Brotherhood of The Wolf (3 Disc Collectors` Edition) (US)
a.k.a Le Pacte des loups
Certificate: R
Running Time: 152 mins
Retail Price: $39.99
Release Date:
Content Type: Movie
Synopsis:
Inspired by actual events taking place during the reign of King Louis XV, The Brotherhood of the Wolf revisits one of the rare French myths, that of the "Beast of Gevaudan" which killed a number of persons before being vanquished under mysterious circumstances.
For two years, the monstrous Beast had been terrorizing the region of Gevaudan, attacking mostly women and children. It is said to be colossal size and dragon-like and often rumored of being the devil. All of France was shaken by these inexplicable killings.
Delegated by the Royal Court, Gregoire de Fronsac arrives in Gevaudan one autumn night. His mission is to find the Beast and to eventually destroy it during a hunt. Strong, spirited, and rational, the young noble horseman is accompanied by the taciturn Mani, a Mohawk Indian that he met in New France during the Seven Years War. The two are housed at the home of old Marquis D`Apcher`s, whose grandson, Thomas, serves as their guide.
During a dinner given in his honor, Fronsac meets Mariane De Morangias along with her brother Jean-Francois, members of the most influential family in the region. A traveler as well, Jean-Francois lost an arm during a great African hunt.
While the Beast`s attacks multiply as winter arrives, Fronsac is met with animosity from the more influential people of the region. His interest for Marianne increases, but his liaison with Sylvia, a beautiful but troubled prostitute, doesn`t help matters. The King, unhappy with the lack of progress during the numerous hunts, dispatches his own lieutenant, Antoine de Beauterne, to the region. No sooner does he arrive to Gevaudan, than he captures a wolf, claiming falsely that he has killed the Beast. Under the order of the King, Fronsac is forced to participate in this pretense before being allowed to return to Paris.
Braving the King`s mandate not to return to Gevaudan, the horseman decides to respond to Thomas D`Apcher plea to organize one last hunt. This time, Mani will head the hunt, using ancient Shaman techniques. Nothing will prepare then for what they discover.
Special Features:
Disc 1:
Director`s commantary (French)
Actor`s Commentary (French)
Disc 2:
"Making-of" featurette (French with English subtitles)
"The Legend" featurette (French with English subtitles)
Delected scenes (French with English subtitles)
Trailer
Filmographies
DVD-ROM extras
Disc 3:
Documentary (French with English subtitles)
Storyboard
Galleries
DVD-ROM extras
Audio Tracks:
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Dolby Digital 5.1 French
DTS 5.1 French
Subtitle Tracks:
French
English
Your Opinions and Comments
The visuals are crisp and stunning especially in the action scenes. The picture is virtually flawless. One of the best I have seen. The sound also is sharp and stunning. I havent got DTS but the disc also boasts a DTS track. The extras are very interesting to watch and there are plenty of them. Some go into detail about the legend where as others are on the making of the movie. A great package overall.
Definetly worth a purchase.
With a smallish budget, it feels and looks like an epic Hollywood production. Mark Dacascos is charismatic and unbelievably cool as a quiet master of the martial arts and Samuel Bihan does a very good transformation from scientist to action man.
There are numerous plot threads (some are left open and are confusing) but the film is always entertaining.It is brilliantly acted, directed, edited and the fight sequences would be perfect in any HK film.
This 3 Disc DVD includes many features and commentaries. It also has good deleted scenes.
My only gripe with the film is that the ending drags on for a while and thus loses its emotional impact.
Nonetheless, one of the best French films for ages and a deserved international hit. See it now!