I started reading Master and Commander this morning. I think the movie has very little in common with the books except for the names. The captain in the movie overplays the book captain's drinking at sea and the doctor, who in the books is described as a yellow, ill-looking man with sparse hair is tall and reasonably good looking guy. The acting was passable, but the movie's plot is too loose. Not to mention the fact that it mostly covers events from "The Far Side of the World" and none from Master and Commander.
If you haven't read the books and don't plan to, then it's so-so. If you have read them, I'd advise against watching the movie. I won't be watching it again.
Oh, I think it could be graded lower... Truly. I was very disappointed with the movie's story.
The book, on the other hand, has been great! I'm probably going to order the rest.
Is it worth watching?