Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

6.20pm, Wednesday Film4

It may have been made this side of the millennium, but this stirring maritime adventure wouldn’t look out of place in Hollywood’s Golden Age. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World feels vintage, in a good way – a straightforward, sincere, epic drama with lavishly executed action set-pieces, panoramic photography and old-fashioned notions of heroism, loyalty and duty.

Based on the bestselling novels of Patrick O’brian, the action takes place during the Napoleonic Wars. Russell Crowe is Jack Aubrey, captain of an English ship that’s basically a fortress on water. They’re chasing a French man o’ war halfway around the world: the enemy vessel is larger, faster and more heavily armed, but “Lucky” Jack inspires almost fanatical devotion in his men. The film builds to a suitably swashbuckling battle, as cannons fire and sailors board the enemy ship, sabres drawn, for king and country. Sounds a bit outmoded? Quite possibly, but you’ll be too busy cheering on Aubrey to care. Crowe is brilliant as Jack, a charismatic, witty and inspirational figure. Paul Bettany is equally good as Irishman Stephen Maturin: ship’s doctor, Aubrey’s best friend and a talented amateur zoologist. Their relationship grounds the film, giving it heart and intimacy amidst all the large-scale chaos; a scene of the men duetting, on violin and cello, onboard ship is one of the most memorable. Master and Commander also gives a fascinating insight into life on the ocean waves; minor characters and their dramas are seamlessly woven into the main narrative.

It’s directed by Peter Weir, arguably one of the most underrated filmmakers of the last 50 years. Picnic at Hanging Rock, Gallipoli, Witness, Dead Poets Society, Green Card, The Truman Show: a body of work any director would be proud of. Now retired, Master and Commander was one of his very last films – but what a way to sign off.