10 MORE War Movie Plot Twists Nobody Saw Coming
6. The Captain's Double Cross - Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World bears an unenviable accolade - a cinematic masterpiece that flopped at the box office against the might of a certain number titled The Return of the King.
Nevertheless, Peter Weir's 2003 outing was universally acclaimed for the masterful manner in which the Australian adapted the subject matter of Patrick O'Brian's novels for the silver screen. Helmed by the towering presence of Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey, Weir's picture is an outrageously entertaining viewing experience.
Master and Commander even manages to implement an unexpected plot twist right at the end. The climactic battle between Aubrey's Surprise and the French frigate Acheron seemingly sees the enemy captain killed in the fighting. After the French surrender, Jack is gifted his fallen counterpart's sword by the Acheron's doctor, a man named Le Vigny.
Except, all is not as it seems. As the Acheron sails away, Paul Bettany's Stephen Maturin reveals that Le Vigny actually died several months prior - unmasking the "doctor" as the real French captain. An irritated Aubrey realises that he has been duped, immediately giving the order to pursue the French ship and for the crew to assume battle stations as the film concludes.
In all fairness to O'Brian's legendary captain, who could have seen that coming?