the smoke when they're pretending to be whalers was because whaling was done to get oil, not meat, so whaling ships had to either render oil at sea, or had to be able to tow a dead whale to shore and render it on land so they had to be able to cook huge amounts of meat to render the oil out, hence the smoke.
"Beat to quarters!" means "action stations!" every man to his battle station, clear the decks, load and run out the guns and in general get the ship into fighting trim, and it was done to the beat of the drum, and when being done as a practice drill, it was always done against the clock......the quicker you could get the ship ready for action, the better.......
The movie does not really show actual historical events...and yet it is still one of the most historically accurate films ever made. Just an incredible attention to capturing what it was really like on a Napoleonic era sailing warship of the Royal Navy. This movie is absolutely begging for a sequel, but if it ever gets one, if it is not made by the exact same people as this was made by it will be a horrible follow up to this. It will be ruined by added CGI effects and unwieldy and/or moronic extra stories added in to the script for....reasons. And "beat to quarters" means to give the drum signal to the ship to get ready for battle...just in case the crew of the Acheron are already taking back their ship.
It's such a shame that this movie didn't do better at the box office, because it's SO good and obviously, given it's a book series, could have becoome a fantastic franchise. I've seen videos of history/naval experts breaking down films, and this one is always at the top of the list for most realistic/accurate. Also, the score for this film is INCREDIBLE. It also had the unenviable timing of being released a few months after Pirates of the Caribbean, which obviously overshadowed it as THE period piece sailing epic that year.
This is fictional story based upon two Patrick O'Brian novels (over 20 make the Aubery-Maturin series). "Beat to Quarters" is like battle stations - drum beat, and yep, the walls and doors come down to form a gun deck. Nelson went to sea at 12, and without an arm and loss of sight in one eye he now stands in Trafalgar Square. While fictional it is agreed by all to be incredibly, historically accurate. The Acheron was actually the USS Norfolk and this story was set in the War of 1812 - the movie made it a French ship so not to annoy an American audience. This the most accurate depiction of the wooden world of wind powered ships of the Napoleonic period ever put on film. O'Brian based his books on historical actions and real captains to create his fictional stories.
Just to add to this, the character of Jack Aubrey was very clearly inspired by the very real Sir Thomas Cochrane - who has one of the most insane life stories I've ever heard of. This is a guy who was given the worst ship they could justify giving him because of political disfavor, and he used it to capture or sink nearly a hundred enemy ships, including victories where he was outnumbered 6 to 1. He was named the "Sea Wolf" by the French during the Napoleonic Wars, had a crazy up-and-down political career in England that eventually led to him fleeing the country, and he later played such an important role in various Hispano-American wars of independence that there are streets named after him across South America to this day (a currently serving Chilean frigate is the fifth Chilean vessel named "Almirante Cochrane" after him). He went on to command the Greek navy for a time during Greece's war for independence from the Ottoman Empire and helped crush the Ottoman fleet, before politics back home finally shifted enough in his favor for him to return, where he was Knighted and made commander-in-chief of British naval activity for roughly half the planet. The best explanation I've yet heard about why that guy's life hasn't been directly made into a film or show is that audiences probably wouldn't find it believable. But at least we get characters like Jack Aubrey and Honor Harrington that were inspired by him.
@@pali1d Pity O'Brian said although he used some of Cochranes exploits, Aubrey was based on several Royal Navy Commanders who all had equally brilliant careers and actions.
When mr hollom was singing, it was a problem because he was an officer. Officers and sailors don’t associate. And in those times he should have known better. It was considered counter to the chain of command.
@@RamblersIncfor the ship to survive, the crew must consider the words from their officers as close to comparable to the word of god. Everything has to be done promptly without hesitation. If the crew and officers mingle off-duty, the crew will see the officers as just men. Fallible. This increases errors the crew makes leading to death.
I mean there is that, but I think it was mostly they already didn't like him by then because of his hesitation to beat to quarters during the first encounter with the Acheron and overall obsequious attitude more than just being an officer and singing with them, probs would have not batted an eye if Jack or Pullings did it
@@johjoh9270 Jack or Pullings would never have done it, and it would have certainly shocked the men had they. Don't get me wrong, I agree that it being Hollom made it even worse, but any officer singing with their men like this would have been viewed as a major breach of etiquette. Officers and sailors simply did not socialize with each other, even on land. In the books, some of the sailors actually live with Jack - to work the land he owns and maintain his estate. He doesn't dine with them even when he's living with them, even when (Spoiler) Jack loses his commission for a time. They care about each other, to be sure, but they were not social equals and did not act as such. An officer was like (and usually literally was) a nobleman, while the sailors were like (and often literally were) the noble's servants. A good officer, like Jack, took care of his sailors and made sure they kept their lives in order, on ship or otherwise. They could care about each other, love each other, be willing to die for each other - but they didn't socialize together. The class division was not something to be ignored or forgotten.
@@RamblersIncAnd, mind you, those rules are still in place in modern militaries. That's why officers and staff NCOs have a different club from the low-ranking enlisted. It's called fraternization. Perhaps a hold-over from pre-modern society, but the military sees value in keeping those rules. Today's officers aren't nobility, but they are usually college educated and the rules regarding commissions are far different from an enlistment. I will say, the Marines that I served with were far more lax about those rules than the military was around the time of Napoleon but, make no mistake, that lax attitude is still technically a breach of the UCMJ.
