Well, Pippin�s in it so that was always going to be a good thing for me, that�s the sad kind of person that I am, but I also found this an enjoyable film. Interesting in many ways and with great acting (particularly from the younger cast members) and wonderful cinematography. Master and Commander really does place you in the action, from the rocking camera motion to the fact that you don�t really see the enemy, just as the crew of the film don�t except when fighting. The story follows �Lucky� Jack Aubrey as he fails twice to beat a larger ship (the French Acheron), sails around Cape Horn, gets a lot of bad luck, then tries to beat the French again. There is comedy as well as uncomfortable times, especially when Jack has to decide whether a man overboard should be rescued at the risk of the whole crew�s life, or left to drown. The relationship of Jack and his friend Dr Maturin (the ship�s doctor) is well done, I particularly liked the cello and violin playing they did (but being a cellist I guess I would do). Russell Crowe is well cast as Jack and you do get a sense that you would be reasonably happy with him in command of a ship. Paul Bettany, who has been great in everything I�ve seen him in (albeit that does only amount to two films), continues the trend as the doctor chopping off limbs and removing bullets. All in all I found it a good film, though one I doubt I will buy when it comes out on DVD/video, my brother might though.

P.S. If you�re expecting Pirates of the Caribbean DO NOT SEE THIS FILM- it is much more historical and involves a certain amount of mental work. I would say you couldn�t watch as something to unwind to after a long day, or for a bit of light relief.