How. Are. They. All. In. This?


This is the dreamiest of dream teams ever dreamed. I am surprised at the low level of critical esteem for this movie. I knew it did well financially, mostly due to Leo being suddenly a huge star following Titanic, so I guess I just assumed the critics loved it as much as I always did, but I guess not.

This film has been a huge favorite of mine for over 20 years now. My friend and I still will pause every once in a while, look into each other's eyes, and in unison say "magnificent valor!" We just know that's what we're going to say.

Beautiful, lush settings, costumes, props, music, and a damn compelling story.

What an astounding level of talent in this movie. This is Randall Wallace's directorial debut, and he does a great job. A director's job is to work with actors, and what an awesome palette of people to paint with. The only one who I find is a little stilted is Malkovich, but that's just Malkovich, and I love him for it. In every movie he gives a very theatrical performance. Love Byrne, Depardieu, Irons, a taste of young Peter Sarsgaard, and even some spot-that-Hugh-Laurie action. To top it off, this film stars two Leos, and what could be better than that?

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It's a damn good movie, and you and I seem to be the only ones who think so.

I mean the basic story is ridiculous, every monarch wants a "spare" as well as an heir, particularly those that went childless for so long. But the movie looks fantastic, the older actors are the best and are just delicious to watch, the dialogue is sparkling, and even Leo is damn good. I'm not a big fan of his, to put it politely, but he hit the nail on the head here.

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Count me as a fan

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