I just saw Master and Commander today. I was quite literally shocked by the gut-wrenching reality of the battle scenes. Seems like I had barely snuggled into my cozy theater seat, expecting a "boring" sea story (as some critics have panned it), when suddenly the opening salvos of cannon fire from the French warship "Acheron" came coursing over the gunwales of the HMS "Surprise". The cannon shot came hurtling across and through the ship, with a distinct audible sonic roar - like screaming evil demons - and I was physically shaken by the sheer carnage that the cannon salvos caused for the ship and crew.
I thought the movie was excellent, it was beautifully filmed and there was such an incredible feel of realism about the whole film. I found it not at all boring as some critics have said it was. But then again, I spent six years in the Navy, and another five years at sea in the fishing business, so I could relate to the whole on-board scene of life at sea. I thought the movie had just superb maritime atmosphere and great attention to detail. I also thought the movie had great suspense - especially after that opening skirmish.
I enjoyed all the little touches that gave the movie depth and body, such as the detours to the Galapagos Islands, and I liked Captain Jack's dry humor and banter with his fellow officers and crew. The violin playing needed a little work, but it was a charming touch. So was the little cricket match.
The only slight criticism I had was that often times, during dialogue, actors seemed to be speaking in very low voices, making it hard to hear. But other than that, it was quite a well put-together film. So, put me down as a big fan of the movie. I will definitely buy the DVD when it comes out, but to all who haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend you don't pass up the opportunity to see this in a big-screen theater. It will definitely lose a lot of its "punch" if you view it on a small TV screen.
I thought the movie was excellent, it was beautifully filmed and there was such an incredible feel of realism about the whole film. I found it not at all boring as some critics have said it was. But then again, I spent six years in the Navy, and another five years at sea in the fishing business, so I could relate to the whole on-board scene of life at sea. I thought the movie had just superb maritime atmosphere and great attention to detail. I also thought the movie had great suspense - especially after that opening skirmish.
I enjoyed all the little touches that gave the movie depth and body, such as the detours to the Galapagos Islands, and I liked Captain Jack's dry humor and banter with his fellow officers and crew. The violin playing needed a little work, but it was a charming touch. So was the little cricket match.
The only slight criticism I had was that often times, during dialogue, actors seemed to be speaking in very low voices, making it hard to hear. But other than that, it was quite a well put-together film. So, put me down as a big fan of the movie. I will definitely buy the DVD when it comes out, but to all who haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend you don't pass up the opportunity to see this in a big-screen theater. It will definitely lose a lot of its "punch" if you view it on a small TV screen.