I put this DVD into the player simply looking for some light afternoon entertainment, but instead found a really good movie...
The scene for this movie is set rather quickly, as a British frigate (HMS Surprise) captained by "Lucky" Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) is stalked by a larger and faster French warship, in the treacherous seas off South America. The year is 1805.
After setting the scene, director Peter Weir concentrates on character development and we get to know Captain Aubrey and some of his crew, and become aware of the friendship (and at times conflict) between the captain and the ship's doctor (Paul Bettany). The other central character is Blakeney (Max Pirkis), a young and likable Midshipman.
The story traces the voyage of the HMS Surprise as it sails down the coast of South America, via the picturesque Galapagos Islands, and tension steadily mounts as the movie reaches a climax with the final sea battle.
Other excellent movies directed by Australian Peter Weir include Dead Poets Society and The Truman Show.
The scene for this movie is set rather quickly, as a British frigate (HMS Surprise) captained by "Lucky" Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) is stalked by a larger and faster French warship, in the treacherous seas off South America. The year is 1805.
After setting the scene, director Peter Weir concentrates on character development and we get to know Captain Aubrey and some of his crew, and become aware of the friendship (and at times conflict) between the captain and the ship's doctor (Paul Bettany). The other central character is Blakeney (Max Pirkis), a young and likable Midshipman.
The story traces the voyage of the HMS Surprise as it sails down the coast of South America, via the picturesque Galapagos Islands, and tension steadily mounts as the movie reaches a climax with the final sea battle.
Other excellent movies directed by Australian Peter Weir include Dead Poets Society and The Truman Show.