Naval Historian Breaks Down 'Master and Commander' Movie | Deep Dives
Vložit
- čas přidán 13. 05. 2024
- Historian and naval expert, Dan Snow MBE, takes a deep dive into the historical accuracy of the one of the most acclaimed movies of all time, 'Master and Commander'.
Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free exclusive podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsely, Mary Beard and more. Watch, listen and read history wherever you are, whenever you want it. Available on all devices: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku, Xbox, Chromecast, and iOs & Android.
We're offering a special discount to History Hit for our subscribers, get 50% off your first 3 months with code CZcams: www.historyhit.com/subscripti...
#historyhit #navalwarfare #expertreview
00:00 Intro
00:22 Surprise Ambushed by Acheron - First Battle
09:31 Naval Surgery During Napoleonic Wars
12:34 Storm at Sea
16:53 Importance of Recreation at Sea
18:39 Respect and Insubordination
22:02 Punishment in the Royal Navy
24:06 Hollom and Burial at Sea
26:24 “This Ship is England”
28:53 Surprise Attack on Acheron - Final Battle
I'm so glad this movie is getting some appreciation. It was not a box office success but is easily one of the most accurate and well-written period war films of its decade.
It merely had the misfortune to come out around the same time as Lord of the Rings lol
@@Blisterdude123LotR was why it didn't do great for awards, in the box office it had to compete with Pirates of the Caribbean, which let's be honest is much more fun
It actually did okay, but not enough for the planned sequels!
There's a few already on M&C, like History Buffs for instance. I devour ones on this film ravenously
I have the DVD which I like to rewatch occassionally
It's a very rare movie where experts can watch it and have very little to quibble about. Master and Commander is a masterpiece of detail and accuracy.
Patrick O'Brien would've been proud, I feel
The adversary was American...O'Brien may have understood box office dynamics
I have a few quibbles.
a/Russel Crowes fighting style is so ill suited to fighting aboard an 18th century man-of-war that he would never have survived long enough to make captain (or commander or whatever rank he has during this movie). Usually the officers had their sword in their right hand and a pistol in their left hand (which they also used as a club and a shield once they had fired it).
B/ The ship surgeon would never be part of the boarding party. He would be busy amputating arms and legs in the sick bay. Having the surgeon take part in the combat is truly Bridgerton level historic inaccuracy.
c/ The final ship battle the English crew fire at the French ships masts/sails/rigging, which is the French naval fighting style, and the French crew aim for the English ships hull, which is the English naval fighting style.
It uses a historical setting with historical accuracy to get a fictional story out
@@lilith3953In O'Brian's novels there is very little that is "usual" about the way Jack Aubrey fights. Maturin - the surgeon - was a crack shot and swordsman, so it's entirely plausible that he would have joined such a desperate fight as this. And the film makes much play of the Acheron's superiority in firepower and its reinforced hull, so a surprise disabling blow at the masts was likely the only winning strategy against such overwhelming odds.
One thing Master and Commander does that I have never seen in any other movie, is having sound move slower than light, as shown the French frigate is seen in the distance and you see the flashes of the cannon and then after a delay you hear the sound. It's also the only movie I've seen that has actors of the right age, how crowded the decks were and the diversity (as the navy at the time was actually very diverse), it's the only time I've heard mention the standard practice of loading more than one cannon ball in the gun at a time, having the cannons fly backwards when fired and using the correct terminology throughout the movie.
They also don’t use loud music during the fighting, brings one much closer to the men
They also show the practice of bouncing cannonballs off waves to get greater distance. The French are doing that right at the start
Wdym diversity? The whole crew bar one are white males
@@SeminarioMAE as in you had sailors from all over the world.
@@SeminarioMAE Aren't all matelots lgbt characters?
Whenever I'm watching this movie and my wife happens to walk by, she'll say "Oh, again? What a surprise.", with emphasis on the word surprise, because she even knows the name of the ship because of me watching it so many times.
😂😂 99% of wives don't appreciate the quality of this movie 😂
She's what we lubbers call a "keeper".
“Surprise is on our side.”
Jack would be very proud of that pun. XD
I do the same thing with this movie. My favorite film of all time is The Patriot, though. I have no idea how many times I've watched that movie but it's easily in the hundreds.
