Actually I found the critics of M&C to have some good points. These books were tremendously popular but I'd hazard a guess as to where (England?). The books are slow going but detailed. They do not have dramatic finishes of grand resolution. I got a lot out of the film because I liked the detail of life on the sea where you have a good contrast between isolation and cooperation. IOW I got sucked into the movie because I wanted to be and that's exactly how we end up liking or disliking movies. I can easily understand if someone was disappointed in the action. It was good but there was not a lot by today's standards. Action, by today's standards is a greater portion of film, even the more dramatic films.
Peter Weir was the director so you can see from this list if he's a possible favorite or not.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
Truman Show, The (1998)
Fearless (1993)
Green Card (1990)
... aka Green Card (1990) (France)
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Mosquito Coast, The (1986)
Witness (1985)
Year of Living Dangerously, The (1982)
Gallipoli (1981)
Plumber, The (1979) (TV)
Last Wave, The (1977)
"Luke's Kingdom" (1976) (mini) TV Series
Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
Cars That Ate Paris, The (1974)
... aka Cars (1974)
... aka Cars That Eat People (1974) (USA)
Homesdale (1971)
Three to Go (1971)
