Die letzte Reliquie

If there's one Estonian film you have to watch in your lifetime, it's this one. It plays out like a Hollywood sword and sandal epic. There's romance and action and tension, beautiful damsel in distress, swashbuckling hero and a moustached villain. Check it out!

I really loved this movie when I was a kid, but now I don't see how I could think of it as nearly perfect at that time. Don't get me wrong, although I have to admit that it seems funny or goofy or unrelated to the novel at some parts I still think the movie is great. I like such historical movies; and movies of the era that "Viimne Reliikvia" is situated in especially. One of my favorite genres is adventure and fight-for-independence, so that's another reason why I like it(although fight-for-independence or something similar isn't listed in "Viimne Reliikvia" genres I think it should be; Gabriel and his men are definitely fighting for independence). For everybody else I suggest that you watch the movie, but of course what you think about it is your own concern.

OK, OK. So being a Moscovite isn't exactly like being from Nebraska or anything, and I am familiar (and very much in love) with Soviet movies from that era where it was essentially mandatory to have at least two songs in a film, but... Damn good fun. It's an adventure, it's loaded with humor and a healthy dose of anti-Church sentiment - it was made under Soviet times, after all - and it's filmed in some really beautiful locations. Oh, did I mention that the female lead is really, really hot? From the first moment she appears on screen coddling a lamb to, well...watch the movie. She's hot. There are a few continuity goofs here and there (pay attention to the behavior of the iron gate in the convent towards the very end), but that's rendered irrelevant by the movie magic. This is the kind of movie I'd show my kids to encourage qualities of bravado, chivalry, independent spirit, and good old-fashioned manliness. Also, I'm not familiar with the historical context, but it's there, and it makes me want to find out more.

Recommended for anyone who likes old-time adventures, voluptuous blondes, freedom fighters, or just an all-around good time. Oh, also - if you're into black metal, this flick has a couple of choice scenes for you! Not quite Mosquito Coast but...

This is the greatest achievement in the Estonian history. If Estonia would have been independent at the time, this movie would have got an Academy Award. Anyway it's a masterpiece, that makes me proud to be an Estonian!!!

My usual searches and sources did not turn up this movie, but I'd love to watch it. There are selected clips of this available on to watch on a popular video site, but not the complete film. Amazon U.S./Canada/UK also do not list either The Last Relic or it's Estonian title, Viimne reliikvia, available for sale. Netflix and Blockbuster do not show it for rent. Any help in finding it would be appreciated. Thanks.

Also, any help with finding international films not widely released in the United States would be much appreciated. With more international web friendships, I hear more and more about movies I don't have access to watch.