The Count of Monte Cristo

One of the most powerful films of any venue ever made. This beautiful production in French with English subtitles faithfully follows the original Alexander Dumas novel with Gerard Depardieu absolutely sensational as the vengeful Count of Monte Cristo. All of the main and secondary roles are played to perfection. In addition, the beautiful photography and the exceptional acting is more than enhanced by the haunting, melodic musical scoring. This version is the best of any of the other more than 30 filmed adaptations of the famous Dumas novel. Furthermore, it is far better than the admittedly entertaining current 2002 production starring James Caviezel, which takes so many liberties with the story as to deserve to be titled, "inspired by" rather than "adapted from." This movie is truly riveting. Once you get into it, you will not be able to turn the television off. **** - Four