Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003, USA) C-138m. SCOPE **½ D: Peter Weir. Starring Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, James D'Arcy, Edward Woodall, Chris Larkin. 19th century sea-faring tale centers around unconventional title character Crowe, who motivates his crew to pursue French battleship, which may decide the war against Napoleon. Well-filmed action drama, with a literally commanding performance by Crowe, is too simple, too long to spark a genuine interest. Based on the novels by Patrick O'Brian. Cinematographer Russell Boyd deservedly won an Oscar for his work.