A must-read if you liked the movie.

I Own it!!!!

Didn't finish this for some reason, although I'm usually a sucker for books on the making of films.

I’m a great fan of O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin novels and of Napoleonic era naval fiction in general, and I looked forward to this film with a certain apprehension. I mean, how could they possibly do justice to O’Brian’s extremely detailed world? Would they just crank out a superficial action film? I’m not sure any devotée was entirely pleased with the result, but it was, in fact, a pretty damn good movie. And all the background information and photos in this book help explain why. Peter Weir, the director, was a fanatic on accurate historical detail, including small items you never see on camera (but the crew knows they’re there). He kept the entire cast together for the full five months of filming at the big tank in Baja, the same way a ship’s crew would be together every day of their lives. And he instituted hierarchy (with Russell Crowe at the top, naturally) even during the “boot camp” phase at the beginning of the project. And on and on. A fascinating look behind the scenes and into the minds of all the people responsible for the film. I winced every time they talked about the “cannon,” though.

So I own this book and have read it on and off over the years. I don't really understand all the ship crew stuff that it went into but I really enjoy how the author talks in depth about how much work went into the movie. It seems like a one of a kind book and might be a collectors item down the road as the movie seems to have a following. I think it should have won more awards. Directed by Peter weir (I've seen almost everything he's done) who's known for atmospheric type moods.

This book was one that I had read over a long peroid of time. it is a very lengthy book that took a long time to finish. the book was in some cases very dry and dense. the book was too descritive in the worng parts. but when i can down to the battles they were very amazingly thought out and they were very interesting. this is also a movie and I had seen the movie befroe the book but then after reading the book i found it to hold more infromation in it. also the book did a better job or interacting with the reader if i didnt know the sailing terms. because lets face it i didnt but the book made me feel like i had.

Make sure you read this before you see the movie. The ending is better in the book.

It's a good look at the making of the movie "Master and Commander".

Interesting account of the making of the movie. Incredible to realise all those graphic storm sequences were shot in a huge water tank - of course, there is no other way they could have done it.

I have had SO MUCH FUN with this book. Like seriously. It makes me grin every time I pick it up, and I always discover something new with each successive reading. The pictures are awesome, and the text is hugely informative. If you enjoy the movie and/or any of the O'Brian books it's based on, you'll enjoy this. Promise.

This book is an excellent companion to the film, giving great insights into how and why it was made, and also the tributes paid to Patrick O'Brien. The film itself seemed almost a documentary, and I actually enjoyed reading about it more than watching it. Excellent pictures throughout.

A wonderful book, filled with great photos and plenty of additional information about making this great movie.