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During the Napoleonic Wars, a British frigate, HMS Surprise, and a much
larger French warship, the Acheron, with greater fire power, stalk each other
off of the coast of South America. Russell Crowe brings great intensity to the
role of Captain Jack Aubrey. Lucky Jack, as he is referred to by his crew, is
well regarded by his men, who trust him implicitly, even after the first
devastating battle and an apparent personal vendetta against the French
captain. While the naval battle sequences are quite fantastic, the film is
successful because director Weir chose to build the story to get to know the
men who are locked aboard the tight quarters of a small ship and how they
interact everyday. The officers and the mates are well-known by the time the
final battle comes. Paul Bettany offers a strong performance as the surgeon
and naturalist who balances the violence of his chosen life with the quiet
demeanor of the scientist. He is the captain's friend and confidant, the two
frequently playing violin and cello duets together. The horrors of the injuries
from the war are frequently implied, but vividly depicted in the reactions of
the characters.