'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World' was released 15 years ago today. Here's a look back at Peter Weir's Oscar-winning film, starring Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, and James D'Arcy. | IMDb

Adapted from the Patrick O'Brian novels, the film MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD (2003) changed the Royal Navy's adversaries from Americans in the War of 1812 to French in the Napoleonic Wars because producers feared alienating U.S. audiences. #MovieMonday | U.S. Naval Institute

Did you know that for MASTER AND COMMANDER... To prepare for his role, Russell Crowe actually learned to play the violin -- calling it the hardest thing he's ever done for a film. He later sold the 130-year-old violin for $100,000. | Allen Tsai