The Count of Monte Cristo (1999)

Acclaimed actor Gérard Depardieu stars in the adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic tale of love, intrigue and revenge.

The Count of Monte Cristo tells the dramatic story of Edmond Dantès, a young French sailor who is falsely denounced as a traitor and unjustly imprisoned for eighteen years without a trial. After a daring escape, Dantès secures a treasure hidden on the island of Monte Cristo bequeathed to him by a dying inmate. Using these riches, he assumes a new identity and devises a plan to seek vengeance against all those who betrayed him.

Missing a star or two

Almost everything that needs to be said about this version has already been said by other reviewers. I will only add three things which may explain my painful three stars instead of the five I would desperately like to give.

Firstly, as already mentioned, but needing emphasis in a big way - the physical quality of the two disks I got were atrocious. I had to rip and re-burn them to enable me to watch the whole series without interruption, and even then I had a hard error which I could not recover. Come on!!! This isn't the 1930's and we aren't talking about 45rpm scratchies. Not good enough!

Secondly, as a keen intermediate level student of French, I looked forward to being able to pick up a few gems while enjoying this magnificent story presented by a superb cast. It would have helped if the idiots who created the subtitles actually translated what was being said instead of just making some of it up themselves. (Example: "Donc, tu est sûr de ne pas pouvoir aimer une autre femme que Valentine de Villefort?" translated to "You're sure that Valentine is the one?".) I know, I know. Subtitles are always a problem, but gee, give us a break.

The final problem is the ending. It's ridiculous and has nothing to do with the original story. The ending for Monte Cristo was not some idyllic return to the past with his long lost love, who incidentally also betrayed him, but an attempt by an emotionally and physically exhausted man to find some happiness with a woman, the princess Haydée, who was also betrayed and who also suffered terribly as a result. It must have been created as a feel-good finale with an eye on the American market, or something like that. It does leave a bad taste in the mouth though.

With all this in mind, you should still buy this version. It has lots and lots to offer and you will, as I have, enjoy hours of splendid viewing.
October 6, 2008

This is the best

This is a most enjoyable and satisfying presentation. Fine acting all around. An erudite and absorbing script. A French production ensuring and delivering authentic settings, costumes, art direction. The seven hour run time allows a viewer to wallow in the story, similar to the enjoyment of getting deep into a long treasured book. This story by Dumas contains all the elements of drama...the basic kernel that draws us into the story. Highly recommended. September 21, 2008

Kudos to Depardieu and all involved! Magnificent Film!

I enjoyed this film in all its aspects. I was so impressed with the fabulous acting. Depardieu is truly a wonderful actor! His face is so expressive! And, at the same time, I must say that the entire cast was exceptionally talented! The sets, the costumes all worked so well. And the editing was superb - to keep that wonderful pacing was a major achievement! Bravo! September 16, 2008

Great Movie

This was a great mini-series, all in French, but with readable subtitles. It kept us at the edge of our seats for many hours. Gerard and family were wonderful. August 29, 2008

Outstanding Film Version

The Count of Monte Cristo is among the all-time great works of adventure fiction. It is shot through with intrigue, both political and romantic, gripping suspense, and slam-bang action. The first time I read it I lost a few nights' sleep because I couldn't stop leafing through the pages to turn off the lights.

This film version, with a cast of impressive depth and range, surpasses the others I've seen. The book is sprawling, and any screen adaptation necessarily makes substantial cuts, omitting and reconnecting various plot lines. Here, the character of Mondego (played by Jean Rochefort--one of France's great actors, but miscast in a part that calls for a younger and darker man to play against the smoldering rage of Edmond Dantes) is somewhat underdeveloped.

On balance, though, this production succeeds impressively. The dialogue, most of the time, is worthy of Dumas. The English subtitles are excellent as well (accurate and colloquial without being overly intrusive).

A superb entertainment.

August 7, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...