Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany star in this historical adventure directed by Peter Weir. In April 1805 the British frigate HMS Surprise is ambushed by the French warship Acheron off the coast of Brazil and suffers heavy damage. Determined not to lose his enemy, Captain Jack Aubrey (Crowe) orders repairs to be made at sea and then gives chase.

However, as the pursuit continues, Aubrey is forced to question if his dedication to duty and pursuit of glory is worth risking the safety of his crew and his friendship with Dr. Stephen Maturin (Bettany), the ship's surgeon.