Blockbuster Review #4: Brotherhood of the Wolf

Before getting into the nitty gritty, I should give a little background to this series for those just clicking in. The story begins with the sad declaration of Blockbuster Canada going out of business. It ends with me, the avid movie lover, mourning the loss of my local Blockbuster and going home with an arm full of their orphaned movies. Since my family members were involved in the splurge, movies I've never seen or would never have picked myself came home with me too. I thought it would be fun to review the movies on this blog and so began my Blockbuster Series. This is the fourth movie I'm delivering a verdict to.


So what's this movie all about you ask?

The Brotherhood of the Wolf is a 2001 French film that I watched dubbed in English but there was also the option to have English subtitles. It is inspired by the popular French myth of the "Beast of Gevaudan".

It takes place in 18th century France, in Gevaudan province. Villagers are terrorized and killed by a mysterious beast that no one has ever seen. Upon hearing of the killings, the King of France orders the Chevalier de Fronsac and his native american friend, Mani, to investigate the matter. What they discover is completely unexpected.  

Here's the trailer:

What did I think?

This is a rated-R movie definitely not made for kids (even if it is somewhat historical/educational). That said, I think it is a good movie, but perhaps, because of this, good for a selective audience only.

Its violent, visually spectacular, with good character and plot development (and for a mystery that's a must), and it put a really interesting twist on the action hero by making him an 18th century taxidermist. It is very original in a lot of aspects.

It can be classified under so many genres (horror, romance, mystery, action, adventure, history, etc.) so I can't imagine anyone being bored by it. The jacket cover describes it as a sort of historical "Matrix" but after watching for myself, I can't agree. The only resemblance, in my opinion, is a rather corny, slow-motion fighting scene in the first few minutes that reflects the fighting in The Matrix. And I believe this scene actually takes away from the movie's better qualities. I'd market it as more of a French Pirates of the Caribbean. Regardless, I thought it was a fun and entertaining movie, that isn't meant to be taken too seriously. I think viewers who understand that will enjoy it the most.

7 out of 10.

What do you think about my review?
Do you agree with my score?
Let me know in the comments!