Lori Sloan
I am almost an hour into this movie and I barely know who any of the characters are (they are seldom introduced by name, occupation, relationship to the main character) and I've little idea what is going on. Maybe the story is well known enough in Europe that it makes sense to them, but I think even a story we know in the US (such as Abraham Lincoln), you'd at least say who is who, what is happening, etc. Anyway, it is explained a bit a little more than halfway through, but it should have come much sooner and it gets a bit confusing again. It is similar to a Robin Hood story, but not as lively or nearly as clear cut. If you have the hots for Mads Mikkelson and you don't mind being utterly confused and can watch this for free, go ahead. But if you have to pay for it... well... be fair warned because you probably are going to say "What the hell is going on?" at least once during this movie. Also, you'll be really glad to have not lived in that era. Gross.
peterk727
This movie is so slow, you can watch it in 2x and it still will seem slow. If you think I am kidding this is exactly what I did after 10 minutes of being bored to death. The story almost started to get interesting but then it fell apart. It was simply a terribly directed movie based on a very old novella from centuries ago. When you finally get to the end, that is providing you do not turn it off, you will be disappointed. I cannot say much for the acting as there was so little dialogue in it you would not believe it. Apparently this was a second attempt at directing for Arnaud des Pallières who was a writer. He should stick with writing. Both movies he directed are absolute stinkers and this is the worst of them. AVOID!!
jllewell
I loved this film. No padding of any description, and only the salient points throughout.I have to say, I love films that just get on with it, without hours of Hollywood filler; people talking endlessly about things of no importance, that have nothing to do with the story, just to fill the time.There is none of the usual people giving each other long languishing looks, or making love forever, just because the story is so thin.This film is the complete opposite of that. It's a little 'slow' if you like constant action, as I do, however it's all to purpose and that makes it very satisfying. Mads is brilliant as always, and so is the rest of the cast. I'm going to track down the book now, it really deserves a read. The author took big liberties with a real story, but all's fair in love and literature. Especially philosophical literature!This director has brought it to the screen beautifully, although I will say it's not a film for those who are incapable of reading between the lines.
grantss
A slow, ponderous, anticlimactic movie. Had a lot of potential: a 16th century revenge-movie, with comments on justice and how royalty treat their subjects. Yet, it only really touches on these subjects. Nothing is completely explored. There was so much room to make big, bold statements, yet the director pulls his punches.Even the end just feels like a damp squib. Yes, there's an emotional element, but there is no point. All the points the movie seemed to be striving to make at some stage, go up in smoke. What a waste.Good performance by Mads Mikkelsen in the lead role. Does his contract state that he has to be in every non-English European movie nowadays? It feels like it is. He is everywhere, and in various languages too. A highly talented actor.His presence would be about the only positive to the movie.
AD
