Following on from his Oscar-winning success in Gladiator, Russell Crowe returned with another period-set action masterpiece.
Back in 2003, the Aussie starred in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, adapted from three Patrick O’Brian novels.
Set during the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century, the film follows Crowe as Royal Navy Captain Jack Aubrey opposite Paul Bettany’s ship surgeon Dr Stephen Maturin.
The story sees the HMS Surprise ordered to hunt down and capture a French ship off the coast of South America.
Shot on replica vessels in water tanks located at Baja Studios, Mexicos, the film was also captured on the Galápagos Islands.
Critically acclaimed upon release 22 years ago, the movie was nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Peter Weir. A prequel is currently in the works with Patrick Ness penning a script and the latest is that 20th Century Studios are now looking for a director.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is on BBC Two at 10pm tonight and is also streaming on Disney+.
