Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 Content: -1/2

Set during the Napoleonic Wars in 1805, this adventure drama is a refreshing and historic look at war on the high seas. It was inspired by a series of novels by Patrick OBrien entitled Aubrey/Maturin. Lucky Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) is regarded as the greatest fighting captain in the British navy, but hes up against a superior enemy France. The ships doctor, Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany), is his closest friend and confidant. Interesting to note are the young boys who develop into men of courage in this movie. Most notably Midshipman Calamy (Max Benitz) and Lord Blakeney (Max Pirkis) make tremendous contributions to this film. Lucky Jack is the master of the H.M.S. Surprise, which is an older yet resilient English warship, and he is the commander of the men who bravely endure life-threatening elements on the military expedition that takes them to the coast of Brazil, around Cape Horn and on to the far side of the world.

Master and Commander will feed a mans wild heart as well as his thirst for adventure. Conflict between man and nature produces heroism, and the attempt to outwit a military adversary results in experiential wisdom. Themes of duty, honor, commitment, loyalty, bravery and truth are intricately woven into the script of this epic film. A reference to the biblical account of Jonah results in an unfortunate incident with one character. While at the Galapagos Islands, the ships doctor and his young prodigy search for the truth about natural selection (evolution or creationism). The naval battle scenes are historically realistic as are the medical treatments of the wounded and the dead. For these occurrences of violence as well as brief use of bad language, this movie earns a slightly negative acceptability rating. Reverence is shown to God and for the Bible in this film, and the entire Lords Prayer is recited in a solemn and appropriate way.

Note: Due to Previews rating guidelines, Master and Commander gets a negative rating because of the occurrence of an f-word. However, Preview recommends this movie (for those who can tolerate an f-word and some moderate violence) in light of its positive themes and favorable treatment of God.

Preview Reviewer: Brian Hughes
Distributor: 20th Century Fox