Love this movie. I remember seeing this in theatres with a bunch of friends in high school. Our history teacher actually took us to see it. It was amazing. We absolutely loved it. The books that the movie are based on are really good too.
The young boys are Midshipmen. Young officer larva, so to speak. Family connections were used to send young men of quality to sea, with Captains that were known to them. Very much a social class thing.
It was unfortunate the young sailor died in the storm, however it was him or the ship so Aubrey had to choose the "lesser of two weevils" and cut the man loose. I always loved how they set that up during a time of relative peace on board and then manifested it in the chaos of the storm.
I seriously urge you guys to visit the navy museum in Portsmouth. Nelsons flag ship The HMS Victory is there along with HMS Warrior, the first iron clad ship, the Mary Rose & the museum has some really fascinating stuff. It's a great day out & you get a real feel of what it was like to live & fight on a Royal Navy battle ship back them.
This is based on a wonderful series of books. Master and Commander is the first in the series, but is not really used for this film. The Far Side of the World is a latter book in the series. The film is an amalgam of plot points from a few of the books.
There are several cut scenes of the Royal marine captain shooting various birds and animals before the incident with the albatross happens, the idea being he is collecting trophy's to bring back.
@Kavala76 Trophy hunting was a very popular sport among military officers, and considered a gentleman's sport. Most men never leave their home, so the chance to hunt and bring back a trophy from around the world doesn't happen often. Unfortunately our tunnel visioned Marine captain seemed to forget he was on a crowded ship, not an empty jungle. Always be mindful of our surroundings.
In the books, he would shoot them and then give them to the doctor to dissect, but he was a little too eager, and the doctor gently asks him to not shoot more than he can examine.
Beat to Quarters: Beat the drum, with the roll 'to Quarters', which means everyone attends there battle positions, each man to his station - manoeuvring to their respective lines, musketry to the quarterdeck, helmsmen to the wheel, carpenter and caulker to the hold to ready for battle damage. Crews of the guns each to their allotted place, men to the magazine and to pass powder and shot. Officers and warrant officers to their area of responsibility. Clear the furniture and clutter from the decks, to reduce the splinter hazard and to eliminate trip hazards - secure the guns ready to fire on the engaged side, and await further instructions. Numbers from each gun are tasked to manoeuvre, musketry, boarding (first, second third boarders) and to fire & pumps, so that each man knows when he is to fall out of the guns crew and attend to his ordered duties.
Every time I see this movie it takes me back to when I got to visit HMS Victory, a real eye opener going around an old ship of the line. seeing how the crew lived in a confined space.
@@RamblersInc I get sea sick on a mill pond so yes. Than you have the amount of roll when your up in the mast tops you spend most of your time hanging over the ocean.
The British at the time expected encouraged and demanded two things from their navy officers. Extreme aggression and insane levels of bravery . To the point that at least one admiral was hanged for not being aggressive enough. It also might have helped that everyone serving on a British warship got a share of the value of any enemy ships they captured. In fact this is how the construction costs for a lot of stately homes was met.
The smoke and disorder is because she isn't a frigate, with a crew of 220 men, but is rather a whaler, with try-stills (rendering blubber into whale oil), and a crew of ~21. Rather than expecting a fight they only have to come alongside and receive the surrender. Perfectly legal as long as the national colours are shown before or at the time of opening fire.
The weakest part of the (excellent) script was pretending Aubrey needed the stick insect to think of disguising the ship. It was a known tactic. This is a good time to see how it was done in the time of the big studios: "Captain Horatio Hornblower" is a 1951 British naval swashbuckling war film that stars Gregory Peck and Virginia Mayo
@@RamblersInc no reach, most probably a factor but because in many other matters they don't care if the audience is confused by nomenclature and tactics it's possibly because it made a little Blakeney moment that wasn't in the book.
Found your channel via the HOTD reactions. Now with this reaction to one of my favorite movies, I had to subscribe. Loving your reactions. Please keep going!
The story is fiction. However. There was a ship built in Boston that was very much like the Acharon. Ships were often built out of white oak because of the durability of the wood. But there was one ship that was built out of Swamp Oak that grew in the American deep south on wetland shores. It was almost twice as heavy as White oak and far more dense. It was, like the Acharon, hard to damage with the armaments of the day. This ship still serves as a Naval Ship of That line in the U.S. Navy. It is The U.S.S. Constitution. They called her, ... "Old Iron Sides". She is still a commissioned U.S. Naval Vessel The Kid that lost an Arm is Lord Blakney. His Father was a Naval officer and his father had died. William Lord Blakeny at 11 years of age was the oldest sone. Now That Kid Has his late Father's title. He is a Midshipman, a Naval officer in training. This is what Aristocrats did in the early 19th century. Lord Blakeney is going to be an Admiral one day. He may be a Kid but he holds title and lands. This is expected of him.
Would love to see you react to Waterloo (1970). It’s on TH-cam because there is no longer a copyright. Great Napoleonic war movie and incredibly historically accurate. It also, I believe, holds the record for the most extras in a movie
Waterloo (1970) is still very much in copyright in any jurisdiction I know of. In the U.S., for instance, copyright expires 70 years from the end of the calendar year in which the last of the director, the screenwriter(s), any additional writers, or the composer dies. Whichever is last.
@@RamblersInc well, if you're into fantasy, sick relationship, neurotical deranged characters based story then go for it. Do not expect anything even remotely close to historical facts.
