I did not read the novel, and I don't remember if I saw any of the old adaptations. It might not be a very faithful telling of the original source, but it was an entertaining film to watch.
I felt the same way about the two part Three Musketeers films from the same writers who worked on the screenplay of this.
i don't think anything coming out in 2024 could hold a candle to the Jim Caviezel version
The French one with Depardieu is better because there’s more to it. There’s a lot missing in Caviezel version but first half is outstanding. For one, Edmond did not have a son with Mercedes. Also, Edmond ends up with Haydee.
shareI loved the acting, choice of actors (especially Pierre Niney), the look of the film - but I didn’t like this movie as much as I had hoped and I didn’t like the Milady version. I have seen all movies and TV series and I have read the books - I have even been by d’Artagnan’s residence in Paris. What I didn’t like was that there wasn’t enough story between Athos and Milady in the Musketeer one. Plus, Milady is beheaded. But it looks like they want to continue her story which is fine with me.
In the Count one - Gerard Depardieu’s version (1998) is my favorite - although the Caviezel one was very good up to a point. In reality, Dantes does not end up with Mercedes - that was a done deal. He ends up with Haydee. There were four people who did him in and this movie didn’t go into enough about how he gets back at each one. They didn’t even show how he joined a pirate ship to get his gold. So much was omitted and so much was added that was made up. It’s unfortunate for those who know the story. To do The Count - you really need a long time to tell the story and that’s why the Caviezel one doesn’t work - too much was omitted in second half. This novel is the best revenge story ever written.
I love the French one with Gerard Depardieu so far. They can never make enough of these - I will watch every Dumas pere story that comes along.
If you were entertained, that means this movie is a good piece of entertainment.
If anyone was looking for an accurate translation from book to movie, this is not it, but it's a pretty decent attempt anyway.
Solid movie, watchable, 4,5 /10.