Master and Commander is still used to check the setup of surround sound systems. Filmed on real wooden ships, the rolling creaks that surround the viewer will quickly reveal a poorly placed speaker, or one that is out of phase, or improperly amplified.
Very cool.
How interesting!
You learn something new every day.
I am the world’s #2 surround sound expert and I’ve never heard this.
@@The_ZeroLine I'm the world's #1 expert. This is why you'll always be #2 pal.
Somehow I feel the lack of a sequel makes this film just that much more special. Leaving you on a cliffhanger like that makes the story really stick with you, keeps it in your mind. One of my favorite films, glad to see that it is incredibly accurate.
So true a blessing it wasn't ruined by a rushed sequel
If you are a reader that likes naval warfare during the Age of Sail, I strongly suggest the entire "Aubrey and Maturin" series by O'Brian. 20 odd books with these same characters.
@@TheJohn8765 I'm a fan of the Hornblower books by Forester
❤
I also think a sequel would've been difficult to pull off with a time-line that made sense, because they took stuff from all the books regardless of order. For example, Master and Commander is the first book but you can see Pullings already has the facial scar that he gets in the 8th book.
"One must always choose the lesser of two weevils"......Nothing more need be said, fantastic adaptation of a fantastic series of books.
So simple yet so funny.
"He who would make a pun would pick a pocket!"
I wish english was my first language because I didn't fully get that one
@@benoitbergeron8858It's true, I recently watched a Czech translation of the film and waited eagerly for the joke... Could they do it?... NO! "The Navy always chooses the smaller of two beetles,"?!!!!? I nearly cried! For the writer of the comment, the two beetle larvae are known as weevils; it is a play on words as in " To choose the lesser of two evils". Hope that helps :-)
To the lesser of two weevils!!
Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World. One of the best films ever made, when the little blond midshipman says "Follow Me" and leads the men into battle. Epic. Simply Epic. I love that little dude.
My favorite part is where the boy realizes one sailor doesn't know his left from right and rephrases it as "your starboard hand". A born leader ❤
@birchlover3377 is that the same scene where he is trying to sow up the bag holding his friends body, and then he turns to the older sailor and says he needs help because he's only got one arm. Such a good movie.
@@mikeyloveshousemusicno, but that was another powerful scene! If I remember correctly the dialogue I mentioned was at the beginning of the battle scene where his friend is killed.
Lord Blakeney. The actor who played him was 13 at the time. My favourite scene was when Capt Aubrey gave him his personalised copy of Admiral Nelson's book, pointing out that the beloved admiral had also lost an arm in battle. In the scene you mention, after they blast a hole into the Acherons gundeck, he says "We must board them! Arm yourselves! Follow me!" and then jumps through the hole. One of the best characters (although Killick holds a special place "which it will be ready when it's ready")
Favorite scene for me as well! “ WE MUST BOARD THEM!” Goosebumps every time
Practically every frame in this film is like a painting. Not only is it fantastically true to the history, it’s also a masterclass in cinematography.
It beat out Return of the King for Best Cinematography.
@@ladyzapzap9514 Damn right, I remember seeing it in theatres as a kid, such a good movie. Its like the gold standard of historical movies as far as getting it accurate and right.
I swear i remember this is the same exact words from cinema buffs. 😂
One of my favorite movies of all time.
Mine two wish they made more
Same here
Same here … alongside Waterloo and Gettysburg … the movie introduced me to the books so I will forever be indebted to the creative team behind this film …
Yep, it sucks that Peter Weir quit directing before he made any sequels. One of the best directors ever.
It’s one of the most perfect movies ever made.
Peter Weir, who directed and co-wrote the script for Master and Commander was renowned for his thorough planning and control of his movies, including finding talented collaborators. The visual tone is substantially due to cinematographer Russell Boyd who frequently worked with Weir over a 30 year period and won an Academy Award for this film. Sound Designer Richard King and Weir searched the Richard O'Brian novels for sound descriptions to include, found collectors with authentic cannons and recorded firing, cannonballs in flight, and striking wooden targets, and used classic sound eefects techniques to create a range of rigging sounds. The soundscape of the movie was assembled like a musical composition. King also won an Academy Award for sound editing for this movie.
FYI, Richard O'Brian wrote under the name of Patrick O'Brian.
Just hoping it adds clarity incase someone wants to get into this fantastic series of books following Aubrey and Maturin.
