Summary SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT Master and Commander: The Far Side of The World makes a minor adjustment to its historical setting that significantly impacts the film’s villains. The 2003 film is adapted from Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin book series, which charts the friendship between naval officer Jack Aubrey and naval surgeon Stephen Maturin.
Master And Commander Is Set in 1805 Because Audiences Know Napoleon The decision to change Master and Commander's story setting from 1812 to 1805 was mainly motivated by storytelling efficiency. In O’Brian’s original novel, The Far Side of The World, the action takes place during the War of 1812, which saw the UK and the US engaged in naval conflict. The novel sees Captain Aubrey’s British ship on the tail of an American vessel, the USS Norfolk.