Capitaine Alatriste

XVII Spanish Century is too rich to be told in two hours and a half, and that's what the film has tried. Perhaps too many characters that unable us to be identified with them. Alatriste is too many things in just one: the brave, the hard, the rebel, the lover, the good father... but far from us. I don't think it is Viggo's problem. If you read the novels you will find the same lack. Although we have expected more of this film, it would be unfair to say that this film is not worthy watching it. Actors are great, also wigs and customs (sometimes Spanish people cannot forget them without wigs!). Battles and photography are excellent. The films' atmosphere is much more better than other history films, the fog, the use of light. Go, watch it and make your opinion!

Just saw the movie today and have to say that it was a very nice surprise.

Two years ago I read a couple of books within the 5-books saga by Spanish writer Arturo Pérez Reverte and have to say that the movie captures the complexity of Capitán Alatriste and the rest of characters as well as recreates the atmosphere that is present in the books in the 17th century of Spain. Quite difficult deals bearing in mind the ambitious narrative line traced in the books, were good and bad concepts are just embossed (I guess it was like that in Spain 3-4 centuries ago).

There would be a lot to say but just briefly, the story is good and entertaining, the movie is brilliant recreating the books (in my imagination, Alatriste is exactly Viggo's characterization/performance), script is powerful, actors and actresses performance's are in average good, remarking Viggo Mortensen (Alatriste), Javier Cámara (Conde-Duque de Olivares) and Juan Echanove (Francisco de Quevedo). Special mention to the clothing, light, ambiance and the interiors. Just exactly the same you can see in Velazquez and Goyas pictures in the Prado Museum in Madrid! In the bad side, I felt the rhythm was bit slow a few times, and maybe more digital effects to recreate opened scenarios would have been good idea. But maybe these are just personal feelings (used to megaproductions!).

Nice surprise from the Spanish industry. Entertaining. I will definitely read the three books left in the saga!

I enjoyed Alatriste; it's not your typical fast-paced Hollywood action flick (if you go see it expecting something of the sort, you'll probably be disappointed and bored) and the plot is not too clearly defined, but it has an excellent cinematography and costume design that recreate Velazquez's Spain, and most of the actors are very good. Mortensen is an awesome Capitán Alatriste despite his slight accent. You can see he took this role very seriously. He fits perfectly into the roguish, ruthless but noble character's skin. The sword fights are nicely choreographed. The atmosphere of seventeen-century Spain and the historical context are superbly recreated. Actually, I find there are interesting parallels between the decay of the Spanish Empire and present day United States, between the "tercios" and the US Marines.

I recommend this film highly to anybody who's interested in period films, or who likes Mortensen as an actor.

This is, to date, Spain's most expensive film, a two hour fifteen minutes long story based on some of the most important bestsellers of the country, the series of Alatriste.

Whichever point you look at it, the film becomes disappointing. The pace is slow, the story gets twists difficult to follow for non readers, and there are some sequences where there is an important lack of realism.

Still, it has some strongholds. The photography is good, and it draws a good painting of what Spain was at that moment. Most of the film is watchable, although we were expecting much more from it. I also think actors and actresses could do better, even Javier Cámara and Elena Anaya look impressive.

Congratulations to the marketing department. I bit the hook and contributed my 6.5 Euros to this calamity. Awfully acted out sketches of what should have been characters, disastrous editing, horrible script, dreadful muzac, even the locations are terrible and terribly shot! What a sad joke. Worst of all: boring. Even the darkest epic needs some humor and wit. Quevedo on prozac? Let's forget about it and let the great man rest in peace. Sorry about that, Don Francisco. The premise was inspirational, the money was there, of course that alone does not produce another "Barry Lyndon", "Master and Commander", or "Unforgiven", not even "Cyrano", but at least I think we could expect something better than "Curro Jimenez", a Spanish TV series about andalusian "bandoleros". "Curro" turns out to be a grand epic when compared to this fiasco. 10.000 extras? Someone ran away with their paycheck or the dp forgot to bring the wide angle that day to fit them in. I firmly believe the problem is the same as always. The same "amiguetes" with their unresolved complexes, telling each other how great and daring the other is. Bring a friendly international Star to the mix (one that is acceptable because walks barefooted, drinks mate, and again, tells all the others how great they are and how great it is to be in such company) and see how it adds to the disaster. Viggo (as every amiguete "in the know" friendly calls him) can't pronounce a decent syllable, but he is, oh well... VIGGO, and that's what matters to our provincial "you are so great o' you" actors and director. I heard a few of the actors talking about how wonderful "Tano" (the director) had been on set, letting every one contribute and understanding how film making was a team effort. Yes, film making is a team effort, as well as a classical orchestra is, but IT NEEDS A DIRECTOR. Where were you Mr.Tano? If you ever have another chance (of course you will, you are an amiguete and a great guy), please at least DIRECT. Really "triste".