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Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is a 2003 American-Australian epic period war drama film directed by Peter Weir.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is a 2003 American-Australian epic period war drama film directed by Peter Weir. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, it follows Captain Jack Aubrey and the crew of HMS Surprise as they pursue a French warship off South America. The film is loosely based on Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey–Maturin naval novels.

Plot

The story follows HMS Surprise after it is attacked by the superior French warship Acheron. Captain Aubrey leads a prolonged pursuit while balancing naval duty, ship damage, and the welfare of his crew.

Production

The film was made as an American-Australian co-production and was co-written, produced, and directed by Peter Weir. It draws loosely from Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey–Maturin novels rather than adapting a single book directly.

Release and reception

The film was released in November 2003 and was widely praised by critics. Reported box office gross was about US$212 million worldwide, and the film received 10 Academy Award nominations.

Historical setting

Although fictional, the film is set against the real naval conflict of the Napoleonic Wars in 1805. Its depiction of Royal Navy life and shipboard routine is a major part of its historical appeal.

Canada release

The film was released in Canada on November 14, 2003, the same day as its U.S. release.

Key facts

  • Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is a 2003 epic period war drama directed by Peter Weir.
  • Set during the Napoleonic Wars, it follows Captain Jack Aubrey and HMS Surprise pursuing a French warship.
  • The film is loosely based on Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey–Maturin novels.
  • It was a critical success, grossed about US$212 million worldwide, and was nominated for 10 Academy Awards.
  • The film was released in Canada on November 14, 2003.
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Canadian context

The film was released in Canada on November 14, 2003, the same day as its U.S. release.[12]

Frequently asked questions

What is Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World about?
It follows British captain Jack Aubrey and HMS Surprise as they hunt a powerful French warship during the Napoleonic Wars.
Who directed the film?
Peter Weir directed the film, and he also co-wrote and produced it.
What is it based on?
It is loosely based on Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey–Maturin novels.
When was it released?
It was released in the United States and Canada on November 14, 2003.
Who stars in it?
The film stars Russell Crowe as Jack Aubrey and Paul Bettany as Stephen Maturin, with Billy Boyd among the cast.
Was it commercially successful?
Yes. Reported worldwide box office was about US$212 million against a reported production budget of US$150 million.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_and_Commander:_The_Far_Side_of_the_World
    Supports: 2003 release year, American-Australian production, director, source material, worldwide gross, budget, and critical reception.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0311113/
    Supports: Plot overview, setting, and principal characters.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0311113/releaseinfo/
    Supports: United States and Canada release dates.
  4. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/master-and-commander-the-far-side-of-the-world/umc.cmc.2nmvx85jvka8bkq435m65obfz
    Supports: Director, cast, runtime, and Academy Award nomination count.
  5. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/master_and_commander_the_far_side_of_the_world
    Supports: Director, PG-13 rating, genre, and theatrical release date.