Die letzte Reliquie

I really loved this movie when I was a kid, but now I don't see how I could think of it as nearly perfect at that time. Don't get me wrong, although I have to admit that it seems funny or goofy or unrelated to the novel at some parts I still think the movie is great. I like such historical movies; and movies of the era that "Viimne Reliikvia" is situated in especially. One of my favorite genres is adventure and fight-for-independence, so that's another reason why I like it(although fight-for-independence or something similar isn't listed in "Viimne Reliikvia" genres I think it should be; Gabriel and his men are definitely fighting for independence). For everybody else I suggest that you watch the movie, but of course what you think about it is your own concern.

The movie is great, but half of it is far away from the book. They had the main point: Agnes has to marry von Mönnikhusen for the sacred bones to get back to the monastery; Agnes escapes with Gabriel; falls in love and so on. But those guys forgot that Agnes`s father is alive and HE asked Gabriel to became one of his men, not von Mönnikhusen. But: Ivo Shenckenberg is actually historical person and the war and rising against the masters are historical parts too. Outside the cameras: Ursula (Eve Kivi) knew to tell that Gabriel (Aleksandr Goloborodko) became a father at the moment they were shooting the scene where Gabriel was fastened up to the tree and one of Shenkenbergs men told him: "Sure, raisk!" (Die, sod!)

OK, OK. So being a Moscovite isn't exactly like being from Nebraska or anything, and I am familiar (and very much in love) with Soviet movies from that era where it was essentially mandatory to have at least two songs in a film, but... Damn good fun. It's an adventure, it's loaded with humor and a healthy dose of anti-Church sentiment - it was made under Soviet times, after all - and it's filmed in some really beautiful locations. Oh, did I mention that the female lead is really, really hot? From the first moment she appears on screen coddling a lamb to, well...watch the movie. She's hot. There are a few continuity goofs here and there (pay attention to the behavior of the iron gate in the convent towards the very end), but that's rendered irrelevant by the movie magic. This is the kind of movie I'd show my kids to encourage qualities of bravado, chivalry, independent spirit, and good old-fashioned manliness. Also, I'm not familiar with the historical context, but it's there, and it makes me want to find out more.

Recommended for anyone who likes old-time adventures, voluptuous blondes, freedom fighters, or just an all-around good time. Oh, also - if you're into black metal, this flick has a couple of choice scenes for you! Not quite Mosquito Coast but...

This might not seem like an outstanding film to an outsider, but it is a classic in its homeland. This is the story of how men and women fought for their freedom against higher power. The acting is great, the dialogue is classic material. This is most certainly the most often quoted piece in Estonia's history of film and for a reason. Watch it if you want to see a great film that has touched a whole nation without being too serious or too patriotic, but fun and careless among other things as well. This is as good as it gets.

My usual searches and sources did not turn up this movie, but I'd love to watch it. There are selected clips of this available on to watch on a popular video site, but not the complete film. Amazon U.S./Canada/UK also do not list either The Last Relic or it's Estonian title, Viimne reliikvia, available for sale. Netflix and Blockbuster do not show it for rent. Any help in finding it would be appreciated. Thanks.

Also, any help with finding international films not widely released in the United States would be much appreciated. With more international web friendships, I hear more and more about movies I don't have access to watch.