@@nevar108 Thanks. I was having a senior moment after recently rewatching Rocky Horror Picture Show (Richard O'Brien).
@@IntrospectorGeneral You were correct calling him Richard O'Brian. He was born Richard Patrick O'Brian, he writes under his middle name first.
@@nevar108 For what it's worth, he was actually born Richard Patrick Russ; O'Brian was the name he chose to use in later life.
As a former American Sailor I have always been amazed at how much of this movie resonates with my experience in the modern Navy. The bells, routine, morale, hierarchy, jargon, leadership, tradition its all there.
As Ex-RAN myself this hit very close to home for me aswell. Takes me back to sea.
You do know that in the original novel American sailors were the enemy?
Yes. That was a time when both British and French navies thought they could prey on American shipping with impunity. They were wrong.@@B-A-L
@@B-A-L How is that relevant? Where do you think we inherited our Naval customs? Now we have the fiercest Navy in history. Thank you Britain.
Most world militaries are absolutely lousy with traditions. I guess we can credit it to how long our species has been killing each other in a systematic manner.
Ooh I know this is going to be a banger of a video! Such an awesome movie. Hard to believe it’s 21 years old. Holds up better than 99% of historical period movies today.
If it was made today Aubrey would be a black woman 😂
@@lilrawri8446😂
Holds up better than 99% of movies today. Not just period movies. A testament to film.
@@combatwombat2134 I definitely agree!
@@lilrawri8446 Trans black woman
The sound design of this movie is absolutely amazing it's such a shame I never saw it in cinemas that would be one amazing experience
I would have to say, i was lucky enough to see it in the theater and that was quite an experience. I hope you get to see it at someones home theater or a re-screening somewhere.
Yep, I always crank this on my home theater subs
Went to sea it 3 times in the cinema it was pretty good
I saw it in the cinema and it was so good I went back the same week to see it again. The only film I've ever done that for.
It was amazing. I got a little seasick during the storm scene.
I’m currently re-reading the entire series, so this is a welcome “Surprise”! I still think my favorite lines (from the books) are “Jack you have debauched my sloth!”
One of the greatest lines in literature.
Said the bear... is always one that sticks with me. Such a good reveal. 😂
I’ve never read them. Any good?
"Stephen, your sloth, he is eating my hat." "So he is, too."
@@alexweeks3359difficult to read for most readers id say but gets easier as you go...
Well worth the effort though simply the best age of sail saga ever put to paper :)
I had the pleasure of crewing aboard this vessel when she was named the (HMS) Rose the summer of 1979. At that time the Rose had no engines and we sailed on and off anchor as well as sailing her to the dock in New Bedford, MA. We had a crew of about 20. Of course Captain Richard Bailey being in command was key.
I visited The Rose in San Diego! As a history major who loved this era, it was a real treat!
How fortunate - I'm so jealous. (I'm also afraid of heights.)
@@dougearnest7590 plenty of work to do on deck. We also didn't have safety harnesses when we were aloft, truly one hand for yourself and one for the ship.
I was onboard her just last month. Sadly she’s looking a little rough but the museum does what they can.
@@sirboomsalot4902 she's 50 years old. Honestly I'm surprised she's lasted this long.
Dan Snow, a sailor here. When Capt. Sparrow tells his crew to handle the sails in a lubberly way, he is telling them to be sloppy in their work to appear more like a whaling crew instead of a well-trained navy crew. This was one more level to their deception they were trying to pull.
And I agree totally that I too so wanted a sequel!! 🙂
Thanks for a great video!
There is no Captain Sparrow in this movie.
The doctor telling the midshipman he’d never seen a braver patient gets me every time
As someone who absolutely and dearly loves this film, I am always so proud and happy to see what a strong community of fellow fans this film has gathered, who share the same passions and reasons for loving this masterpiece of a movie!
O'Brian's books are so very rich in descriptive detail and period language. Thankfully, Weir and Collee were willing to include much of that detail in their screenplay. It also helped that the production was able to obtain an accurate replica frigate, HMS Rose, to play the part of HMS Surprise.
The minute History Hit began the Deep Dive reviews of films, I knew Master and Commander would be on the list. Couldn't be happier. One of the best examples that proves historical accuracy can elevate a film to greatness. Also a great film of wholesome male bonding and comradeship that is badly needed these days with all the toxicity on CZcams. Please let me know that Das Boot is on the list of upcoming episodes, even if just for the pun.
