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Footnotes in movie books are likely to reduce this swashbuckling adventure down to a simple description: it was the first movie to star Leonardo DiCaprio after the phenomenal success ofTitanic. As such it automatically attracted a box-office stampede of Leo's young female fans, but critical reaction was deservedly mixed. Having earned his directorial debut after writing the Oscar-winning script for Mel Gibson'sBraveheart, Randall Wallace wrote and directed this ambitious version of the often-filmed classic novel by Alexandre Dumas. DiCaprio plays dual roles as the despotic King Louis XIV, who rules France with an iron fist, and the king's twin brother, Philippe, who languishes in prison under an iron mask, his identity concealed to prevent an overthrow of Louis' throne. But Louis' abuse of power ultimately enrages Athos (John Malkovich), one of the original Four Musketeers, who recruits his former partners (Gabriel Byrne, Gérard Depardieu, and Jeremy Irons) in a plot to liberate Philippe and install him as the king's identical replacement. Once this plot is set in motion and the Musketeers are each given moments in the spotlight, the film kicks into gear and offers plenty of entertainment in the grand style of vintage swashbucklers. But it's also sidetracked by excessive length and disposable subplots, and for all his post-Titanic star power, the boyish DiCaprio just isn't yet "man" enough to be fully convincing in his title role. Still, this is an entertaining movie, no less enjoyable for falling short of the greatness to which it aspired.--Jeff Shannon
Fantastic Movie I haven't read the book that this movie is based on, but nonetheless, this is one terrific film. The costumes, the scenery, and the music really add to the feel of this movie. Byrne, Irons, Malkovich and Di Caprio put on exquisite performances.
Basically this is the story about King Louis in the 1600's in France. I can't spoil the story for you, but it has humor, romance, action and more twist and turns than you can think of. A great deal of this movie has to deal with the Musketeers, so if you enjoy movies with sword fighting, you are sure to love this.
Bottomline its a great adventure, and its one of the best movies I have seen in a long time.
Dont hesitate to buy this one, its well worth the money spent!
A bit disappointing for DiCaprio and Malkovich fans alike Since this movie was made in 1998, Leonardo DiCaprio has shed his boyishness, but in this movie he just does not have the gravitas to pull off the role of the sadistic and selfish Louis XIV, or his identical twin, Philippe. I think he could pull off this part now, after "Gangs of New York," but 5+ years ago he wasn't ready.
It is especially bothersome to see him play such a part opposite such known heavyweight actors as John Malkovich, Jeremy Irons, and Gerard Depardieu, each of whom plays one of the famed (but retired) Musketeers once bound to serve the king, but now determined to rescue his twin Phillippe and place him on the throne of France in Louis' stead. Even when the script means for them to be light-hearted, these fellows are sullen and malevolent, making poor Leonardo look like a pouting teenager.
The production values and direction are good, actually, so if all you are hankering for is a decent swashbuckler, you will be reasonably satisfied. But the plot is Swiss Cheese (miraculous escape from torrents of bullets, secret identities revealed and then never mentioned again) that just doesn't hold together the way you might hope.
True to Dumas I have read the entire Musketeer series. This version closely tracks its written counterpart. It was well acted and involved the viewer in both the comedy and pathos Dumas was expert at entertaining his readers with. I was actually surprised by diCaprio's performance. I thought he showed great versatility in playing the dual roles. I loved Jeremy Irons in the role of d'Artagnan and I really liked Depardieu too in the role of Porthos. I have played my copy several times for guests in my home. It is a movie that engenders thought about good and evil and shows that, sometimes, it is important to do the right thing --- just because it is right to do.
