Memorable, crazy movie

hyped garbage

best movie i've ever seen.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

In 15th century France animals were held as responsible for their actions as humans. All of the court cases in the film are based on actual court records including the opening scene. A man and a donkey are about to be hanged for having carnal knowledge of each other. A local parish took up a petition attesting to the good character of the donkey; saying it would never have willingly participated and so it was pardoned on the spot. This really happened according to an interview on the radio. The main case is a pig charged with murder makes it a different kind of film noir. The costumes, sets and actors are superb. Subtle humor is sprinkled throughout. This is one of those rare films that left me and friends completely satisfied as having watched it.

This period flick had much going for it- BBC backing, an excellent cast including Colin Firth and Lord of the Ring's Ian Holm- and pretty decent sets. It is quite well shot. It promises us that "When murder is the motive, seduction is the last defence".Sadly it just doesn't work. A sort of anachronistic liberalism just suffocates the life out of the whole thing and gives it a phonier ring than a $8 note. Colin Firth is the crusading lawyer who uses all the jargon of a "right-on" legal aid lawyer who retires to digs in Islington for the night. But this is medieval France- not the East End of London. We have the dreary spectacle of this uber-liberal goody-two-shoes Firth protecting the compulsory ethnic minority figure plus all the brute beasts of the land against the evil and conspiratorial Lord of the Manor. Although some of it is funny, most of it is just embarrassingly clumsy.There is plenty of admirable full frontal nudity, but sadly that is probably one of the few reasons to bother watching this mediocre cinematic effort. Although it claims historical authenticity, believe me- that is just tosh.

this is one of my favourite films - then again I do also love Congo, Jack and Joe Versus The Volcano, Bitter Moon and Extreme Measures. I think all these films are very special - unfortunately, most other people and critics tend to think they are crap! And I'm not trying to be quirky, I genuinely like them very much.

I caught this movie after reading an interview in the Washington Post with the writer/director---I *love* movies where the strangest parts are all actually true. I'm very surprised it's not more popular (though it's interesting the video box never even mentions that it's set in Medieval France!). A hidden gem.