Russell Crowe learned to play violin for the film and referred to it as the hardest thing he'd ever done for a film.

Although Russell Crowe had reservations about the first drafts of the sсript that he had been sent, the chance of working with Peter Weir was what ultimately convinced him to commit to the project.

Peter Weir shot footage of an actual typhoon specifically to be used during the movie.

Two historical advisors were on set at all times.

Russell Crowe parked his participation in Cinderella Man to make this film.
By the time he returned to the boxing project, it had lost its original director,
Lasse Hallström, who was subsequently replaced by Ron Howard.

Paul Bettany (Dr. Maturin) was one of the only actors who did not get seasick during filming.
This was because he was a member of Sea Cadets when he was a kid.

At one point, the writers toyed with the idea of adding a love interest for Russell Crowe's character.
Although this idea was later rejected, Keira Knightley was first choice for the part.