Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
Master and Commander The Far Side of the World is a 2003 American epic historical drama film written, produced and directed by Peter Weir. The film stars Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey and Paul Bettany as Dr. Stephen Maturin. The film was released by 20th Century Fox, Miramax Films, Universal Pictures, and Samuel Goldwyn Films on November 14, 2003. The films plot and characters are adapted from three novels in author Patrick OBrians AubreyMaturin series, which includescompleted novels of Jack Aubreys naval career.
The film takes place in May 1805, during the Napoleonic Wars. Captain Jack Aubrey of HMS Surprise is ordered to pursue the French privateer Acheron, and Sink, Burn, or take her as a Prize. As the film opens, the British warship is ambushed by Acheron Surprise is heavily damaged, while its own cannon fire does not penetrate the enemy ships hull. Using smaller boats, the crew of Surprise tow the ship into a fog bank and evade pursuit. Meanwhile, Aubrey learns from a crewman who saw Acheron being built that it is heavier and faster than Surprise, and the senior officers consider the ship out of their class. Aubrey notes that such a ship could tip the balance of power in Napoleons favour if allowed to plunder the British whaling fleet at will. He orders pursuit of Acheron, rather than returning to port for repairs. Acheron again ambushes Surprise, but Aubrey slips away in the night by using a clever decoy buoy and ships lamps.Following the privateer south, Surprise rounds Cape Horn and heads to the Galapagos Islands, where Aubrey is sure Acheron will prey on Britains whaling fleet. The ships doctor, Maturin, is interested in the islands flora and fauna, and Aubrey promises his friend several days exploration time. When Surprise reaches the Galapagos they recover the survivors of a whaling ship destroyed by Acheron. Realizing the ship is close, Aubrey hastily pursues the privateer. Maturin feels that Aubrey is going back on his word, and is following Acheron more out of pride than duty. ........
Source: Wikipedia
