I feel like I haven't heard of 2003's Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World since its initial release but it's getting a little bit of attention in 2021 due to some online criticism it has received. The film's star, Russell Crowe, has never been afraid to voice his opinion and he responded to a tweet from musician Ian McNabb that suggested watching the film if you're having trouble sleeping during the pandemic.
McNabb actually tagged Crowe in the tweet that essentially said the film was boring. "Lots of folk complaining about lack of sleep during the Pandemic. May I recommend Master and Commander starring the always captivating, attention-grabbing Russell Crowe. I've never made it past the ten-minute mark." Even though McNabb posted his criticism of the film over a week ago, Crowe must've just learned of it over the weekend. There were various ways Crowe could've clapped back at the comment but he took the high road a bit, even though he suggested that McNabb may have an issue paying attention to the film because of his youth. You can check out Crowe's response in the tweet below:
Social media began to throw in their two-cents about the film after Crowe responded to McNabb's tweet. Many people jumped to Crowe's defense with former pro wrestler The Iron Sheik stating "You said it perfect Russell Bubba. The kids don't know, you teach them to become legends." McNabb eventually responded to the "kids these days" quote from Crowe and made it a point to reveal that he's actually four years older than the actor. I don't think McNabb expected so many people to jump to the film's defense, although he may be enjoying some of the attention that the tweet has gotten him.
Master and Commander received high notices from critics back in 2003. The film holds a fresh rating of 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and it went on to be nominated for Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The movie only took home Best Cinematography and Best Sound Editing because The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King dominated in the other categories. Costing $150 million to make, the film grossed $93.9 million at the domestic box office and $212 million worldwide. Master and Commander is set in the Napoleonic wars and its plot characters are adapted from three novels in author Patrick O'Brians Aubrey-Maturin series, which includes 20 completed novels of Jack Aubrey's naval career.
Do YOU think Master and Commander is a masterpiece or is it best used as a sleeping aid?