On M List of Movie Reviews

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Master and Commander:
The Far Side of the World (2003)

Rate: 7
Viewed: 5/24

5/24: I wish Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World was a strictly seafaring picture just to present a slice-of-life tale.

The middle works the best that it should've been the entire film. Ironically, many said there wasn't enough warfare action when I thought there was too much of it. Hence, it's better to cut out all of the fighting from the beginning but keep some intact for the end. In truth, they look too CGI-fake, ruining the overall show.

How the men work on the ship and how they're affected by comradeship and discipline is the most fascinating part which is the sole reason why I was able to absorb the 138-minute picture rather well. Additionally, the screenplay is terrific although I didn't understand half of it due to my unfamiliarity with the nautical terms.

Some people pointed out the lack of character development for so many in the cast. Because of the aforementioned middle part, I can safely dismiss the issue while admitting to not remembering anybody's name. In fact, Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany play two important men who happen to be too well-developed when all I care about is the seafaring life, nothing more. The cinematography seems like a winner most of the time. I think it's just fine, but it's certainly not Oscar-worthy. On the other hand, Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany give passable performances, but they're nothing to be bowled over.

All in all, if the battle stuff could go for the most part, I would've enjoyed Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World more.

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