei's) videos and enjoy them. I don't agree with everything he says, and I'm a Yankee myself, but everything he does is every enjoyable to watch. And I just LOVE the VVitchfinder General!

[@jacksonmcdaniel3250]

The day has come now it would be good if you covered another famous book series/tv show horn blower since you are familiar with it.

[@dancoad2250]

Huge master and commander movie fan so I clicked on this expecting a thomas cochrane video but this is a new and interesting perspective so thank you for giving me something new to think about

[@TorvusVae]

I think my favorite thing about Master and Commander is how it ends up basically being a Napoleonic naval slice of life movie. Every little thing that happens does so to show off some element of naval life at the time. The surgeries, the insubordination, the officer's dinners, etc... This movie is so cool. I love it.

[@SRP3572]

Absolutely one of my favorite films. This movie is, as a single movie project, the best I've seen bring the life of a British warship and the men who sailed on them in the Golden Age of Sail, to life, in my opinion. This movie is a true gem, and unfortunately it's an underrated and admittedly forgotten film with average audiences. I'm glad that we history nerds can indulge in it and that it exists. Thank you, Brandon, for doing a video on this fine film and going in to depth on how we get a treat to be shown how historical figures are genuinely portrayed in a work of historic fiction.

[@steveh7823]

A brilliant movie, about leadership, personal interactions. Historically accurate in expressed values, unlike application of modern values to characters in some US Civil War movies. Mostly Australian cast, ship built for the movie and filmed off Brisbane. One of Crowe's finest performances.

[@Spineless-Lobster]

Brandon uploading significantly improved my day!

[@mikereger1186]

Re: the scene with the Gun Room dinner, and Aubrey discussing Nelson. According to Patrick O’Brian’s series of novels, this would seem to be one of those occasions where the Gun Room - ie the commissioned and Warrant Officers’ mess on the ship - has invited the Captain to dinner. Normally the Captain would dine at a later hour, according to seniority, and in “solitary splendour”. It was considered bad form to discuss service matters, it was meant to be a time to wind down and escape for a short while. In the case of discussing Nelson, they’d probably make an exception.

[@BrandonF]

Interesting detail! I really need to read the book!

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

That didn't strike me at all as the "Gun Room," i.e. the midshipman's berthing/messing area. That's the captain's "Great Cabin." While it would be typical for the captain to dine alone there was nothing in "The Book" to prevent him from inviting the ship's officers to a "mess night" if he so desired. Some captains would see doing so as a morale builder for the officers. Aubrey's king of his domain of course, so considering his leadership style as portrayed it didn't surprise me that he'd hold a formal dinner for his officers on occasion.

[@mikereger1186]

@@BrandonF Enjoy! There are a series of twenty to read through. Might recommend audiobooks, definitely unabridged as you get loads more character detail. Easy to get through when driving. DEFINITELY start with the First, “Master and Commander”, which has Aubrey meet Maturin (almost calling each other for a duel), get his first command as a newly promoted Commander, and sailing his sloop Sophie in some cracking chases across the Med. Books 2 and 3 are slower paced but Book 4, the Mauritius Command is an absolute blinder ;)

[@mikereger1186]

@@wayneantoniazzi2706 for an old Sixth-Rate 28 gun frigate like the Surprise, the Gun Room *was* the mess for all the Warrant Officers and Lieutenants as well the Marine officer. There was no dedicated wardroom, not in a ship that small. Warrant officers included the Purser, Surgeon, and Sailing Master. Not sure about the Midshipmen (eg Masters’ Mate etc). I’m not remembering the “squeakers” much in those scenes from the book, I think they may have messed separately. It’s detailed to the nth degree in almost half the book series, since the Surprise is the ship Aubrey spends most of his time in.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@mikereger1186 Well, I've never read the books, but I HAVE been on HMS Surprise, it was back in the 1990's when she was HMS Rose and touring the East Coast. Trust me, there's a "Great Cabin" for the captain.

[@TheGrenadier97]

What "Master and Commander" don't do right? It's just a magnificent movie.

[@ohauss]

Pandering to US audiences too much at the expense of faithfulness to the story?

[@glencochrane901]

Also, Captain Aubrey is author Patrick O'Brian's creation which is loosely based on the exploits of Lord Thomas Cochrane.

[@edwardo_rojas_]

Master and Commander is such an amazing movie. The average movie goer can't even fathom the kind of treasure their mortal eyes have the privilege of witnessing. This movie portrayed to near perfection an historical period, an amazing book series, and the greatness of not one, but two heroic figures being Lord Nelson and Lord Cochrane. This is a movie that not only will be remembered as an underrated masterpiece, but a historical achievement. I've always considered this movie as the definitive portrayal of Lord Nelson himself. with Mr. Blakeney losing an arm just as he did, Captain Aubrey being a master strategist just as he was, and the amazing line uttered by one of the most talented actors of our time: "England is under threat of invasion, and though we be on the far side of the world, this ship is our home. This ship is England". Just as the HMS Surprise was King and Country for the crew, Aubrey might as well be Nelson himself.

[@hemmingwayfan]

Brandon, you've debauched my sloth!

