The Count Of Monte Cristo on DVD (2002)

Overlooked revenge-em-up classic.

A customer from Newcastle upon Tyne, England. , 29/10/2003

I don't remember this getting many plaudits from the pundits on its cinematic release (or thereafter), but I was pretty pleased by it when I saw it.

Slickly made, clearly with a canny budget fairly well spent. Harris is good as the mentor and Guy Pierce is suitably unlikable as the dastardly Mondego. The sets and the costumes are all lavish and complete, and the action pieces are great with plenty of swordfighting.

Obviously the story is a dark tale of injustice and single-minded revenge that is at once cleverly calculated and also violently consuming and destructive. Actually pretty grim I suppose, but played out well. At least I never felt sorry for the baddie.

My only real criticism is that it struck me afterwards as perhaps being a bit generic as a film, I came away thinking 'that was really good, but fairly unremarkable'. You've seen it all before in various films of this kind, but it is done really nicely here. I recommend it as an enjoyable watch.

Read all reviews

Average film version of a classic novel

Woofla from Greater London , 15/02/2005

Such great potential, but a very average result.

A gripping story and some excellent actors could have made this film a very enjoyable experience. However, a classic tale was ruined in parts by some 'Bruce Willis/Will Smith' type quips which really did not gel with the setting.

There was one unintentionally hilarious part where a spanish pirate (turned goody) starts behaving like one of the cops out of the US series 'Chips', saying 'bam, bam, bam' to indicate his desire to shoot someone...hmmm...Dumas was probably turning in his grave!

A watchable film if there is nothing else on.

Read all reviews

EXCELLENT

tiger1 from tyne & wear , 10/02/2004

I was given this movie by a friend to watch on DVD. Initialy the movie is slow to start off with and one can start you thinking is this another wasted night in. However, the plot starts to turn and get more exciting. It's full of twists and turns and loads of action. It's all about revenge, true love and what a true friend is. Very well thought out movie and keeps one to the edge right to the end. We saw this movie 3 times in one week it was so good. The DVD extras are worth watching too.

Read all reviews

Colorful and Magical - Revenge

Phibbsy from Bucks , 12/03/2004

A magical film based on the classic tale with beautiful acting, a clever script and spectacular sword fights. This film has it all: sex, riches, manipulation and the mighty torn down. All executed with such style and elegance you’ll squeal with pleasure.

There are plots and spectacles for all the family, filmed in beautiful locations. Richard Harris, in one of his last roles, brings the only heavy weight acting as the gentle Minister and Jim Cavaziel provides the suave sex appeal, could he be the next James Bond?

A lot of time has been spent on the extra footage, a sign of a conscientious Director, and it is worth spending 30 minutes finding out just how much pain went in to choreographing the sword fights.

Overall a rich and sophisticated re-make of a spectacular story. Rent it? You'll buy it!

Read all reviews

A MUST SEE

Billie-Lou Rentall from Dorset , 06/06/2005

This is one of the best films i have seen for a long time its way up there with Shawshank redemption.

The twists are well timed and the storyline is gripping

A must see for anyone who likes action revenge and a happy ending

Read all highest rated reviews

Overlooked revenge-em-up classic.

A customer from Newcastle upon Tyne, England. , 29/10/2003

I don't remember this getting many plaudits from the pundits on its cinematic release (or thereafter), but I was pretty pleased by it when I saw it.

Slickly made, clearly with a canny budget fairly well spent. Harris is good as the mentor and Guy Pierce is suitably unlikable as the dastardly Mondego. The sets and the costumes are all lavish and complete, and the action pieces are great with plenty of swordfighting.

Obviously the story is a dark tale of injustice and single-minded revenge that is at once cleverly calculated and also violently consuming and destructive. Actually pretty grim I suppose, but played out well. At least I never felt sorry for the baddie.

My only real criticism is that it struck me afterwards as perhaps being a bit generic as a film, I came away thinking 'that was really good, but fairly unremarkable'. You've seen it all before in various films of this kind, but it is done really nicely here. I recommend it as an enjoyable watch.

Read all highest rated reviews