Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

In 2003 we took to the seas of the early Napoleonic wars with Peter Weir’s Naval War Epic, Master and Commander. M&C tells the story of Captain Jack Aubrey and the HMS Surprise, which goes from being the hunter to being hunted, and then to hunting once again the powerful heavy frigate privateer of the French, the Acheron. Russell Crowe stars as Captain Aubrey alongside Paul Bettany as Dr. Maturin, both of whom must manage adversity, cursed seamen, and each other while trying to win despite being outgunned. Master and Commander made a modest return of $211 million from the $150 million budget but garnered 10 Oscar nods and ample critical acclaim. But does it hold up? Listen in as Jon, Colin, and Brent debate naval frottage and cursed seamen as we decide if this one is a Master or a NUB.