Don Quixote

I've never read the book so I had no expectations going into this.

I found it was quite funny and I really liked the characters.

After watching a slew of utter garbage movies where the main characters were so unlikable that I was rooting for the bad guys (I'm looking at you Dead Draw and Skyline), it was quite refreshing to find myself drawn into this story, waiting to see what would happen next, and laughing the whole way.

This version of Don Quixote, though it carries the subtitle of the novel itself, is based more on the musical "The Man of La Mancha" than on the novel. I admit that no film of the usual length could ever capture the richness and complexity of even Part 1 of the novel (Part 2 being ignored by most interpreters). A mini-series would be required to attempt to do justice to the novel. But the plot line here really aligns more with the musical than the book.

One thing that drove me crazy from the start: The letter "o" in the word "Don" is, throughout, pronounced like the "o" in the first syllable of "Donald", rather than like the "o" in phone. "Don" in Spanish is a title (like "Sir"), not a name. They could at least have pronounced it properly and not thereby announced the American origins of the film linguistically.

Unfortunately, this movie does not do the book justice.

The acting is quite awful. I could not even make it through half the movie.

The movie does convey the nonsensical motives of Don Quixote.

But, this is obviously a subjective review. You must decide for yourself.

Lower your expectations and delight in the joy of this little film.

Please don't judge this movie on expectations of greatness or slick production values.

This is a simple film with an indie feel and corresponding budget. Its heart and humor resound throughout its short length (one hour and 22 minutes).

Pay no attention to any big name actors, they appropriately play small parts in the telling of this classic tale by Cervantes.

I was charmed by its humbleness in not trying to make itself more than what it is.

I shall be delighted to watch this again with my best friends over a wineskin or two as our hearts are buoyed and illuminated with chivalry and smiling honors.

8/10.

I enjoyed this romp through Don Quixote's world. Have seen most of the movies based on Cervantes book, and this is a pretty good take. I enjoyed the versions starring Peter O'Toole and John Lithgow and this one is also gives a good overview of the story. I say watch all the movies you can about Don Quixote, but read the book.