There were many boys on board every ship in that era and beyond. Boys from well to do families were taken on as officers as the little blond warrior Cherub in this one was. It was one of the best ways that a family could give their sons a way to advance their station in life through military service. There were also boys from pooer families in the general crew as well. Military service for them was one of the only ways to climb out of living in abject poverty and filth. Unfortunately these boys were often subject to the sexual yearnings of several adult men of the crew, and sometimes amongst the officers as well. Homosexuality was not uncommon amongst sailors of that and subsequent time periods. Many sailors grew up on those ships from boyhood and by the time they had reached adulthood it was simply a part of life that while out to Sea for months or even years on end away from any women. That having a male lover on board the ship you were on for months on end. And a wife, girlfriend or just female prostitutes when they returned home to dry land. It's much like many otherwise straight men tend to act in prison when female company is just not available. It was a very long standing tradition in almost all ships of the sea that women were considered very bad luck to have on board any ships. Probably because they were just way too distracting to the men and that caused multiple problems captains and owners just didn't need or want.
Although fictional, the Acheron and part of the story line was inspired by the frigate USS Essex in the War of 1812. The Essex had sailed into the Pacific via Cape Horn and was doing great damage to the British whaling fleet. She was eventually trapped in Valparaíso harbor by a British frigate and sloop and was defeated and captured when she attempted to break out. For the movie the nationality of the adversary was changed from American to French for the sake of US audiences. The Acheron was also made to resemble the American heavy frigates of that time such as the USS Constitution, ships of much greater strength than Essex.
This movie is a delight for all, but if you are interested in history it's a gem. No matter the level of your knowledge, from time-to-time history book reader to Cambridge lecturer, the movie is incredibly rewarding. A couple of examples 1 - in the "beating to quarters" scenes you see a Royal Marine drummer playing the roll call while standing on the stairs connecting the main deck to the lower ones. That's exactly the postion the drummer would have taken in order to get the drum beats be heard both on and below deck 2 - if you look veeeery carefully at Captain Jack's bowstring you'll realize it's slightly different from the bows normally used these days. That's because in the period straddling 18 and 19 centuries the bow normally used was the so called "classic" bow, the one you see in the movie; the "classic" bow is quite different from the "modern" bow used today, lacking the screw mechanism you have in the handle side of the modern bow to regulate the tension. Now, these are just two tiny tyny little examples of details that make NO difference at all in terms of story telling, but make ALL the difference when the viewer knows what it's going on and what the actors, director, prop and film crews have done - and then leaves the theatre with a big, BIG grin on the face.
They tow the small boats behind during a fight to try and stop them being damaged? Ships of the time carried HUGE amounts of spare timber and the ship's carpenters were REALLY important members of the crew.
The wind only came back after Aubrey had asked for god and Hollam to forgive them. That would have told the crew that he wasn't a Jonah and god was angry at them for the way they treated him. Once Aubrey expressed regret, the wind came back, indicating that they were forgiven.
Given oceanic distances and slow speeds, ships crews included many with useful trade skills like painters, carpenters, ropemakers, coopers etc. This allowed ships to be as self-sufficient as possible.
So the young boys are midshipmen. And yes, they are there because they are of the ruling class. That's why there are teenage boys giving orders to grown men. It was considered important for both the young officers to learn to lead, as well as for the common sailors to be reminded of their place. That is, that they were beneath the ruling class and always will be, even if it's a child. I remember seeing the trailers for this when it came out and being super excited because I always loved these old sailing ships and all though childhood I had read about the navy of Nelson's day. The film did not disappoint. I was really pleased to see that they got so many details right. The movie is based on the Aubrey-Maturin series of novels by Patrick O'Brian. There are some 20 novels and this movie was intended to be the first of a whole series of films. Unfortunately, while it got great reviews, it didn't do well enough for any sequels to get the green light. I generally don't like sequels but I admit I had hoped to see more of Jack Aubrey and was disappointed that they never followed up on this.
Much of the music in the background is contemporary to the time. The smoke is to make them look like they are working whale blubber into whale oil. Whale oil was a valuable commodity, much like petroleum is today.
The music they play & sing is contemporary. A lot of the non-diegetic/background music is more modern. Vaughn Williams' Fantasia (from the Worley death scene) was written in 1910.
Based on several novels written by Patrick O'Brian. Napoleonic period (early 19th century), France vs. Britain naval actions aboard wooden ships sailed by iron men. Action movie you say? Never mind maneuvers, just go straight at 'em! The opening action with the Acheron took place off the coast of Brazil; to go home to England, refit/repair, and then return to find the French ship would take months. A key line that is often missed by reactors, but very important by the movie's end: "She's [Acheron] still vulnerable at the stern." Remember, "Surprise"'s mainmast was damaged in the opening action vs. Acheron; so when the vicious storm was encountered, the heavy winds and "Surprise" rolling on the waves led to the falling of the sails. "In the book" the musket ball that hit Dr. Maturin angled upward off a rib and lodged nearer the heart than what's portrayed in the movie; nonetheless, Jack had to "raise the rib" a good distance for the Dr. to retrieve the missile. You coined a wonderful, rhyming phrase: "Are we going to disguise the 'Surprise'?" Jack asked the French sailor who almost stuck him "Where's the doctor?"; the Frenchie answered "le infirmerie." "Beat to quarters" means "get ready for action" or "go to your action stations." Wonderful musical score also!