I literally pick up a new historical detail every time I watch it, absolutely love it
It is ironic that the movie has become a model of depicting male bonding, with no female lead characters, though the book it is based on has more female characters at sea than any of the other books😊.
@Zajuts149 watch Disney if you want woke!
@user-hq8bh1rw1y you do realise that the source material has women aboard? It is a major plot point. Captain Aubrey hates having women aboard ship since it causes tension, and in most books, there are no women aboard ship. They chose to make a movie of the book with most women aboard, and even a chapter with a Polynesian craft crewed by only women. Get back when you pass basic reading comprehension.
@Zajuts149 having females in the film would have added nothing to the film,and as for the film being a "model depicting male bonding"that smacks more of a modern cry for feminism that it does for depicting a historical take on naval warfare,as I said if you want woke,stick with Disney.
Probably my favourite film of all time. As well as one of my favourite series of books. And the film does a remarkable job of staying true to the novels, whilst also making itself into its own entity. Just brilliant.
Very glad to see you return to do a full review of this gem of a movie! Its one of my absolute favourites, and absolutely deserves a dedicated deep dive in itself!
I very much like the sound of 'deep dives'. I would love to see more in depth reviews and breakdowns on individual movies, especially on some of the Great classics like Master and Commander is rightfully so.
One of my favorite movies and book series of all time. Such an interesting time period.
Been waiting for this! Such an underrated movie, shadowed by other big movie releases. Thank you so much Dan and History Hit crew ;)
I got to tour the Surprise, maybe 15 years ago, while visiting my cousin in San Diego. I had already been a big fan of the books and then the movie and it was a real thrill. The biggest “surprise” for me was how small the ship seemed. It would have taken brass intestines to sail in that boat across the Atlantic. Another part of the excursion was touring a Russian submarine, but that’s for a different episode of History Hits.
I love in San Diego. Are you telling me that H.M.S. Suprise us here in San Diego and I can go there to tour the vessel?? I don't believe yoh.
@@mikeyloveshousemusic it's at the maritime museum downtown next to the Star of India.
Such an amazing masterpiece of a movie and so underrated!
I’ve never seen it, but you’ve convinced me that I need to seek Master and Commander out. As another poster highlighted, Dan’s genuine passion for both this historical period and movie shines through. This deep dive contains so many interesting historical facts. Thank you, Dan. You’re very talented.
I envy you, getting to watch it for the first time =). It is such a great film. If you enjoy the film there is a whole series of books the film is based on you will probably like if you like the film.
Great video. I was an officer in the US Navy. Saw some very heavy seas in the NW Pacific. Also the first ship I was on was the USS Oklahoma City. She had teak decks that were holy stoned every morning.
12:43 they based a lot of the way the storm interacted with the ship off of a film called Around Cape Horn filmed by Irving Johnson in 1929, who sailed on a tall ship transporting cargo. The film is on youtube and it is a fascinating watch
One of my favorite movies all time, hands down! Absolutely brilliant film!
Dan is so at home with this movie you can see the passion as he describes the scenes
Author Patrick O'Brian was a masterful and well researched writer, I cannot rec his 20-book series enough! Tragic that the movies could not have been extended.
@@highcountrydelatite20.5. 21 is hard to read because it just stops abruptly sucks he couldent finish.
This need some sort of sequel :) pretty accurate , and the chemistry between Crowe and Bettany is fantastic, playing of eachother brilliantly :)
Dan Snow is awesome! I can listen to him talk about history all day. The passion shines through.
My all time favourite film, I'll watch it once a year and get emotional every time. A fantastic depiction of life at sea in the Royal Navy
I *adore* this movie. It's basically perfect from script adaptation from the books to camera work to effects to sound design to casting to accuracy to acting. It's a masterpiece.
Should have mentioned that it's based on Patrick O'Brien's 'Master and Commander' series of novels. We haven't had a film sequel, but there are 20 rip roaring novels to binge on. And if you think they are boy's own fantasies: read one of the biographies of Thomas Cochrane.
Thomas Cochrane.
And I double checked it on Google, and still messed up. Thanks!
Love the score! Ralph Vaughan Williams, Bach, Boccherini
Cochrane was real gangster in the stuff he pulled. Easily the greatest single captain in british history as far as raw achievements.
