Cerebrally, his film is far better than Pirates Of The Caribbean, which is headed for a $670-$680 million worldwide gross. This film, which is set in the early years of the 19th century, is certainly better scripted, performed and executed than the Pirates, though it may find it difficult to match the latter's popularity.

The movie has a commanding performance by Russell Crowe, who effectively brings out the heroism and self-doubts in the captain who also has a sense of humour. Then there is excellent editing (Lee Smith) that smoothly connects the strands of story filled with action and drama, and an atmospheric photography (Russell Boyd).

The movie also has haunting music, combining Mozart and Bach with the more modern percussive-driven music of Iva Davies, Richard Tognetti and Christopher Gordon.

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