Tags
2000's, Action, Émilie Dequenne, Brotherhood of the Wolf, Christophe Gans, Fantasy, Foreign Language Film, Horror, Jérémie Renier, Mark Dacascos, Monica Bellucci, Samuel Le Bihan, Vincent Cassel
Film Title
Brotherhood of the Wolf
Director
Christophe Gans
Starring
- Samuel Le Bihan as Grégoire de Fronsac
- Mark Dacascos as Mani
- Jérémie Renier as Marquis Thomas d’Apcher
- Émilie Dequenne as Marianne de Morangias
- Vincent Cassel as Jean-François de Morangias
- Monica Bellucci as Sylvia
An audacious melding of more genres that you can shake a stick at and Taking basis from tales of an alleged beast in the of France, Brotherhood of the Wolf is enthralling and unusual in the best sense of the word.
The year is 1764 and in the province of Gévaudan, a spate of brutal killings of young girls and children is attributed to an unseen predator known as The Beast. As time passes, the killings rise rapidly in and other parts of the land, leading to much upheaval and panic as to whether the creature is something of this Earth. In response, The King of France sends two men to make some sense of what is happening. These two men are Grégoire de Fronsac, a naturalist and talented sketch artist and his blood brother companion, Iroquois Mani. They find lodging at the house of a respectable family of high-ranking, becoming friendly with the young Marquis Thomas d’Apcher, who has a big imagination and a lot of heart. The dashing Fronsac is skeptical of the Beast’s authenticity or that it is something demonic, yet must investigate this thing that is baffling and devastating the land. He along with Mani is frequently tested by things that don’t add up regarding the alleged monster. Many describe it as a giant wolf, but others who survived it claim it was a supernatural being. The authorities keep a lot close to their chest, which hinders the search for The Beast and leads to more questions of just what the purpose and reality of the Beast truly are. Meanwhile, Fronsac finds himself attracted to noblewoman Marianne de Morangias, much to the chagrin and jealousy of her one-armed brother Jean-François, who has inappropriate yearnings for his sister. Something of a libertine, he also has his head turned by the tarot reading courtesan Sylvia, who lures him into her twisted web. The attacks of The Beast continue to alarm everyone, and the intelligent Fronsac, along with the sensory perceptions of Mani, believes he is getting nearer to discovery. For what lies at the centre of the Beast’s mystery is something way beyond what either man expected it to be
Gans is an adventurous film maker it must be said and that puckish quality is put to phenomenal use in this bricolage film, that always has a kinetic feel to it. There is no shortage of drama or eventfulness in Brotherhood of the Wolf that ranks it very high on the excitement and swashbuckling action. From the standpoint of visuals, the movie is so alive and a lot of careful craftsmanship has gone into the sets, costumes and overall atmosphere. The editing conjures up a sweeping and adventurous spell, complete with clever dissolves and overlapping imagery for maximum impact. While it could be accused of over egging the pudding with the sheer amount of genres at work, Brotherhood of the Wolf is nothing short of high entertainment and the very fact that it is so unusual is what makes it strong. Half of the fun in the movie is trying to see what will happen next or what tone it will adopt, which is exemplary in my book. I mean you just look over how many elements the film juggles and your mind is blown. You’ve got the feelings of fantasy and horror through the bloodshed and peculiar nature of the beast( which for a long time is effectively shrouded in shadows before revealing itself). Action is frequently shot like that of a spinning martial arts movie, specially prevalent whenever is around. And obviously there is something historical in the film from the fact that the material of The Beast of Gévaudan is still something of a strange mystery. For many, Brotherhood of the Wolf may confound with the sheer amount of things going on in it. But wouldn’t you rather have a film that is filled to the rafters with content instead of a movie where noting of much value unfolds? The music bursts with unbridled energy from the very first frame. You couldn’t have asked for a better score to match the devilishly blended cavalcade of events going on.
Samuel Le Bihan is a good fit for the thinking and slightly rakish Fronsac, who knows something is very amiss in this affair. He gets across the funny and intellectual side that slowly paves the way for a personal streak of vengeance and fury, as the mission grows to be something personal. The morphing from thinker to full on fighter is handsomely handled by Le Bihan. The mainly silent but intense Mark Dacascos lends a spiritual and physical grace to Mani, from his movements to his mannerisms that are largely quiet but when needed pronounced. Dacascos possesses an unearthly poise and athleticism that make the role of Mani one of action as well as soulfulness. Young Jérémie Renier is suitably as the youth who becomes enraptured and curious in helping the two men in their discovery. It helps that has a charm and impressionable wide-eyed expression that is appealing and endearing. The three main guys of the picture work well with each other, obviously bouncing off the difference in personalities and attitudes that are brought together. A demure Émilie Dequenne handles the part of a stifled lady of prominence, who silently chafes at what is expected of her and is more than just an obedient observer when the occasion calls for it. Vincent Cassel nails the sneering arrogance of the warped nobleman whose desire for his sister causes a lot of creepy conflict, especially with Fronsac.
