Brotherhood of the Wolf

Brotherhood of the Wolf: (2001): I have now seen it all. I have now seen a French made mystery, horror, kung fu, 18th century historical period piece movie. All this with wonderful photography and 5.1 Dolby sound and is packaged into a very complex and character driven movie. This one will require you to pay close attention due to the large number of characters from all different social classes as they interact in rural France of the 1700’s. In fact, while classed as a horror movie, there is as much detail regarding the social structure of the day as on the main mystery. It is easy to get lost in the details of this film. Based on what is believed to be a true incident, the story concerns a rash of killings of women and children in a section of rural France by a wolf like creature. The King sends out his head taxidermist/naturalist along with his faithful Indian companion (no, not Tonto and he doesn’t wear a mask either) to capture and ‘stuff’ the creature and bring it back to Paris. Our hero is a man of reason at the dawn of the age of reason and runs into a situation that tests his imagination and the strength of his convictions. Mixed into this porridge is the politics of the local lord, the church, and the local army commander. The hero not only has to deal with the facts, but local superstition, religious beliefs, political correctness and his own reputation as a ladies man (well deserved by the way). You do not see the beast until well into the movie and suspense continues to build throughout the film with a truly exciting and unexpected finish. In history, the beast was never found but this movie offers and explanation as to what might have been. I guess every era has its Roswell, N.M. and this movie has the 18th century’s version of cover ups and conspiracy theories. But this basic story line continues to be woven into the rich tapestry of the background of the movie. It is impossible to ignore the lifestyle of the time period depicted and you almost forget that this is a horror movie you are watching. This movie will not likely be what you expect but rent it for an enjoyable and thought provoking evening. The movie is rated R for: bordello hopping, bordello nudity, kung fu like violence, overbearing nobles, pig headed army officers, intriguing priests, butt-ugly peasants, multi-purpose courtesans, a very efficient beast, and for lots of mud, rain, snow, and drafty rooms.