Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is a 2003 action/historical drama film directed by Peter Weir, starring Russell Crowe as Jack Aubrey, with Paul Bettany as Stephen Maturin and released by 20th Century Fox, Miramax Films and Universal Studios. It is adapted from three novels in the Aubrey–Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian. The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Academy Award for Best Picture, and won in two categories, Best Cinematography and Sound Effects Editing.

Plot

The film takes place in 1805, during the Napoleonic Wars. Captain Aubrey of the British Frigate HMS Surprise is ordered to pursue the French privateer Acheron and "burn, sink or take her a prize." As the film opens, Surprise midshipman Hollom briefly spies a dark shape in a fog bank. After some uncertainty and hesitation, the call to beat to quarters is given. Aubrey and the other officers at first see nothing, but the Surprise soon comes under attack by the Acheron. The British warship is heavily damaged and its rudder destroyed, while its own shots do not penetrate the Acheron's hull. The crew tows the Surprise into the fog, where it evades its pursuer.

Aubrey learns from a crewman who saw the Acheron built in America that their foe is a cutting-edge design, both heavier and faster than the Surprise, and the senior officers consider the ship out of their class. However, Aubrey notes that such a ship could tip the balance of power in Napoleon's favor and orders a refit at sea and pursuit of the Acheron rather than return to port for repairs. The Acheron once again ambushes the Surprise, but by using a decoy the ship manages to escape in the night.