[@markarato8034]

How could I have not seen this video before? Amazing script and editing, loved it through and through!

[@JariB.]

Coincidental timing, I had a re-watch of Master & Commander planned tomorrow evening. Who- earlier this evening I told my friend [with whom I shall be watching it] of Thomas Cochrane.... (With said friend promtly looking into said person.) And Hornblower following up on that on the evenings after.... Could you have timed this any better, Brandon?

[@BrandonF]

I suppose not! Originally this one was delayed quite a while because I had to wait for a copyright dispute to come through, but I guess it worked out for the better!

[@JariB.]

@@BrandonF I'm very, very glad it came through, though!

[@angelosusa4258]

This is one movie I really need to see heard it’s really good and honestly need more films that portray historical figures in a realistic way

[@badgerattoadhall]

It is an amazing movie and the series of books is even better.

[@Jubilo1]

Golly ! Wouldn't it be great if there was a statue of Nelson in Dublin...

[@norwestersauce9755]

I watch this movie every Christmas (or at least Christmas time) with my best friend. Definitely my favorite single film.

[@BrandonF]

Sounds like a lovely tradition! Though, thematically...curious.

[@norwestersauce9755]

@@BrandonF Indeed, but there's snow when they go around "the horn" so we figure it counts.

[@drummer78]

@@BrandonF I do remember it being released around Thanksgiving in 2003. I saw it in the theatres and it was the winter holiday time so there is that.

[@johntheknight3062]

Master and Commander is masterpiece of a movie. On all fronts.

[@Riceball01]

Another great video, I'm glad that you were finally able to get it up despite the BS copyright stikes against it. Btw, Sahd of Shadiversity made a reply video to your longbow vs musket video. He had nothing but praise for your video and actually mentioned several times particularly in regards to ffacts about early firearms from in and around the Napoleonic era.I think that it's time for you to do a response video to his response video and maybe do a colab.I think that it's past time that you join the Brotherhood of the Sword and your name and channel get the same recognition as people like Shad, Skallagrim, The Metatron, Scholagladiatoria, and Jorg Sparve.

[@Alistair42]

I would love to see more of your thoughts on this movie. It's one of my favorite films of all time, and I love seeing it getting the attention that it deserves.

[@slightlyistorical1776]

I always wanted a film about John Paul Jones, captain of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War of Independence made famous for his raids along the British coastline. And if by some miracle such a overlooked historical film is made, I pray to God Hollywood doesn’t make it.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

There WAS a film about John Paul Jones. Made in the 50's it starred Robert Stack as Jones. Not a great film, but not bad either. Worth a watch, TCM usually shows it on Independence Day.

[@HankD13]

This movie is certainly one of my all time favourites. The movie does great service by following the books extremely well - Patrick O'Brian - the source material is followed so closely (2 books melded in to one movie. Ah - apart from the French frigate in the movie is actually a US heavy frigate in book - American audiences in mind!). The language, the social life, the wooden world - so faithfully replicated in this superb movie.

[@Gregorovitch144]

Jack Aubrey's character was based on a real captain of the era called Thomas Cochrane by the author of the books on which the film is based, Patrick O'Brian. The film is based on the story from the 10th (out of a total of 20) of O'Brian's Aubrey books, The Far Side of the World. Master and Commander was the title of the first book in the series and parts of that were woven into the film by way of introduction and setting building. O'Brian's Aubrey books are classics and of very high historical accuracy in terms of the life and culture of the Royal Navy and level of accurate detail about seamanship and fighting a ship in battle. The events depicted across the 20 novels are either entirely fictional or loosely based on some of Thomas Cochrane's exploits. The film is very faithful to O'Brian's original material and by virtue of that the most historically accurate and sympathetic depiction of the life of a Royal Navy fighting ship during the Napoleonic era ever recorded on film. Put simply the film (like the books) is a masterpiece. Fun bonus fact: The Aubrey novels are Kieth Richard's favourite reading.

[@Caesar_Himself]

One of my favourite films of all time with excellent insights into it from you. Subbed

[@pattenicus]

You Sir! You Sir make damned fine content! Damn fine content I say! To Admiral Lord Nelson! Cheers!!

[@cb-hz6dm]

Great content Brandon, you need more patreons so you don't need raids anymore

[@BrandonF]

Patreon is definitely my most reliable form of revenue. I'd love to one day get to a point where it is sufficient to pay the bills!

[@philtonge7522]

Hello Sir. Just an aside. When it comes to portrayals of military figures in fiction, you can't go too wrong with Edward Fox 's take on General Brian Horrocks in 'A Bridge Too Far'. His address to XXX Corps is verbatim, his 'lovable duffer' persona is exact (right down to driving his own jeep and knowing every company commanders name, and (after reading the bloke's autobiography and seeing him interviewed in The World at War) he despised war with a passion.

