
THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO
Starring: Pierre Niney, Bastien Bouillon, Anaïs Demoustier, Anamaria Vartolomei, Laurent Lafitte, Pierfrancesco Favino, Patrick Mille, Vassili Schneider, and Julien De Saint Jean
Directors: Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte

AMARÚ

The Count of Monte Cristo is one of the most satisfying revenge stories ever told, having been adapted for the screen over 50 times around the world, with the 2002 version being one of my favorite films ever. So, of course, I immediately jumped on this year’s three-hour, French adaptation. Closer to the source material and bleaker than its U.S. predecessor, directors Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte deliver a grandly dramatic telling that is visually stunning, superbly acted, and epically scored. I really shouldn’t have to say more because it’s The Count of Monte Cristo for goodness sake. So… I won’t.

PRESTON

I, like so many others, love the original novel on which this film is based, and I won’t criticize this modern adaptation for any departures it makes as this version of The Count of Monte Cristo is beautifully acted with impressive visual effects and captivating sound design. But it has two real problems: first is the reconciliation of the problematic facemasks for the time period, although the problem of recognition has always been a difficult thing to overcome in this story; second is the soft ending. That said, neither of these problems keep the viewer from an engaging and altogether satisfying experience, even at three hours.

KATIE

Romance, adventure, betrayal, revenge, heartbreak, and spectacle – The Count of Monte Cristo has it all. Despite the nearly three-hour runtime, Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte’s film is fast-paced, efficient, and thoroughly entertaining, brimming with irresistible old-fashioned appeal yet offering a surprisingly modern take on a story that has been adapted countless times. It’s driven by excellent performances, especially Pierre Niney in the titular role, and stunning visuals, with opulent production design and sweeping cinematography that relishes every frame. If I get the chance, I’d run to see this thrilling epic on the big screen.

QUENTIN

I understand why your natural inclination may be to skip the latest version of The Count of Monte Cristo given that it’s three hours long and in French (not to mention the terrific 2002 version still exists). That said, you'd be doing yourself a disservice to give in to that feeling because this adaptation is lavishly beautiful and epic in ways that few action-adventure movies are these days. Even with the intimidating (but justifiable) runtime, it’s captivating due to the terrific performances, engaging characters, and exhilarating action sequences. Truth be told, I skipped it at Cannes because it seemed too daunting. Don’t make the same mistake.