I think this movie will be underseen domestically, as it covers a geeky subject, isn't violent enough, offers no love interest, and doesn't involve Americans. However, I enjoyed it alot. Escapism? Maybe. Its a Star Trek episode set in the 1700s. You get an impression of the life of the olde Navy, back when sailing the South Seas was to push the edges of human experience.

Master and Commander doesn't suck