The British hero (Nelson) they spoke of was a real person and had lost his right arm to cannon fire in his younger years. Beat to quarters is like General quarters or Battle stations alarm. One knot works out to 1.15 mph. Cape Horn is prone to severe weather which can appear and disappear quickly, and persist for extended periods.
@@f0rth3l0v30fchr15t Yep, HMS Achilles, Exeter and Ajax not being available, in Exeter case due to being sunk by the Japanese so HMS Jamaica and HMS Sheffield stood in. For them
@@htim8997 I'm not sure about the enemy below, I read the book before watching the movie, the book is so much better. However, I would also add "Operation Petticoat" and "Down Periscope"
Just struck me that these two are the only two reactors I'll watch for a movie I hadn't personally seen. Edit, well, okay, if Drachinifel were to react to this particular movie, I'd watch that. A little side note. Trying to shoot the albatross is interesting in that there is a sailor's superstition about killing an albatross being bad luck. Don't know if it was considered such at that time.
In the novel, the Marine lieutenant was known for his shooting prowess, not necessarily for his mental faculties; he was always shot at fish, manatees, birds, etc. in several shipboard scenarios; other times when the crew went ashore and needed wild pigs, native cattle, etc. for food, his skills were needed. The novels also reveal that Dr. Maturin is quite the sharpshooter himself!
I've had a brilliant idea for a sequel. The Captain is the first woman gay sailor in the Royal Navy. She's never been to sea before, but takes command of the ship when she's 22, and immediately knows everything about the ship and how to command it. Not only that, but she's a brilliant swords woman, and expert with all firearms, even though she used to be a seamstress. I think we've got a box office hit on our hands here guys.
great idea... Captain Galadriel, leader of the Northern Fleets......we have not seen what she's seen.......and I bet she knows why a boat floats and a stone doesn't.......
a film from the golden years of Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany! As for Acheron, I will give you an example from history, which shows that superiority in weapons and manpower is no guarantee of success. During the Russo-Turkish War of 1828-1829, the Russian ship Mercury (18 guns) is chased and overtaken by two Turkish ships, each with 100 guns. hopeless, isn't it? not for the Russian captain and his experienced crew! maneuvering constantly, and leading accurate fire, the Russians damage the masts of the Turkish giants ,and force them to retreat!
Very realistic except for the first cannon shot. The range of these cannons was not very far and they certainly didn't propel the ball faster than the speed of sound and yet there was a long delay after the flash for the sound as well as the impact
@@RamblersInc absolutely, although nothing will ever compare to the books. It's like the Swallows and Amazon series by Arthur Ransome, every book in the series is breathtaking and intriguing, they never disappoint
That "kid" you keep mentioning is a Lord, raised since birth to assume the titled duties of his father once he came of age. This includes lifelong membership in the House of Lords. Notice how all the men immediately follow his orders, even on the island. This is a huge difference between the British and American cultures. Americans will never follow a "kid" no matter who his parents were.
@@RamblersInc yes, I think you are correct, although there are indications this lasted until well into the 20th century, anecdotes from literature etc.
the smoke when they're pretending to be whalers was because whaling was done to get oil, not meat, so whaling ships had to either render oil at sea, or had to be able to tow a dead whale to shore and render it on land so they had to be able to cook huge amounts of meat to render the oil out, hence the smoke.
"Beat to quarters!" means "action stations!" every man to his battle station, clear the decks, load and run out the guns and in general get the ship into fighting trim, and it was done to the beat of the drum, and when being done as a practice drill, it was always done against the clock......the quicker you could get the ship ready for action, the better.......
The movie does not really show actual historical events...and yet it is still one of the most historically accurate films ever made. Just an incredible attention to capturing what it was really like on a Napoleonic era sailing warship of the Royal Navy. This movie is absolutely begging for a sequel, but if it ever gets one, if it is not made by the exact same people as this was made by it will be a horrible follow up to this. It will be ruined by added CGI effects and unwieldy and/or moronic extra stories added in to the script for....reasons.
And "beat to quarters" means to give the drum signal to the ship to get ready for battle...just in case the crew of the Acheron are already taking back their ship.
I'd love to see one as well. Now that I think about it I can't name that many movies that take place in seas/oceans except the Pirates franchise.
There are rumors of a prequel-movie or series in the works, but I haven't heard any updates after Covid
@@ilesalmo7724Preqeul for the Pirates movies?
@@Baldwin-iv445 No, for Master and Commander
@@RamblersInc "Das Boot", "Hunt for Red October", "The Abyss" and closer to this movie the tv-series of "Horatio Hornblower"
It's such a shame that this movie didn't do better at the box office, because it's SO good and obviously, given it's a book series, could have becoome a fantastic franchise. I've seen videos of history/naval experts breaking down films, and this one is always at the top of the list for most realistic/accurate. Also, the score for this film is INCREDIBLE. It also had the unenviable timing of being released a few months after Pirates of the Caribbean, which obviously overshadowed it as THE period piece sailing epic that year.
Yeh releasing it right after Pirates was a big fail in execution.