Monica Bellucci seductively steams the screen up as the most mysterious lady of the night, who may very well have more answers than she gives out. Sly and capricious spring to mind when talking of her character and the stunning Bellucci plays that to the hilt.
A hugely exhilarating motion picture with deep imagination and a clear love of pulling things that shouldn’t really go together into something spectacular, Brotherhood of the Wolf is one of the most unconventional movies you’re likely to see, but that is what causes it to be so arresting.
I bought this on DVD years ago, as soon as it was released. Cassel/Bellucci, can’t go wrong.
Cheers mate, Pete.
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It burst with content and excitement. Was so blown away by it. So much to praise.
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This was a fantastic movie that I highly enjoyed. Dacascos was really great in this role (and honestly I think he is at times a very underrated actor). Also enjoyed his role as Crying Freeman. As for this movie though, it was a highly unusual blend of genres, but one that worked out really well 😊 Nice one!
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Yes, he killed it as Mani. He rocked those fight scenes and said a lot with his eyes. It’s an explosive film of a lot of ideas but it works to crazy effect. I loved the hell out of it.
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I totally agree with you, had an absolute blast watching this movie 😊
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Absolute blast was also my experience. Just blew me away. Can see myself returning to this film in the future.
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Monica Bellucci really stands out in any scene. Not heard of this film before. You find some gems.
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She is a gorgeous woman. But it is also her elegance and subtle acting that gets my attention. Many overlook that about her, but she really knows how to convey thoughts without dialogue.
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Exactly!
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Glad someone agrees with me.
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Plenty do here 😄
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Thanks Alex.
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Never heard of it. Sounds like a pleasure ride of style.
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A pleasure ride of style is the exact thing this movie is. You have to see it to believe it!
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I love this movie! Spot on review Vinnie!
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It truly rocks wouldn’t you say Kim? It had me so pumped and excited.
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It’s a really great movie. Like Pete, I wound up buying it for my DVD collection.💁🏻
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I think I’ll have many more fun times with this movie.
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Awesome!
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Ooh V-man I’m going to have to get this one!
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It will definitely surprise and thrill you. Just the sheer amount of genre mixing is enough to please anyone.
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Yup, saw this one, and loved it. You nailed this one. See it, folks!
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I advise everyone to give this film a watch. It’s a real experience! And you won’t regret it.
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I’ve had this on DVD for sooo long (literally, years) and your excellent review is spurring me to finally watch it!
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I’d love to read your thoughts on this film. It’s quite something indeed, right from the very start. Funnily, I had also had it on DVD for years without seeing it, but moving house made me find it.
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How did the move go? I’ll definitely watch soon! 🙂
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It went good. Still having to find places for everything, but that will no doubt come in time.
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It’s all part of the ‘fun’! 🙂
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Haha, so it is.
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One of many films that I really want to see.
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I think this movie is right up your street.
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By the way, how’s the recovery of your blog going?
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I never lost anything in my blog. My laptop though… yeah it died. Fortunately, I bought a new one.
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Good that you have a new one bud. I promise to be on your blog more. The house move has largely taken over.
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I must say I toiled the movie rather much. Watched it first time back in the day in German tv and purchased later on the DVD when I lived for some time in a dormitory during high school time (bought tons of DVD of which half was stolen!!)
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Stolen DVD’s? I’d go mad if my discs were robbed.
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Lol just saw that the autocorrect did an amusing change with my intended “enjoyed the movie rather much”.
But yeah, I am still pissed when I think about it. Happened when I moved away from the dormitory and over the weekend when I was getting my last things I realized the Desaster
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Autocorrect really does spring some interesting corrections doesn’t it? Some make me laugh.
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Lots of incoherent action is the equivalent of no action.
Discuss.
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I wouldn’t say the action is incoherent. There are times when the content gets overwhelming but that largely adds to the fun. If you like genre mixes, you may like this.
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I remember going to see this in the cinema when it first came out and, to be honest, wasn’t especially taken with it. I think maybe i was expecting a different kind of movie – perhaps I should give it another go when the opportunity arises.
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I don’t think it’s a movie for every taste, as there is a hell of a lot going on. But I think you should give it another watch to see if your opinion changes.
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This looks awesome. Thanks for reviewing it! You’re always introducing me to new stuff!
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Trust me it’s a complete blast. You probably won’t believe your eyes when you watch it.
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I haven’t seen this film in years! I loved it. Great post, very thoughtful.
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Thanks for commenting John. I simply haven’t seen a movie quite like this one.
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