Melchior l'apothicaire: L'énigme de Saint-Olav

Detective story in the medieval Tallinn - interesting plot, surprising twists, logical conclusions, tense moments. A mysterious beauty I hope to know more in the next movie.

The screening of Indrek Hargla's book deserves Your attention.

You get what you get in first 10 minutes or so; from then on it's just mediaeval locations and some lukewarm attempts at excitement or comedy. The story never really goes anywhere and doesn't involve the viewer. I found myself thinking other stuff during the screening.

Melchior the Apothecary is the first film in a series, directed by Elmo Nüganen and based on books by Indrek Hargla. It looks great, with real-looking old buildings, dark streets, and colourful costumes that make the setting feel real and alive. It's a big step forward for Estonian filmmaking in terms of quality.

Märten Metsaviir plays Melchior, a smart apothecary who solves crimes. His acting is calm and serious. Other actors, like Maarja Johanna Mägi as Keterlyn and Marko Matvere as the loud mayor, bring more energy and interest to the screen. The film has a strong mood and even adds some dark humour to its serious story.

However, the story is a bit too predictable and uses many familiar ideas we've seen before. For instance, the helper who turns into a love interest feels overused, and some characters don't feel fully developed or believable. The mystery starts off well but soon becomes less exciting, as Melchior finds clues too easily without much real detective work.

The film tries to mix different styles-historical drama, love story, crime, and horror-but doesn't go deep into any of them. Even though the scary and bloody scenes look good, they don't create much real suspense. The romance between Melchior and Keterlyn also feels weak and confusing.

Even with these flaws, Melchior the Apothecary is a good start to the trilogy. It's an interesting film for people who enjoy historical mysteries or want to see medieval Tallinn on screen. Just don't expect a lot of surprises.

8 points as it is an Estonian production.

Melchior the Apothecary: Melchior is an Apothecary in medieval Tallinn,, he's also good at solving mysteries. He tracked down the deranged leper who single handedly slaughtered Melchior's father. So when a famous knight is murdered the city Sheriff deputises the awesome Apothecary. The knight had defeated and slain the Baltic pirates who had infested the sea for so long, now he had been decapitated and coins put in his mouth. This is a mystery which involves the Teutonic Knights as well as lost treasures of the Knights Templar. The murders continue as Melchiot has to contend with a hunchback friar and an incompetent builder, he also has a newly arrived boy intent on becoming his apprentice. There are elements of black comedy here which leaven a dark tale. Life is cheap and those who bring bad news are punished, the maid who found the knight's body is whipped, Colourful costumes are worn but the city is dirty and even many of the rich burghers are unwashed. Red herrings abound but if you may close attention you will elicit clues. There are elements of Shakespeare here - nobody notices that a male is really a female in disguise and it also has a touch of The Name of the Rose. The first in a trilogy involving this Medieval sleuth. Directed by Elmo Nüganen, Screenplay by Elmo Nüganen and Olle Mirme, based on the novel by Indrek Hargla. 7.5/10.

This is a new high in Estonian cinema from a quality standpoint. The sets are believable, the backdrop of old Tallinn is stunning. In this sense it knows its strengths.

I also cannot fault the performances. Melchior is well cast as well as his apprentice and most of the powerful adversaries/allies he meets.

The main drawback is that Elmo Nüganen as a director probably hasn't met a trope he doesn't love. This was as evident in his last war epic "1944" as it is here. The most obvious one being the apprentice-turned-beautiful-love interest. Bonus points if NOBODY besides our wise protagonist - and everybody in the movie thater - doesn't understand that.

I would definately suggest seeing this - the sets, the actors as well as most of the storyline does merit checking it out. For a more jaded viewer - don't expect to be surprised much.