It was more that it clashed with LOTR The Return of the King which is obviously a masterpiece as well
The HMS surprise is on display in San Diego Harbor in San Diego California. It's really cool
This is fictional story based upon two Patrick O'Brian novels (over 20 make the Aubery-Maturin series). "Beat to Quarters" is like battle stations - drum beat, and yep, the walls and doors come down to form a gun deck. Nelson went to sea at 12, and without an arm and loss of sight in one eye he now stands in Trafalgar Square. While fictional it is agreed by all to be incredibly, historically accurate. The Acheron was actually the USS Norfolk and this story was set in the War of 1812 - the movie made it a French ship so not to annoy an American audience. This the most accurate depiction of the wooden world of wind powered ships of the Napoleonic period ever put on film. O'Brian based his books on historical actions and real captains to create his fictional stories.
Just to add to this, the character of Jack Aubrey was very clearly inspired by the very real Sir Thomas Cochrane - who has one of the most insane life stories I've ever heard of. This is a guy who was given the worst ship they could justify giving him because of political disfavor, and he used it to capture or sink nearly a hundred enemy ships, including victories where he was outnumbered 6 to 1. He was named the "Sea Wolf" by the French during the Napoleonic Wars, had a crazy up-and-down political career in England that eventually led to him fleeing the country, and he later played such an important role in various Hispano-American wars of independence that there are streets named after him across South America to this day (a currently serving Chilean frigate is the fifth Chilean vessel named "Almirante Cochrane" after him). He went on to command the Greek navy for a time during Greece's war for independence from the Ottoman Empire and helped crush the Ottoman fleet, before politics back home finally shifted enough in his favor for him to return, where he was Knighted and made commander-in-chief of British naval activity for roughly half the planet.
The best explanation I've yet heard about why that guy's life hasn't been directly made into a film or show is that audiences probably wouldn't find it believable. But at least we get characters like Jack Aubrey and Honor Harrington that were inspired by him.
@@pali1d Pity O'Brian said although he used some of Cochranes exploits, Aubrey was based on several Royal Navy Commanders who all had equally brilliant careers and actions.
@@HankD13 I hadn't seen such a statement from him, but I'll take your word for it - can't pretend I've done serious research into the topic.
When mr hollom was singing, it was a problem because he was an officer. Officers and sailors don’t associate. And in those times he should have known better. It was considered counter to the chain of command.
Daamn. They can't even sing along? They're all in the same boat (pun intended).
@@RamblersIncfor the ship to survive, the crew must consider the words from their officers as close to comparable to the word of god. Everything has to be done promptly without hesitation.
If the crew and officers mingle off-duty, the crew will see the officers as just men. Fallible. This increases errors the crew makes leading to death.
I mean there is that, but I think it was mostly they already didn't like him by then because of his hesitation to beat to quarters during the first encounter with the Acheron and overall obsequious attitude more than just being an officer and singing with them, probs would have not batted an eye if Jack or Pullings did it
@@johjoh9270 Jack or Pullings would never have done it, and it would have certainly shocked the men had they. Don't get me wrong, I agree that it being Hollom made it even worse, but any officer singing with their men like this would have been viewed as a major breach of etiquette. Officers and sailors simply did not socialize with each other, even on land. In the books, some of the sailors actually live with Jack - to work the land he owns and maintain his estate. He doesn't dine with them even when he's living with them, even when (Spoiler) Jack loses his commission for a time. They care about each other, to be sure, but they were not social equals and did not act as such.
An officer was like (and usually literally was) a nobleman, while the sailors were like (and often literally were) the noble's servants. A good officer, like Jack, took care of his sailors and made sure they kept their lives in order, on ship or otherwise. They could care about each other, love each other, be willing to die for each other - but they didn't socialize together. The class division was not something to be ignored or forgotten.
@@RamblersIncAnd, mind you, those rules are still in place in modern militaries. That's why officers and staff NCOs have a different club from the low-ranking enlisted. It's called fraternization. Perhaps a hold-over from pre-modern society, but the military sees value in keeping those rules. Today's officers aren't nobility, but they are usually college educated and the rules regarding commissions are far different from an enlistment. I will say, the Marines that I served with were far more lax about those rules than the military was around the time of Napoleon but, make no mistake, that lax attitude is still technically a breach of the UCMJ.
18 pounder references not the size per se, but the weight of the ball that the cannons fire
Love this movie. I remember seeing this in theatres with a bunch of friends in high school. Our history teacher actually took us to see it. It was amazing. We absolutely loved it. The books that the movie are based on are really good too.
The young boys are Midshipmen. Young officer larva, so to speak. Family connections were used to send young men of quality to sea, with Captains that were known to them. Very much a social class thing.
It was unfortunate the young sailor died in the storm, however it was him or the ship so Aubrey had to choose the "lesser of two weevils" and cut the man loose. I always loved how they set that up during a time of relative peace on board and then manifested it in the chaos of the storm.
I seriously urge you guys to visit the navy museum in Portsmouth.
Nelsons flag ship The HMS Victory is there along with HMS Warrior, the first iron clad ship, the Mary Rose & the museum has some really fascinating stuff. It's a great day out & you get a real feel of what it was like to live & fight on a Royal Navy battle ship back them.
Good movie. Reminds me of the Hornblower series of books and movies.
This is based on a wonderful series of books. Master and Commander is the first in the series, but is not really used for this film. The Far Side of the World is a latter book in the series. The film is an amalgam of plot points from a few of the books.
There are several cut scenes of the Royal marine captain shooting various birds and animals before the incident with the albatross happens, the idea being he is collecting trophy's to bring back.
I thought the marine captain was hoping to snag some fresh meat.
Who knows?
