Epic nautical piece (2003) based on the Aubrey-Maturin series of Historical Novels by Patrick O'Brian set during the Napoleonic Wars. Starring Russell Crowe as Captain "Lucky Jack" Aubrey, and Paul Bettany as ship's surgeon, naturalist, and dear friend Stephen Maturin. Known for being one of the more accurate depictions of Wooden Ships and Iron Men on film, true to its source. The plot of the film references several books in the series, including... Master And Commander (1969)... and The Far Side Of The World (1984). It was intended to become the first installment in a series of films.