Running an informal poll about what members though about the movie, Master and Commander.

I liked it. He (Russel Crowes character) kind of reminded me of a "Captain Kirk", but of the old sailing days. A good Captain is one who does not know the meaning of the word - failure. It just proves that good tactics can overcome might. It was great to see an old sailing vessel like the "Rose" on the big screen. That crew must have had a ball helping to make that film. It must have been like going back in time.
PS; Don't like Russel Crowe personally, but he is a good actor, and that's all that really counts.

I liked it. He (Russel Crowes character) kind of reminded me of a "Captain Kirk", but of the old sailing days. A good Captain is one who does not know the meaning of the word - failure...........
Ditto

Liked it. Reminded me of the old Errol Flynn swashbuckling films. It seems stories and films about the sailing days are becoming popular again. No matter what the venue, I think people love the sense of romance and adventure of the days of sail. I'm not so sure that those days were so romantic for the crew, but we always like to fantasize about history.

:thumbup: definately great entertainment and that what we went for. The two young grandsons were entranced with the film. The sound effects were "ace" made me think that "smell effects" would add to a film. The Viking Museum in York has a section with the smells relevant to a Viking settlement. I not give the details, but the smell of fish was the least offensive.

But think of the smells on board, at sea, in battle and in the aftermath.
Aw ell, just a thought.
rgds.
John

Loved the movie! I bought the DVD and watch it every now and then and pick up on more detail missed before. I esp like the special features disk that shows the making of the whole movie. VERY fascinating!

Dave

I greatly enjoyed the film, especially the sound effects, with sound suround I found myself ducking during the battle scenes wanting to dive for the floor!

Now I want to investigate the A and E series " Horatio Hornblower "

Bill

Hi Bill, You should check out these Hornblower DVDs (http://shipmodeling.net/vb_forum/links/showlink.php?do=showdetails&l=141&catid=26), from the A and E TV Series.
John

Interesting analysis about the Jack Aubrey character reminding you or James Kirk of Star Treck. James Kirk was based on the actual historical figure of James Cook...an English Naval officer of the same period as Jack Aubrey. The entire story is based on the English Navy's search to destroy the USS Essex. An enemy in the Pacific, atacking British whalers during the war of 1812. The author changed the facts around so that Aubrey was going after the French to make it more appealing to Americans.

After the huge success of the Master and Commander, I'd expected they made something like "Trafalgar!" as a 2005 commemoration. Just a thought. Such epic movie simply costs too much I guess: small vessels like Surprise and Acheron are already difficult to model, let alone tens of 3-deckers, Victory, Temeraire, Trinidad, etc. It will be a model ship galore!

Hi all,
Amen to making more of them!!! Love that film, so much history there, and a very realistic approach. How about a movie during the war of 1812 with some American v/ British ships?
Peace
Boxcar

Is it "Outboard and aft to Port" or to starboard? I can't remember anymore!


Oh, liked the movie for meself...

I liked the movie, I thought it was very well done. I had already read all of the Patrick O'Brian series about Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin before I saw the film. I think this made the movie even more interesting to me. If you haven't cranked through these books, you really should, they are very, very good.

I liked the movie so I bought the dvd. I am facinated by all the ships from that era. I like how in most of these movies the smaller and lesser armed ship ends up on top.

Liked the movie. Love the books.

The Complete Aubrey/Maturin Novels:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/039306011X/qid=1147366609/sr=2-2/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_2/002-9626206-2042443?v=glance&s=books

Whether books or movies, the old sea stories are great and Masters and Commander definitely falls in this niche. Since a kid reading Rafael Sabatini and watching Errol Flynn (Captain Blood, Sea Hawk), or the Hornblower books, etc. have been a passion. Fortunately, I still have most of them either on tape or now, DVD and get to watch them over and over. We do need more of them ...

Great film,being ex Navy I could really appreciate it,got it on DVD have seen it several times

Loved it. Bought the DVD.

Really enjoyed the movie. I don't know which was more interesting, the ship construction details or the character development.

I purchased the DVD without seeing the movie to add in my collection. Viewing the DVD was the second best thing that I had done, personally I thought it was great and I place it right along the Hornblower DVDs. I sit quietly and watch the reruns with as much pleasure as seeing them for the first time.

Charlie

Master and Commander disappointed me. Some of the scenes were good but the plot of the story (was there one?) and portrayal of characters couldn't hold a candle to the books W.T. Hausheer

Fabulous movie! I need to buy it. I understand they used the "Lady Washington" for the movie. Good story and good acting, but even if they weren't Hollywood still threw great vats of money into the wooden boat world and kept a whole lot of modellers and shipwrights employed. I really enjoy a movie with some historical and literary meat to chew on. I fear the intensity of the American experience is being taken for granted today and movies like this remind us that whether you were taken to your death in an airplane flown into a building or had your arms amputated without anesthetic, Americans have paid for our freedom from tyranny in blood and agony for every one of our 232 years.

Never mind that Jack Aubrey wasn't American. I got my blood up. :-#

Hey Gang

I went and saw this movie at the theatre with a few other former shipmates. We have all served on a variety naval vessels and have read the novels. I served on a Brigantine in the '84 Tall Ship Rendevous and have been trying to get back aboard one ever since.

I remember seeing the opening scene of the movie and had to laugh at myself: I found myself perched on the front edge of my seat holding my breath trying to take in all of the action, characters, and most importantly the actual ship, at once. If you get the chance, do see this one on the big screen.

The movie does not do the books justice but all in all it is an amazing film to watch. I bought the DVD when it came out and watch it about once every other month or so.

Cheers Mates!

I liked the movie, but I've read abou 2/3rds of Patrick O'Brians books and the books are much better than the movie. I just had a hard time believing Russel Crowe as Jack Aubrey.