Russell Crowe returns to the screen in Australian director Peter Weir's $135m nautical epic, Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World.

Crowe is Captain 'Lucky Jack' Aubrey, fighting the French in the age of Nelson and engaged in a tense high-stakes chase from the coast of Brazil to the far side of the world. When HMS Surprise is attacked by a superior French ship off the Brazilian coast, Captain Aubrey must choose between personal loyalty and his own obsession with hunting down the enemy whatever the cost.

The movie is an adaptation of Patrick O'Brian's critically acclaimed historical novels, and brilliantly evokes early 19th century naval life both above and below decks. Everything about it is pitch perfect. A literate script not only conveys masses of detail about life on board with unfussy efficiency but gives the characters weight, depth and subtlety.

Like all truly great movies it has individual moments which will linger long in the memory, and not just in the thrilling battle scenes. To cite just two examples, the first appearance of a French frigate through the fog is a thing of sheer beauty, and the wide-eyed wonder felt by the sailors when they encounter the unfamiliar creatures of the Galapagos Islands is intoxicating.

Both bear witness (if you'll pardon the in-reference) to the skill of director Peter Weir, whose distinguished track record stretches back to Picnic At Hanging Rock. But this tale of British defiance is his finest two-and-a-quarter hours, not least because the relationship between ship's doctor Paul Bettany and the master and commander himself, Mr Crowe, is pleasingly unconventional.

Big Russell delivers a top notch performance as a leader who's capable, committed, daring and blessed with the kind of people skills which folk pay fortunes to learn about at American business schools.

Master And Commander opens in London's West End on Friday 21st November before going nationwide a week later. If you see a man of uncertain years quivering with excitement in the queue, it'll be me.

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