If you crave an over-the-top historical kung fu-fantasy epic with a good dose of voluptuous nudity, bravura machismo, and passions so intense they verge on ridiculous, then Brotherhood of the Wolf is for you. Based (loosely) on an 18th-century legend, this French film follows a hunky scientist (Samuel Le Bihan) and his Iroquois sidekick/spiritual partner (Mark Dacascos) as they pursue a monstrous wolf ravaging the French countryside. Along the way Le Bihan gets entwined with a beautiful noblewoman (Emilie Dequenne) and a gorgeous prostitute (Monica Belluci) with secrets to tell. The plot grows more and more incomprehensible, but the mix of torrid emotions, outrageous action sequences, and lurid titillation is really what the movie is about. Ignore the highbrow philosophising and confused political intrigue; just enjoy the sensual images.--Bret Fetzer
On the DVD:Brotherhood of the Wolf is a film which revels in excess, yet the extra features on the disc are surprisingly sparse. The DVD boasts a programme on the legend of the Beast of the Gevaudan, as well as the original theatrical trailer, which was obviously geared towards an American audience--all action, no (French) dialogue. Unfortunately, though the DVD gives the viewer the option of watching the film in French (with English subtitles) or dubbed in English, only the dubbed version has Dolby 5.1 sound. Viewers who want to watch this film in its original language are forced to settle for 2.0. --Rob Burrow
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
A magical French fantasy 1765. Gregoire de Fronsac(Samuel le Bihan), a royal taxidermist and his companion Mani(Mark Dacascos), an Iroqui Shamen, travel to the Gevaudan province in France by royal appointment, as stories have been circulating of a strange beast slaying the local peasant population. A wolf is believed to be the culprit. They accompany a hunt, where many wolves are slain, but still the killings continue. Despite ridicule from the local gentry and religious elders they carry on with their investigations, determined to... more info
Excellent film, but beware of missing scenes. Brotherhood of the Wolf (Le Pacte Des Loups) is a truly excellent French film, mixing Horror, Martial Arts and Period Costume Drama. But be warned, there are at least 3 scenes missing from this Universal DVD, which are present in the Optimum Home Entertainment DVD release. In one of these missing scenes, Grégoire de Fronsac has a nightmare where Sylvia stands over his bed whilst he sleeps, ready to kill him with a dagger. This is one of my favourite scenes, and sadly missed from this DVD version.... more info
quiet a disappointment Not only, as mentioned above, the original track (french) is 2.0, but amazon report it as Run Time: 157 minutes, which, makes you think to the director cut version, and it is not, i wish amazon could start to be mroe precise to describe the product in order to make the right choice and not to waste money
French historical ninja action
The opening to this film was so promising. Gorgeous sweeping shots of the French countryside, pacey music, and clever directing. These elements remain throughout the film and help make this beautiful looking film. The colour levels accentuate a lavish set, whilst the director makes the most of what nature has to offer outside. The two heroes bring warmth and comedic camaraderie to this film, and their parts, as with all the others - are well acted. The way the film deals with the beast... more info
![Brotherhood of the Wolf [2001] (REGION 1) (NTSC)](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51H5AN1biIL._SL160_.jpg)