Thank you for sharing this I never knew! Now I gotta go out and get all 20 books!
One of a handful of DVDs I held onto, favourite movie of its decade.❤❤❤
To me, the late 90’s and early 00’s were kind of a golden era of movies. Through Saving Private Ryan to Master and Commander, and more, there were some great movies made. Makes one wonder how we degenerated into the state of movies now.
@@CaveWyattagreed
Yes absolutely, this great movie and LOTR 's all at the same time!!
That maybe 15 year old midshipman calling "steady" to his gun crew while splinters and shrapnel explode around them always gets me. They were hard men
I'm also a naval historian, and I'm glad to see this movie getting some love. While it's not a great adaptation of the books per se, I found it a fairly accurate representation of life in the Royal Navy at the time. My biggest complaint really is that the name 'Master and Commander' makes no sense. As you are aware, a 'Master and Commander' is a senior lieutenant given command of his own ship-almost always one that's too small to be rated. In the movie, Jack Aubrey is a Post Captain, hence no longer a Master and Commander.
I'm also a little unsure that a 28 gun frigate like HMS Surprise could take on the USS Constitution and win, even if she's flying French colours and has a French crew. For those who don't know, the Acheron is based on the Constitution, even to the extent of 'being built in Boston'. When the sailors came in with the model to show Aubrey, I recognized those lines immediately. I grew up in Brookline MA as a child and I spent many MANY happy hours aboard Old Ironsides. The sailors acting as guides must have groaned when they saw me coming because I knew more about the ship that most of them.
One of my very favorite details in this movie is the bows on shot of the Surprise as she's rounding Cape Horn. If you look carefully there's a sailor with his slops (trousers) around his ankles using the 'seat of ease' in the beakhead. I almost fell out of my seat laughing when I saw that.
Such captures of larger ships by considerably smaller ones did happen, the Spanish 32 gun frigate El Gamo being taken by the brig HMS Speedy, 14 guns, on the 6th of May, 1801. HMS Speedy being captained by Lord Cochrane who used a similar ruse to that seen in the film, raising an American flag when challenged by El Gamo. This allowed HMS Speedy to get in close, effectively under the guns of the El Gamo before raising British colours and opening fire. So, unusual, but it did happen.
I wasn't really interested in that movie from what I saw in previews, but ended up watching it one day and absolutely loved it. The cast, acting and atmosphere just pulled me in.
I've been a Merchant Marine and Underwater Archeologist since 1987.
I love this movie and feel that it portrays life in that era onboard fairly accurately.
Well done.
The in-depth examination of naval history and its portrayal in cinema is both insightful and engaging. Kudos to the team for delivering such a fascinating and educational experience!
Great post Dan and an excellent movie. Growing up in Ireland in the 70s in Kilkenny surrounded by history and in troubled times, I am glad to still be around to view your History Hit videos, to re-visit so much of what I learned at school just through books and limited pictures at the time. What it would have been like to have the CZcams content available today, back then for my education. The hope that young people today learn from history, understand how life was and has improved. People today don't know what it was like to be cold all the time on these sailing ships, salt water burned into their skin, the clothes on their backs made from cotton, wool, flax or leather, rotting off their backs and leaving their homes in the UK for a couple of years in some cases. Different times, tough times, in some ways better times and exciting times. Too many people today are wrapped up in cotton wool !
Thanks for the appreciation for this film. I do wish there had been a sequel.
My father served in the Royal Navy abord the HMS Chieftain during the Suez. We had the good fortune to have a home theatre and man... this film was our favourite. This was on screen just as often as Star Wars was. The surround sound experience for this film cannot be expressed in a way that would rival experiencing it. Just phenomenal. It's good to see this film get the respect it deserves. This is one of the many reasons I pursued history as a profession. It still stands as the movie I reckon may be the most historically accurate large-format film to exist to this day. Thanks for putting this video together!
Dan you are probably one of my favourite history pundits, keep up the good work my man
HMS Surprise is at the San Diego Maritime Museum (along with the Star of India). Beautiful, fascinating ships.
Its absolutely criminal that we never got a sequel to Master and Commander. Someone should have been flogged for that!
