Director Peter Weir (The Truman Show) sets sail with this swashbuckling adventure yarn, torn from the pages of Patrick O'Brian's novels.

Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) and the 197-strong crew of the HMS Surprise find themselves off the coast of Brazil.

It's April 1805, and the British Navy is embroiled in a bloody war with the French under the command of Napoleon.

Aubrey receives his orders: "Intercept French Privateer, Acheron... you will sink, burn or take her as a prize."

No sooner has the Surprise charted its course than a vastly superior enemy vessel launches a devastating attack which leaves Aubrey's ship badly damaged and many of the crew injured.

The ship's doctor, Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany), who is also Aubrey's most valued friend and confidant, tries his best to minimise the casualties.

The rare taste of defeat spurs Aubrey on and he orders immediate repairs to his beloved vessel, only to almost fall victim a second time to the same enemy boat, which turns out to be the Acheron.

Out-gunned and out-paced, Aubrey hatches a daring plan to out-fox his Gallic opponents.

For sheer beauty and stunning action set-pieces, Master And Commander is head of the fleet.

Battle sequences are brilliantly orchestrated and the recreation of a full-blooded typhoon off Cape Horn is a dazzling amalgamation of massive physical effects and computer trickery.

But for all its technical brio and impeccable art direction, Master And Commander leaves port without a gripping storyline or solid character development.

Too many of the crew members are faceless background detail, whose fates are of little concern, and the pivotal relationship between Jack and Steven never catches light.

Crowe certainly possesses the physical presence and fiery temperament of a fearsome captain but looks uncomfortable bringing out Aubrey's humorous, gentle side.

It's difficult to find aspects of the captain's personality to like.

In stark contrast, Bettany's brilliant surgeon is sympathetic and endearing, the sole voice of compassion and reason amidst the storm of petty rivalries and bickering.

Weir somehow manages to maintain control of the various elements and keeps the picture afloat with beautiful sweeping aerial shots and stylish camerawork below decks.

Landlubbers should take seasickness pills before they leave shore.

Rating: 6/10

Film writer STEPHEN WEBB reviews MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD

Starring: Russell Crowe

Certificate: 12A

Director: Peter Weir

Running time: 138 minutes