@Kavala76 Trophy hunting was a very popular sport among military officers, and considered a gentleman's sport. Most men never leave their home, so the chance to hunt and bring back a trophy from around the world doesn't happen often.
Unfortunately our tunnel visioned Marine captain seemed to forget he was on a crowded ship, not an empty jungle.
Always be mindful of our surroundings.
In the books, he would shoot them and then give them to the doctor to dissect, but he was a little too eager, and the doctor gently asks him to not shoot more than he can examine.
Beat to Quarters:
Beat the drum, with the roll 'to Quarters', which means everyone attends there battle positions, each man to his station - manoeuvring to their respective lines, musketry to the quarterdeck, helmsmen to the wheel, carpenter and caulker to the hold to ready for battle damage. Crews of the guns each to their allotted place, men to the magazine and to pass powder and shot. Officers and warrant officers to their area of responsibility. Clear the furniture and clutter from the decks, to reduce the splinter hazard and to eliminate trip hazards - secure the guns ready to fire on the engaged side, and await further instructions.
Numbers from each gun are tasked to manoeuvre, musketry, boarding (first, second third boarders) and to fire & pumps, so that each man knows when he is to fall out of the guns crew and attend to his ordered duties.
Every time I see this movie it takes me back to when I got to visit HMS Victory, a real eye opener going around an old ship of the line. seeing how the crew lived in a confined space.
Add in the rough seas while being in that confined space. 🤢
@@RamblersInc I get sea sick on a mill pond so yes.
Than you have the amount of roll when your up in the mast tops you spend most of your time hanging over the ocean.
The British at the time expected encouraged and demanded two things from their navy officers. Extreme aggression and insane levels of bravery
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To the point that at least one admiral was hanged for not being aggressive enough.
It also might have helped that everyone serving on a British warship got a share of the value of any enemy ships they captured.
In fact this is how the construction costs for a lot of stately homes was met.
The smoke and disorder is because she isn't a frigate, with a crew of 220 men, but is rather a whaler, with try-stills (rendering blubber into whale oil), and a crew of ~21.
Rather than expecting a fight they only have to come alongside and receive the surrender. Perfectly legal as long as the national colours are shown before or at the time of opening fire.
Good way to get close.
It's based on two of the books in the Aubrey-Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian.
This was such a lovely reaction to my favorite movie. Thank you guys.
The weakest part of the (excellent) script was pretending Aubrey needed the stick insect to think of disguising the ship. It was a known tactic.
This is a good time to see how it was done in the time of the big studios:
"Captain Horatio Hornblower" is a 1951 British naval swashbuckling war film that stars Gregory Peck and Virginia Mayo
@@stevenspringer1599 agreed. They should see that one.
I'm probably reaching here, but I think the stick insect part was to help the average viewer with the tactic.
@@RamblersInc
no reach, most probably a factor but because in many other matters they don't care if the audience is confused by nomenclature and tactics it's possibly because it made a little Blakeney moment that wasn't in the book.
Found your channel via the HOTD reactions. Now with this reaction to one of my favorite movies, I had to subscribe. Loving your reactions. Please keep going!
Awesome! Thank you!
This movie's sound design is goated.
The story is fiction. However. There was a ship built in Boston that was very much like the Acharon. Ships were often built out of white oak because of the durability of the wood. But there was one ship that was built out of Swamp Oak that grew in the American deep south on wetland shores. It was almost twice as heavy as White oak and far more dense. It was, like the Acharon, hard to damage with the armaments of the day. This ship still serves as a Naval Ship of That line in the U.S. Navy. It is The U.S.S. Constitution. They called her, ... "Old Iron Sides". She is still a commissioned U.S. Naval Vessel The Kid that lost an Arm is Lord Blakney. His Father was a Naval officer and his father had died. William Lord Blakeny at 11 years of age was the oldest sone. Now That Kid Has his late Father's title. He is a Midshipman, a Naval officer in training. This is what Aristocrats did in the early 19th century. Lord Blakeney is going to be an Admiral one day. He may be a Kid but he holds title and lands. This is expected of him.
he seemed more mature for his age as well. At least tactically speaking.
My dudes! Read the books by Patric O'brien.
Would love to see you react to Waterloo (1970). It’s on TH-cam because there is no longer a copyright. Great Napoleonic war movie and incredibly historically accurate. It also, I believe, holds the record for the most extras in a movie
We'll add it to the watchlist. Do you know if the new Napoleon movie with Joaquin Phoenix is any good?
Wholeheartedly support this. The battle scenes are absolutely stunning. No vis effects, all real men and real horses. Amazing.
Waterloo (1970) is still very much in copyright in any jurisdiction I know of. In the U.S., for instance, copyright expires 70 years from the end of the calendar year in which the last of the director, the screenwriter(s), any additional writers, or the composer dies. Whichever is last.
@@RamblersInc well, if you're into fantasy, sick relationship, neurotical deranged characters based story then go for it. Do not expect anything even remotely close to historical facts.
There were many boys on board every ship in that era and beyond. Boys from well to do families were taken on as officers as the little blond warrior Cherub in this one was. It was one of the best ways that a family could give their sons a way to advance their station in life through military service. There were also boys from pooer families in the general crew as well. Military service for them was one of the only ways to climb out of living in abject poverty and filth. Unfortunately these boys were often subject to the sexual yearnings of several adult men of the crew, and sometimes amongst the officers as well. Homosexuality was not uncommon amongst sailors of that and subsequent time periods. Many sailors grew up on those ships from boyhood and by the time they had reached adulthood it was simply a part of life that while out to Sea for months or even years on end away from any women. That having a male lover on board the ship you were on for months on end. And a wife, girlfriend or just female prostitutes when they returned home to dry land. It's much like many otherwise straight men tend to act in prison when female company is just not available.
