The DVD and Video for this film go on sale 4/20. This is my review of the film when it was theaters.
Directed by Peter Weir
Screenplay by Peter Weir & John Collee
Based upon the novels of Patrick O'Brian
I was always curious about this book series. When I worked at Barnes & Noble, O'Brian took up at least one shelf with his sea-faring adventure tales, hardcover and trade paperback. They were obviously very popular because B&N didn't give up that much prime real estate to one person unless the books were moving at a brisk clip. This "privilege" was usually reserved for authors that were so well known that even people who didn't read books knew their names, Stephen King, John Grisham, Michael Crichton, even Shakespeare; although Will wouldn't sell as well if schools didn't force the children to buy his books. I never read any of O'Brian's books, so I can't make any comparisons or critiques in regards to the adaptation. I am aware that the majority of the film is taken from the 1st and 10th books in the series, which is why the film has such a long title. So long in fact that in smaller towns, the marquee will probably read:"Master Comm" and one of the m's will be a '3' on its side.
The film takes place off the Brazilian coastline and is set in April 1805 during the Napoleonic Wars, which had been raging for six years by that point in time. Our hero is "Lucky" Jack Aubrey, captain of the H.M.S. Surprise. Russell Crowe is a commanding presence as Aubrey, a striking figure whose confidence is contagious. As Jack Aubrey he reminds me of a cross between Errol Flynn and John Wayne. In this situation, I would follow him into battle.
Also on board is Stephen Maturin, the ship's doctor. He is Aubrey's good friend and confidante. Serving under Aubrey are officers. They are sons of noblemen learning their craft and earning their commission, some as young as 14 years old. Next in line are the warrant officers, who have specialized skills like the Bosun, who is responsible for the rigging. The rest of the crew, by order of rank, are comprised of able seamen, ordinary seamen and landsmen, finding themselves in the queen's service for one reason or another.
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
Fortunately, today is 4/20, so it's out already! Woohoo!