Rated PG-13
Reviewed by: Tony
Release Date: November 14, 2003		Released by: Twentieth Century Fox

Master and Commander starring Russell Crow is rated ® for violence. The film gives a real feel and flavor of the time as it pits tall ship captain verus tall ship captain in a life and death game of cat and mouse.

Be prepared for shocks as we see children in their early teens carrying out acts we expect only adults to do. They die along with their older shipmates. At times the wounds and battles are so strong one might want to look away. The turbulence is not done for shock value, but it correctly depicts the time when sea battles in wooden ships were common place.

The struggle of Crows character to defend God and County or to turn away and save his men is perfectly played by the Academy Award winner. He develops an uneasy friendship with the ships doctor, a budding naturalist who finds joy in the Galapagos Islands. The captain is forced to give up a crewman's life to save the ship as he is constantly struggling with his conscience in a depiction of the role of leadership in battle.

This is one film that must be seen on the big screen, the cinematography is with out parallel and you probably will be seeing Oscar winning performances particularly by Crow.

This film deserves an uncommon (A) for a grade, it sets the bar for any future high seas adventure.