It was a very long standing tradition in almost all ships of the sea that women were considered very bad luck to have on board any ships. Probably because they were just way too distracting to the men and that caused multiple problems captains and owners just didn't need or want.
watched the first upload, but you guys are such great reactors I might just watch this one as well😂
You're the best !
Hopefully this one sticks 😂
Although fictional, the Acheron and part of the story line was inspired by the frigate USS Essex in the War of 1812. The Essex had sailed into the Pacific via Cape Horn and was doing great damage to the British whaling fleet. She was eventually trapped in Valparaíso harbor by a British frigate and sloop and was defeated and captured when she attempted to break out. For the movie the nationality of the adversary was changed from American to French for the sake of US audiences. The Acheron was also made to resemble the American heavy frigates of that time such as the USS Constitution, ships of much greater strength than Essex.
You just reminded me of just how much bigger the Acheron was. A beast of a ship.
This movie is a delight for all, but if you are interested in history it's a gem. No matter the level of your knowledge, from time-to-time history book reader to Cambridge lecturer, the movie is incredibly rewarding.
A couple of examples
1 - in the "beating to quarters" scenes you see a Royal Marine drummer playing the roll call while standing on the stairs connecting the main deck to the lower ones. That's exactly the postion the drummer would have taken in order to get the drum beats be heard both on and below deck
2 - if you look veeeery carefully at Captain Jack's bowstring you'll realize it's slightly different from the bows normally used these days. That's because in the period straddling 18 and 19 centuries the bow normally used was the so called "classic" bow, the one you see in the movie; the "classic" bow is quite different from the "modern" bow used today, lacking the screw mechanism you have in the handle side of the modern bow to regulate the tension.
Now, these are just two tiny tyny little examples of details that make NO difference at all in terms of story telling, but make ALL the difference when the viewer knows what it's going on and what the actors, director, prop and film crews have done - and then leaves the theatre with a big, BIG grin on the face.
They tow the small boats behind during a fight to try and stop them being damaged? Ships of the time carried HUGE amounts of spare timber and the ship's carpenters were REALLY important members of the crew.
The wind only came back after Aubrey had asked for god and Hollam to forgive them. That would have told the crew that he wasn't a Jonah and god was angry at them for the way they treated him. Once Aubrey expressed regret, the wind came back, indicating that they were forgiven.
11:45 It was fraternization. Officers are not supposed to sing with the men.
The Archeron is a fictionalized USS Constitution (Old Ironsides), and the combat it depicts was actually between the USA and UK in 1812
The books are without doubt the best historical fiction I ever read.
Given oceanic distances and slow speeds, ships crews included many with useful trade skills like painters, carpenters, ropemakers, coopers etc.
This allowed ships to be as self-sufficient as possible.
This is one of the best movies ever!
So the young boys are midshipmen. And yes, they are there because they are of the ruling class. That's why there are teenage boys giving orders to grown men. It was considered important for both the young officers to learn to lead, as well as for the common sailors to be reminded of their place. That is, that they were beneath the ruling class and always will be, even if it's a child.
I remember seeing the trailers for this when it came out and being super excited because I always loved these old sailing ships and all though childhood I had read about the navy of Nelson's day. The film did not disappoint. I was really pleased to see that they got so many details right.
The movie is based on the Aubrey-Maturin series of novels by Patrick O'Brian. There are some 20 novels and this movie was intended to be the first of a whole series of films. Unfortunately, while it got great reviews, it didn't do well enough for any sequels to get the green light. I generally don't like sequels but I admit I had hoped to see more of Jack Aubrey and was disappointed that they never followed up on this.
It's a shame it didn't do well. We don't see a lot of naval movies.
@@RamblersInc Definitely not that period. I can't think of any.
Its a masterpiece. The books are even better
Much of the music in the background is contemporary to the time. The smoke is to make them look like they are working whale blubber into whale oil. Whale oil was a valuable commodity, much like petroleum is today.
The music they play & sing is contemporary. A lot of the non-diegetic/background music is more modern. Vaughn Williams' Fantasia (from the Worley death scene) was written in 1910.
3:41 yeah there’s livestock in board. Before refrigeration, the way you kept your meat good for a long time was to keep it alive lol
😂
Well, at least you'll know that the meat is fresh.
@@scipioafricanus5871 exactly, apparently sailors of this time ate more nutrictiously than average Englanders. Let that sink in, pun intended
Based on several novels written by Patrick O'Brian. Napoleonic period (early 19th century), France vs. Britain naval actions aboard wooden ships sailed by iron men. Action movie you say? Never mind maneuvers, just go straight at 'em! The opening action with the Acheron took place off the coast of Brazil; to go home to England, refit/repair, and then return to find the French ship would take months. A key line that is often missed by reactors, but very important by the movie's end: "She's [Acheron] still vulnerable at the stern." Remember, "Surprise"'s mainmast was damaged in the opening action vs. Acheron; so when the vicious storm was encountered, the heavy winds and "Surprise" rolling on the waves led to the falling of the sails. "In the book" the musket ball that hit Dr. Maturin angled upward off a rib and lodged nearer the heart than what's portrayed in the movie; nonetheless, Jack had to "raise the rib" a good distance for the Dr. to retrieve the missile. You coined a wonderful, rhyming phrase: "Are we going to disguise the 'Surprise'?" Jack asked the French sailor who almost stuck him "Where's the doctor?"; the Frenchie answered "le infirmerie." "Beat to quarters" means "get ready for action" or "go to your action stations." Wonderful musical score also!
