Brotherhood of the Wolf (Le pacte des loups) (Christophe Gans, 2001)
Imdb
Date Watched: 08/14/16
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: Action Movie List
Rewatch? Yes.
Brotherhood of the Wolf is a highly stylized hybrid of creature horror, fantasy, mystery, period romance, and martial arts spectacle that at one point held a spot in my top ten.
Set in 18th century France, this is the tale of two men who go to investigate a series of deaths in the Gevaudan province that have been linked to a wolf-like beast that preys on women and children. One is a naturalist and taxidermist, the other a native American who says little but who exhibits great strength and loyalty.
But this really isn't a movie about story. It's about style. It's about gorgeous cinematography and lavish costumes that pop on the screen. And it's about fight scenes and stunts that thrill and excite. Adding to the visual feast is the cast. Émilie Dequenne and Monica Belluci are both stunningly beautiful and alluring. Vincent Cassel, though not really physically attractive, brings a performance that is both chillingly sinister and strangely sexy. But what really stands out to me is Mark Dacascos as Mani (playing an Iroquois despite lacking any native blood). Holy ***** is that man beautiful.
Ultimately, however, despite the beauty of the film (and its cast) I didn't love
Brotherhood as much as I once did. It's a gorgeous and exciting movie but, except for Mani, the emotional connection that I need is a little lacking. Still it's a solid choice for pure entertainment.
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