Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World (DVD 2004)

This is not a thriller, not an action movie, and not exactly what we can call a fiction. There are thrills, but by far not enough the make the film. The story, you know it right at the outset, is a duel between two ships. But in this duel there are only two encounters - two battles - one at the beginning, one at the end. In between you’ll have the life on board in fine tedious details. To make up for the lack of action, suspense, substance, Russell Crowe is there all the way through - arguing with some members of his crew here, supporting others there… But (unless you’re madly in love with him) his presence doesn’t quite make the film.

Now, if you’re looking at a brilliant and vivid documentary on the life on board a war ship in the 19th century, with a couple of fierce battles, there’s your film. But don’t expect too much to be entertained.