This would have made for such a good sequel as the French captain survived.
The British hero (Nelson) they spoke of was a real person and had lost his right arm to cannon fire in his younger years. Beat to quarters is like General quarters or Battle stations alarm. One knot works out to 1.15 mph. Cape Horn is prone to severe weather which can appear and disappear quickly, and persist for extended periods.
Three other ship based movies for your consideration, "Sink The Bismark", "Battle of the River Platte" and "The Cruel Sea". All Well worth watching.
Fun fact, one of the ships that *fought* at the River Platte appears as herself in the film.
@@f0rth3l0v30fchr15t Yep, HMS Achilles, Exeter and Ajax not being available, in Exeter case due to being sunk by the Japanese so HMS Jamaica and HMS Sheffield stood in. For them
And please, __please___ let's not forget "Das Boot"
I would also add:
"The Enemy Below"
"Away All Boats"
"Mister Roberts"
"The Caine Mutiny"
@@htim8997 I'm not sure about the enemy below, I read the book before watching the movie, the book is so much better.
However, I would also add
"Operation Petticoat"
and
"Down Periscope"
A really good movie.
Just struck me that these two are the only two reactors I'll watch for a movie I hadn't personally seen. Edit, well, okay, if Drachinifel were to react to this particular movie, I'd watch that. A little side note. Trying to shoot the albatross is interesting in that there is a sailor's superstition about killing an albatross being bad luck. Don't know if it was considered such at that time.
Good taste but you should also see the movie. It's truly excellent.
@@ARealityStorm Now on the list.
In the novel, the Marine lieutenant was known for his shooting prowess, not necessarily for his mental faculties; he was always shot at fish, manatees, birds, etc. in several shipboard scenarios; other times when the crew went ashore and needed wild pigs, native cattle, etc. for food, his skills were needed. The novels also reveal that Dr. Maturin is quite the sharpshooter himself!
@@artbagley1406 I had forgotten about the doctor
Is this a re-upload? Cause I swear I've seen your reaction to this not long ago. Anyway, great film, great reaction guys.
Yep. Re-upload. Last one got blocked. 2nd times the charm.🤞
@@RamblersInc Ah okay, fingers crossed guys! 🤞
I'll add The Enemy Below to the list. Destroyer vs. submarine, 1943-44.
Black Sails
Black Sails
Black Sails
I've had a brilliant idea for a sequel. The Captain is the first woman gay sailor in the Royal Navy. She's never been to sea before, but takes command of the ship when she's 22, and immediately knows everything about the ship and how to command it. Not only that, but she's a brilliant swords woman, and expert with all firearms, even though she used to be a seamstress. I think we've got a box office hit on our hands here guys.
😂
great idea... Captain Galadriel, leader of the Northern Fleets......we have not seen what she's seen.......and I bet she knows why a boat floats and a stone doesn't.......
a film from the golden years of Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany! As for Acheron, I will give you an example from history, which shows that superiority in weapons and manpower is no guarantee of success. During the Russo-Turkish War of 1828-1829, the Russian ship Mercury (18 guns) is chased and overtaken by two Turkish ships, each with 100 guns. hopeless, isn't it? not for the Russian captain and his experienced crew! maneuvering constantly, and leading accurate fire, the Russians damage the masts of the Turkish giants ,and force them to retreat!
Each with 100 guns ??? It must have been a tactical masterclass to take them out.
@@RamblersInc david vs goliath.. two goliaths, actually! 😉
😂
Very realistic except for the first cannon shot. The range of these cannons was not very far and they certainly didn't propel the ball faster than the speed of sound and yet there was a long delay after the flash for the sound as well as the impact
Great reaction, gentlemen, I hope you will read the book series one day.
Me too. Also whilst I'm hoping for things, hopefully some genius director makes a sequel 😂
@@RamblersInc absolutely, although nothing will ever compare to the books. It's like the Swallows and Amazon series by Arthur Ransome, every book in the series is breathtaking and intriguing, they never disappoint
Before call someone idiot, make sure you are not..
I mean...I can't call the Captain smart for shooting Stephen. Each to their own though.
To be fair, he did seem to forget he was aboard a crowded ship, and not on safari..
One must always be mindful when firing off lead lobbers.
That "kid" you keep mentioning is a Lord, raised since birth to assume the titled duties of his father once he came of age. This includes lifelong membership in the House of Lords. Notice how all the men immediately follow his orders, even on the island. This is a huge difference between the British and American cultures. Americans will never follow a "kid" no matter who his parents were.
I mean back then, right? I hope Brits don't follow kids now, no matter the assumed title. Otherwise I'm in trouble 😂.
@@RamblersInc yes, I think you are correct, although there are indications this lasted until well into the 20th century, anecdotes from literature etc.
Funny how reactors with none-at-all naval expertise try to draw conclusions from what they are seeing. Everybody has to start somewhere i guess
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Cochrane,_10th_Earl_of_Dundonald
Jeeeeez look at how many wars he went through.