[@bobert8209]

Great video mate, ive got a little info on the subject being a huge fan of the Aubrey/Maturin books: So Jack Aubrey is a fictional character based on the real man Thomas Cochrane, the books (particularly the first one - Master and Commander) actually follow the evens of Cochrane's life with a fair amount of accuracy. toward the end of his life, Thomas Cochrane hired himself a writer and produced a biography of sorts. The book is called: Memoirs of a fighting captain. in his memoirs, Cochrane does actually quote Nelson as saying "Never mind manoeuvres, always go straight at them" or something very similar to that. its definately more similar to his quote about not being able to go far wrong laying your ship alongside an enemy. but that line where Aubrey quotes Nelson isn't the work of the film writers, it is from the mouth (or pen) of Cochrane himself. Im not trying to nit pick your video, but I just thought you might enjoy that anecdote. thanks for all the fantastic content!

[@Glicksman1]

Many of those who by their education and study are well-acquainted with the the history of the British Navy's operations during the Napoleonic Wars have said that "Master and Commander" is the finest film portraying events, even if fictional, of that era.

[@nancyblair6187]

I was just minding my own business, reveling in this thoughtful appreciation of one of my favorite movies, and who should manifest on my screen but Benjamin Martin? That was a jumpscare!

[@Alex-cw3rz]

When you were talking about it is better in this instance to tell not show. The Pirates of The Caribbean scene with King George II, sprung to mind, I don't even know much about King George II, but the scene was just so odd and it competely took me out of the film, the normal high jinks were even less believable. All I could thinks is why in the world would Jack Sparrow meet the King and all the other things I recognised the actor playing the King from like playing Vernon Dursley in Harry Potter.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

The first "Pirates Of The Caribbean" was pretty entertaining, but the rest really sucked. The current Disney organization doesn't know when to quit when they're ahead. Walt never would have made lousy sequels like that!

[@dirgniflesuoh7950]

Really interesting take. I am sort of in a discussion of the problems with "historical drama" vs "documentary drama" or "alternate history", and the impression it makes bc of the format and narrative, and the level of forknowledge when watching, and your own opinions. Yesterday I read a discussion of portrayals of Anne Boleyn, and there are plenty, and there are very opposing oppinions about her, and who she really was ... I think that the first version you read or watch of a historical person tends to make the strongest impression, even if you realize later that the basis in facts may be very sketchy.

[@skysamurai4649]

Brandon, what about making a full review on this movie? I think it could be very interesting to watch a detailed analysis of this movie, according to how it portrayls history.

[@Phoenix-ej2sh]

One of my favorite movies. I will say I winced when I saw this video come up in the feed, but I am very gratified that you also appreciate the piece.

[@Kelnor277]

Would point out, Aubrey isn’t a primary source for the boat cloak story. He’s recalling a story told by Nelson. So he’s a secondary source already, since Nelson is recalling a memory, and it’s possible Nelson was more concerned about inspiring his men with his story than being accurate. And Aubrey was focusing on the fact that Nelson’s actions and words would make you not cold/scared/whatever too for the same reason here. They’re about to go to battle if I recall right. Basically it’s a bit silly to expect characters in a movie to care about historical accuracy when they have in character reasons to fib, exaggerate or leave out context.

[@mr_h831]

I only sat through this raid ad because i appreciate what they've done for the side of KZbin that KZbin itself hates. Channels like yourself. o7 raid.

[@gregcampwriter]

There is more to the story here, since while Nelson is dealt with in the way you describe, Aubrey is a fictional version of Thomas Cochrane. O'Brian--and Weir--took the risk of telling a story that way, and the risk paid off.

[@AleisterCrowley.]

Great film. Amazes me to this day how many people missed it.

[@darthquantis9173]

I believe Nelson said nevermind the maneuvers just sell straight at them to a young British officer named Cochran who also had a very distinguished career later in his life.

[@greenbeepm]

i've been binge watching old videos of yours brandon, and i promise I am not using them for backround noise.

[@csabakerese4192]

Hi Brandon! You have mentioned something about that this movie is how accuractly established Lord Nelson in the movie. In addition, how they made it a human, but a hero. I will try not to look like to be a picky person, but my I mention just one scene? In one scen, well, in a lot of a scene they made Aubrey a human too. But there was one, that just caught me. After watching your analysis, I have rewatched the movie, and the scene that I am talking about: When they are taking on supplies, and Dr. Stephen is talking with the whatever governor, they find out Acheron is three weeks ahead. Russel Crow orders to finish this business here, and let's get on the hunt. And he recognises one of the natives, stareing at him. He is looking at the girl, when he hears the Quartermaster shouting: Put that woman down Slade! This Ship Is His Majesties Navy! Than he little confused looking in the direction of the shout. Than turns away. If this cannot humanize a character, tell me, what can! So far he was a leader, a commander, all knowing. Now he was just smiling at some random native girl, and he was waken up by his own quartermaster. I think this was a perfectly created scene.

[@doug6500]

The hand-to-hand segment of the battle plays out almost exactly like the hand-to-hand fighting of the HMS Shannon and USS Chesapeake affair. Vicious, bloody and over quickly.

[@kittogashi8561]

Funnily enough I always think of historical figures from whatever contemporary source portrays their images, and actors always throw me off until I get used to the differences.

[@coloneljoshuachamberlain3788]

Yeah, me too!