Alatriste Movie Review

[modernknight1]

There is always a certain joy in finding something rare and wonderful. It seems like the only really good writing and historically interesting offerings these days are found in television network series. HBO's series are some of the best and most entertaining out there and other series producers like A&E and STARZ with their new Sparticus serials, have also been producing admirable offerings. Stories produced however for the small screen and home viewing.
I have come to have such low expectations of Hollywood and the American cinema's shallow offerings these days, that when a movie of rare and perfect authenticity DOES happen to come along, I know it has to be from another source. ALATRISTE although owned by 20th Century Fox is such a movie. The distribution rights may have been purchased by Fox, but it was made for Spanish/Latino audiences and filmed in Spain and Portugal, in Spanish, directed by Agustin Diaz Yanes. The DVD options allow the movie to be played in Spanish or Portuguese and with English or Portuguese subtitles. The English subtitles are not always a fully accurate translation of what's being said and they sometime flash by a little too fast, but this is easily forgiveable considering the fullness and richness of this breathtaking film. The film was made six years ago in 2006, but I just learned about it last year – and what a wonderful discovery it is!
Based on the novels written by Arturo Perez-Reverte, “The Adventures of Captain Alatriste”, the movie presents the story of a hardened Spanish veteran of The Spanish Empire's wars of the first half of the 17th century (primarily the Thirty Years War/Dutch Revolt(80 Years War)). Captain Diego Alatriste is a leader of men, a skilled and elite swordsman, and a famous soldier and specialist. The versatile actor Viggo Mortensen of Lord of the Rings fame (Aragorn), plays the main character.
The movie opens with a historical narrative over a parchment map of Europe, focusing on Flanders and taking a view of the situation that the key to continuing Spanish global dominace was dependent on putting down the Dutch revolt. The viewer is transported to the watery battlefields of Flanders. The Dutch would often break open the dykes to flood the lowlands, preventing invaders from effectively maneuvering, and providing an excellent first line of defense as well. We first meet our protagonist slogging up to his armpits in this muck. Alatriste and his elite party wade through the water, up to their chest, holding their matchlocks and smoking firing cords above their heads. Alatriste leads a daring pre-dawn raid on a Dutch encampment with the objectives of freeing a captured Spanish grandee, and spiking as many Dutch cannon possible while withdrawing. While the objectives are successfully achieved, most of the Spanish soldiers in the raid are killed by pursuing Dutch soldiers in a brutal and bloody portrayal of covert warfare. Alatriste's old comrade Lope dies in the fray and with his last words he asks the captain to vow to raise his son Inigo.
Although his parents wished Inigo to be a scholar, he wishes to be a soldier. Alatriste attempts to force him to study, but he is more interested in fighting. Inigo meets a young girl who becomes his life long love interest, but she is of noble blood and as a result both Alatriste and Inigo become involved in conflicting secret intrigues that originate at the highest levels of the Spanish Empire. Alatriste finds himself in a similar position in love with the famous actress Maria de Castro. However, he is forbiden to see her and even though he crosses the count he saved and is embroiled in fiersom dueling trying to find out why, he is finally reluctantly placated when he finds out that her unwanted lover is the Emperor himself.
One of the jobs Alatriste is called to perform is to kill two important travellers entering Madrid. He is paired with an assassin and brutally efficient Italian swordsman Malatesta, who becomes his nemesis. The unlikely duo are employed by the leader of the Inquisition himself. Alatriste's refusal to kill the travellers puts him at odds with Malatesta, but the Italian backs down and disappears into the shadows. The good captain's refusal to kill was for no other reason than it just “didn't feel right”. It is learned that the travellers are the Duke of Buckingham and the Prince of Wales from England secretly travelling to discuss diplomatic matters with Count-Duke Olivares (the despised and real power behind the throne – much like Richelieu in France). Olivares himself summons Alatriste to see him. Olivares sends him on a strange and dangerous mission to transfer gold from a Flota galleon over to an awaiting Dutch ship. It ends up being a trap and a fiersom fight ensues. Alatriste finds himself sent back to Flanders because he knows too much embarrassing knowledge about the corrupt inner workings of the Spanish government.
In the meantime Inigo has grown up, and although a good scholar, he ends up an accomplished soldier and swordsman just like his godfather. During the course of the movie both godfather and godson are almost fatally wounded in duels and saved by one another. Inigo is jilted by his noble lover who chooses the count over him and is regretful of it ever after.
During the movie the viewer is treated to most wonderful backdrops and atmosphere. I was amazed to witness a live portrayal of the Surrender of Breda and then a short time later get to see the large painting of the event unveiled by the famous painter Velazquez.

The movie ends at the Battle of Rocroi - the first battle in history where firearms were the decisive factor in victory. Alatriste is in command, with all other leaders dead, and goes to parlay with the French. The French commander commends the Spanish for their bravery and gives them terms allowing them to leave the field in honor with their banners and standards. Alatriste replies that they are Spanish Infantry and therefore cannot abandon the field. A French cavalry charge against the Spanish pike/musket tercios/schilltrons results and that's where the film ends.
This film is opulent. The casting is excellent. The backdrops are beyond authentic and wonderful. The costumes are incredible. The plot and dialogue flows well and the English speaker almost forgets the subtitles while being sucked into Alatriste's reality. The sword play in this movie is beyond belief. As a connoisseur of the swashbuckler genre of films and the proud owner of an extensive and ecclectic collection of them which is beyond the norm, I can honestly say that Alatriste offers some of the best sword play ever recorded on film. It is nothing short of BRILLIANT!
As a historical mavin, I usually find a dozen defects of authenticity in any historical film within the first ten minutes. I was hardpressed to find anything wrong in this movie in its entirety, and can say it is one of the best I've ever seen as far as historical authenticity is concerned. The only dissappointments I really had was that I would have liked to have seen more computer generation used. It was there, but could have been greater. The raid on the ship could have shown it from a distance. At the Battle of Rocroi there should have been many more soldiers and denser formations. A little computer assisted generation could have easily augmented these shortcomings.
I highly recommend this movie and will watch it many times to come. The movie is available on Amazon. So go order it NOW. Seriously, you wont regret it!
Aaron R. Shields.....a.k.a. Modern Knight

 

[Keith]

Just to point out, while it has me as the author it's reall MK that made the thread.

I'm trying to work out a way to change authors, I can change the table but it does not reflect on the actual post I'm waiting for some feedback on a mod that allows it. Wen that happens I can change it over and add the rest.

 

[Thagarr]

It would be great to have a review section here as well, just gotta figure out how to get more people to actually do reviews!

 

[Officerpuppy]

I liked that movie a lot, wish there was a naval aspect to the movie aside from that brief boarding scene which was awesome. Although sometimes I felt as if I was missing out on some things because I never read the books. Other than that, I agree with MK's review and suggestion, buy the movie!

 

[Carl]

I´ve seen only the Spanish series, and even as someone, who doesn´t like looking series usually, this one was really nice, cause the story is really good. Maybe I should also look the movie.