Review of Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001) by Tero H — 17 Oct 2012

I first saw this film in a small movie theatre, and was very impressed by it. Later I bought it on DVD, the disc also had some behind-the-scenes extras and bonuses. I think that the movie was long enough, yet managed to keep interest all the way. One could easily see that the story and screenplay had been honed to the finest, smallest detail. Everything was planned in such depth that it shows through. Wardrobe, sets, acting, stunts, music, special effects, all action and fight-scenes - everything in the movie is very pro and well done.

This movie has some of the depth of colors and visuals that few other historical films have featured recently. The scenes are both dreamlike and rational, dreamy moon in the night clouds or howling wolves one scene and the smell of the forest and cold autumn leaves in the next. Nightly visions are just enchanting, and the film utilized different styles that added to the dreamlike effect. No bad acting anywhere. Some scenes and gory violence make this a movie not suitable for kids, though. The beast was also really well done and furious, boiling over with untamed animal rage.

The bonuses weren't that deep in the one-disc version of the movie, just a few looks at the filming and directing of the movie. It is possible that the director's cut would have more added footage and scenes, my next acquisition may well be this movie's director's cut on blu-ray. There are many action scenes, including lots of well designed martial arts. What I found a bit mysterious, was the controlled fighting styles, it seemed a bit odd how the native american Mani and the gipsies fought in martial arts.. Almost silly, but not quite, because it looked well done.

The story was a bit hard to follow the first view, but it gets clear on second view. The ending was great too, really brought on a feeling of nostalgia and longing for something you can't quite pin down. If you like shamanistic indian mysticism, martial arts, dogs or wolves or beasts and nature in general, scary dreams, spies, french, and fancy titles like marquis, the smell of the new world - then this movie would be for you.

Getting better the more you watch it, trademark for works of art.