Peter Weir had committed in principle to make a sequel before starting work on this movie although he was not really interested and his experience was that a sequel would be unlikely . He combined elements of several books to make Master and Commander a complete story but added the final twist to provide a link to a sequel. The movie made a profit but not the megaprofit of other franchises like X-Men, Pirates of the Carribean, and Spiderman so the sequel never happened. Peter Weir has never made a movie with a sequel and had the experience of studios wasting time with sequel projects they were never going to make.
I cannot imagine that a sequel could be better or at the same level of perfection of this film. ❤
I have only seen that happen once - “Bladerunner” and “Bladerunner 2049.”
Being a devoted reader of Patrick O'Brian's books, I'm so pleased they made such a real effort for authenticity in the film. The outstanding thing for me was putting across just how crowded these ships of war were. There was essentially, no privacy for anyone, below the captain!
There is something epic with two period ship engaging in battle like this.
Brilliant how he navigates through the details of 'Master and Commander'-just like a ship through treacherous waters! Really brings the film to life.
Capt Aubrey is hardcore - this film always gets my chest puffed up with British pride - every time.
If you read some of the things about the British navy of the time (defender of the slave trade, and systematic r*p*r of enslaved black women, not to mention enabling the exploiting of India) you would probably change your mind - unless your a psychopath.
@@highcountrydelatite You know what , that's a splendid idea - thanks for the idea , I'm going to get the entire series.
you make the most complex subjects super relatable!
I read the Aubrey/Maturin series and loved it, then I saw the movie and was not disappointed. Master and Commander is a masterpiece and will stand the test of time.
I remember 20 years ago seeing the battle scene played in a dark room behind one of the actual sails from HMS Victory used during the battle of Trafalgar, cannon ball holes and all, at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Do they still have that? It was an amazing installation.
34:52 I've always loved this little callback to the first battle scene, Captain Aubrey notices and heaves the midshipman to his feet once again.
Thank you so much for this! I enjoy all of your videos, but this just became my favorite.
When I saw this movie in the theater, I was struck by how realistic it was. Not a naval historian myself, I could only speculate on the realism, but it sold itself well. Those cannonballs smashing through the wood almost hurt to watch. That large tourniquet tightening on that tiny arm...everything was so well done. I'm very pleased to learn that it was as excellent as I had expected.
one of the greatest movies of all time... its crazy to think that this movie never got a sequel while many lesser movies are in their 3rd, 4th iterations
Another fact about the midshipman is that the officers were not to socialize (ie sing) with the crew as they needed to be seen as above the common crew.
yes even to this day officers are taught to speak a certain way
Officers were not taught to be “above” the crew. They were taught over many years to be able to lead (know everybody’s job), navigate, tactically “fight the ship”, fight one on one, plus over time - develop combat strategy, and obviously, show discipline, fairness, and courage. They were taught to earn respect and show respect. Not all young officers made it to earning the respect of the crew, and were not leaders. They were put ashore and often, discharged.
“Midshipmen” is the rank they held until they were commissioned by the King or Queen. They berthed apart, but many had rather humble origins in society. Becoming an officer brought them up in social standing, so yes, they were taught how to speak politely, to dine properly, and to serve others. They were often the de facto ambassadors of the “Crown” while abroad.
This film is wonderful in that it brings all of these elements to life. I loved my career in the Navy, under HRH Queen Elizabeth II. I finished as a senior officer and held command of a ship prior to retirement, I write this so you know I am not writing fiction.
@doogleticker5183 things have changed alot since the olden days. Most captains demanded and expected respect which is not to say that many didn't deserve it, as you say they were masters of men and to help with that image at the time they had to appear to be above the common crew man and their fore no fraternizing with them, hence the separate officers mess hall.
FYI I've worked on merchant navy (not as grand as your station and respect to you but I'm not making it up either).
@@Ulfhednir9-The merchant navy is not the military, and that's fine. I respect all who deserve it, and the merchant marine certainly does!
My point is that naval officers and petty officers know the difference between being "above" and having a "leadership" role, from the ranks of leading seaman to the Admirals.
The backbone of any ship's crew is those senior chief petty officers and petty officers. That was drilled into our heads as middies. And reinforced with experience.
Officers need excellent NCOs to get on with their own work. The men also learn that fraternization is not about officers being above them. All it takes is one deployment to get that idea out of their noggins. That's not to say ALL officers learn their place - this causes evident problems, but as I mentioned, they tend not to get very far in their careers.
