The film is only loosely based on the book. The Chateaux d'If element is a large proportion of the film and only a short part of the book. The film's ending is slightly more "Hollywood" that Dumas's original ending. Kudos to Jay Wolpert, the screen writer, for chopping out most of the book's slow middle section and focussing on the exciting parts!

A lot is said of movie moments. Usually a character's first appearance is remembered for being particularly sexy or unusual (Cameron Diaz in "The Mask" for example). The sequence in the ball scene where Dante is first introduced to the audience is, for me, one of the best entrances of a character in any film. It is totally over the top and rightly so, that is exactly what the Count wants. Brilliant stuff.

A good solid film, good performances and great for a family audience, lets expect it to be a Christmas Eve film classic for many years!


"you must look into that storm"   May 20, 2004
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

Based on the Dumas story, this fabulous adventure about a naive, illiterate young man in 19th century France whose fate embroils him in treachery and vengeance, is well written with wit and intelligence, and abridges a complex plot into a cohesive 131 minute film.
The location cinematography in Malta and Ireland is spectacular, though my one and only complaint about this film is that occasionally some of the indoor sequences tend to be a little murky.
The soundtrack by Edward Shearmur is also top-notch, and adds a lot to the film.
The cast:
Jim Caviezel brilliantly captures the essence of the Dantes/Count character; believable both as the innocent Edmund and the worldly Count of Monte Cristo, with his swashbuckling prowess and elegant style.
Richard Harris as the priest who mentor Dantes is marvelous; wily and wise, it's a perfect part for Harris, and he makes the most of it.
Other standout performances come from Guy Peerce as Fernand, Michael Wincott as Armand Dorelac, the Warden of d'If, and most of all, Luis Guzman as a very funny Jacopo.

This is terrific family viewing, free of the plague of foul language and heavy breathing between the sheets that have made films so tiresome in recent years. This film will feed your brain, delight your eyes, and raise your heartbeat a little with its fast-paced exploits about "kings and pawns, emperors and fools".


Old fashioned film values = great fun for the family.   February 1, 2004
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

As a child, I liked nothing better than reading an Alexandre Dumas novel, mostly because characterisation is completely subservient to the plot, and like his novels, The Count of Monte Cristo follows the same formula. It doesn't really matter that the acting is mostly average, and the characters a bit on the pale side; as you'd expect, this adaptation is simply a great adventure yarn, complete with love, betrayal, imprisonment, despair and plenty of dazzling swordplay. Watch out for a great performance from Richard Harris as the captive of the Chateau D'if. Great stuff, and something that the whole family can enjoy.


A disappointing adaptation   September 19, 2003
 9 out of 12 found this review helpful

I recently read 'The Count of Monte Cristo' and despite it's length was hooked and I read it quickly. I was keen to watch a film adaptation when I had finished, but have to admit to being disappointed with this one. Too much of the plot bore no resemblance to the book or even to it's spirit. In the book the Count was a very enegmatic figure, we see how he cleverly destroys his enemies, but are left guessing as to how he came by some of his information. The methods he uses to destroy his enemies in the film are not the same as the book. Also the ending is incorrect. He does not return to Mercedes, but finds new love with Haydee, a central character that does not even appear in the film.

I can see that someone who has not read the book, would find it entertaining, there is plenty of adventure and good swashbuckling action. For one who has, however, the differences are a constant irritation. There is always going to be a comparrison to the original and unfortunately the film is found wanting. My feeling with adaptations of books is either do them properly, or not at all. The Count of Monte Cristo is a GREAT book, it deserves a great film adaptation.