The RN has strong traditions that have lasted centuries, including developing leaders. Nobility was never a guarantee of progression, so "above" (socially?) is not how it worked or works. There were three messes, and the Commanding Officer was a guest in the officer's mess. Naval personnel are segregated but not inherently superior to other men (no blue blood). Senior officers got to that rank primarily due to hard work, talent, and leadership skills. And you cannot lead without earning respect and demanding it in the rare cases that it is not given, usually by one person. That is true for the NCOs as well. Executive Officers (1st mate) are responsible for all the personnel and their comportment. They are aided by the ship's Senior Chief Petty Officer (the Cox'n).
It's a system that has worked in the past and present.
Now, you may disagree. You can cite the organization of armies; their organizational culture is different, and I'm no expert.
But I'll hold fast that the RN, at least, has not radically changed. I may be wrong: who knows what woke cancel culture has done to institutions. From what I know, the men and women of the Navy are as fine as they ever have been.
Fair winds and following seas.
@doogleticker5183 Of course, I don't refer to the modern RN as I have little experience in that regard outside the RNZ merchant navy and sea scouts. What I refer to is napoleonic navys which has changed in many respects. I believe they reviewed and changed the no socialize with the rank and file after the bounty mutiny but I'm not 100% sure if that is when it happened. The fact officers have their own separate mess halls and finer meals is reminiscent of the segregation. Ofcourse many of the other proud traditions remain untouched by time and even back then Britannia ruled the waves for good reason so I'd never doubt nor insult the officers nor crew of that time whom evidently were more than exemplary in their duties. It is no insult to say back then their was a few minor cultural differences such as this as well as a few others ie the use of young boys on a warship, keel hauling and striking with the 9 tails.
May the wind always be on your back :)
I've been wanting a dive into Master and Commander like this for a long time! One of my favorite movies! They used this movie in my Naval Science class for a lesson in historical naval combat and life at sea because they got so much right.
That rigging: just pure bliss. Such a great adaptation of the novels. I hope there will be a sequel, and I think Russell Crowe has 'grown' even more into the character of Jack Aubrey
One of my top 3 of all time. Absolutely brilliant.
Patrick O'Brian was a master of terms and details. It is sad they never did any other of his books. Would make a great series.
It probably wojld be a pain to adapt as he wasn't one for thinking about plot. Most of the books meander like real life so wouldn't work well adapted into a series. This film worked because peter weir knew his stuff backwards. Don't think anyone could do a better job
@@megan14.85 Also, the director would have to continue with having an Aubrey throughout like Crowe. Although Crowe is excellent, he is nothing like the Jack Aubrey of the books. And Maturin is too complex to portray on screen. Then there is the particular humour of )/Brian that would be hard to translate to screen without it becoming farce at times.
Great commentary! A very under appreciated movie that is one of the best depictions of British naval action during that period.
Thank you! Love the movie, love the format!
Outstanding movie! Very well done! One of my favorite films. I actually got to climb aboard the HMS Surprise (it's really named the Rose) when she was moored in San Diego. A real treat.
I did as well wen I was out for my sons graduation from bootcamp in 06. Such a neat treat!
As a film about naval life during the Napoleonic era it’s an A++, as an adaptation of Patrick O’Brian’s work it’s a B-.
Great film, great action, great sound design. I wish there were a dozen more.
I think it's an A- adaption of the characters and series as a whole, rather than a specific novel.
I love authentic movies like this , details are superbly done and the writing is brilliant and the acting is top notch .
I loved this film and every time it is repeated I watch it again which I will watch again this week. My 2 x great grandfather was enlisted into the Royal Navy aged 9yo about 1818 trained as a carpenter.
I've seen this film many times, and while likely see it many times more. Superb piece of cinema.
A real shame the sequel was never made
No, I don't agree with that. I think this movie said it all.
All of what?! This is based on a series of books - there were many more stories to tell.@@giselematthews7949
@@giselematthews7949 Plenty of material left in the Aubrey-Maturin series of books.
But maybe there's this bitter-sweet realization that as there will not be a sequel, which in a way elevates this one even more. Particularly considering most sequels are disappointing.
I loved this movie, although it was difficult to watch at certain times. Very gritty. Hearing your commentary made me appreciate it even more. Thank you.
Awesome review!
One of my favorite films of all time
Fantastic film by a great director but it's Patrick O'Brien's attention to historical detail that gives the film its authenticity. Great score too, Vaughan Williams 'Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis' over the man drowning in the storm is incredibly moving.
I watched this film M&C on dvd 100s of times in tech school, and continue to watch it. Its soothing feels like home. A great film to traspose yourself into another time
I must concur with our reviewer in that one can "feel" to be in the at sea conflict in this movie. As a life long American sailor having dedicated my life to the USN for twenty five years and a devouring reader of naval history, I was able to "taste" the battle in the said meeting of anger between the French and English ships. I appreciate the narration throughout in which description is right on in what I would expect of a sailor at sea in such a confrontation. I remember thinking about the Ensign's surgical reaction in which his arm is almost arbitrarily removed. Such bravery as was expected then of naval officers albeit "boys" in some cases as exhibited in this scene. My God, I miss life at sea!
Great commentary, Dan. I'd love to hear your comments about the Hornblower ITV series from 1998 to 2003. How accurate was that series?
This film's pretty good, writing as a big Patrick O'brien fan. Of course, you don't get that much of the subtlety of interchange in the novels, which also contain a good deal of humour..
I enjoyed this! Carry on, Mr. Snow. 🌟👍
thank you so much for doing this. this is such a joy to watch some of this movie with your explanation. you did a fabulous job.
you made my day.
Loved this analysis. One of my favorite movies.
Dan's 4 part series "Empire of the Seas", is a superb documentary about the Royal Navy - I cannot recommend it highly enough.
If you would have watched it, (I have seen this film several hundred times) the reason they are rowing is not to being becalmed, but because their rudder was 'shorn away'. They have no steering. Greatest film of all time!
Thank you for this wonderful analysis of one of the most wonderful and underrated movies of all time! I love Master and Commander (and have reread the entire book series a dozen times over the past 20+ years), and your enthusiasm for it is so wonderful to experience. I agree that the film is a masterpiece and the finest example of naval life and battles ever put on film (thanks largely to director Peter Weir).
great video Dan about a brilliant and often overlooked film
I notest that you didn't mention the bit where two midshipmen are in the crows nest and carved into the wood is Aubreys name and date when he sailed on the HMS Surprise as a midshipman and one says the the other "That there is enough of his blood in the ship for it almost be a relative" one of my favourite quotes
great now i have to watch this movie again for 100th time... one of my top 5
Sooooo good!!! Both the movie and the video. Dan Snow, you da Historyman
There was also examples of the crew showing respect to a midshipman.
My favorite is during the preparations for the final battle, Blakney is telling the crew to tie a black strip of cloth to their right upper arm so they can tell friend from foe. He is pointing it out to one crewman in particular "this arm your starboard arm." The crewman jokes with him, "is that the arm you got or the arm you don't got?" Blakney just says, "oy, that's a bad cheek Davies."
I thought it was striking how Hollum was disliked so much, but the crew respected and were comfortable enough with Blakney to cut with him.
I can’t imagine my Son at sea at age 11! This detail always blows my mind!
Should breakdown the show To the ends of the Earth, also about ships.
It will forever be one of my favorites. Felt like I stepped aboard watching in theaters, I pretty much had the theater to myself, it was magical
Excellent! Great analysis. Thank you.
Anyone else hit 'like' before even pressing play?
@OcarinaSapphr- Three it seems :)
I remember seeing this in theaters when I was a kid and being blown away (no pun intended). I am glad that it is finally getting more attention and almost becoming a cult classic.
Master & Commander is an abdolute gem. One of the most under appreciated movies ever
I love thos movie so much that every appretation of this one lightens my heart....
So i started reading the first book by Patrick O'Brian, called "Master and Commander" and fallen in love with it.
But since i'm not a english mother tounge, i felt like Dr. Maturin and litteraly not understanding anything of the naval slangs and customs. Pretty sure this was indented.
But now, after completing the first book and reading the next ones, these books are a gem among books. Recommended to everyone who likes the movie, who's interested in royal navy life during the napoleonic era, and likes good old adventures. :D
Props to you, History Hit, great video and great channel. Keep doing so. ❤
This movie is so rich with detail. I’ve owned it for years and years and it never gets old. It’s always the first movie I watch when I get new audio components