22 out of 35 people found the following comment useful :- I found it to be a richly entertaining mystery., 21 April 2006
Author:
jadeheart6 from Florida, United States
Before I watched this movie I assumed it was going to be a bad "B" type
movie that would be heavy on the cheese and light on substance. Imagine
my surprise when halfway through the movie I was riveted to the plot
line and actually enjoying the suspense. I can't say much about the
movie without giving away to much so I'll say somethings not concerning
the plot. Christopher Lambert portrays a 16th Century sheriff living in
a town deep in the heart of Spain. His acting really shines here but I
was amazed at the supporting cast's talents as well. Everyone seemed to
really play off each other and it flowed together pretty smoothly. The
ending leaves you satisfied and is thought provoking as well. There is
some topless nudity but it is tastefully done. Parents should be warned
though there is some blood and violent imagines in this film although
it is used to advance the storyline. This story is worthy of theatrical
release although I think it went straight to video. So rent/buy it on
DVD and put the kids to bed and enjoy an amazing story similar to a
"Rob Roy" or "The Name of the Rose" style of movie.
7 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :- Left in the dark, for a good reason., 10 April 2007
Author:
lost-in-limbo from the Mad Hatter's tea party.
A 16th century Spanish town is plagued by some mysterious murders
involving important town figures and when the sheriff Rudy de Mendoza
starts his investigation on the mutilated bodies, he learns that no one
else seems to want to help him out, as there's a cover up, which leaves
him all in the dark. As the deaths grow, Rudy goes on to learns more.
The web of deceit grows larger and secrets are being revealed. In his
path is a mercenary group, which Rudy is trying to figure out who's the
man behind it all and his intrusion could cost the lives of those his
loves.
Christopher Lambert as an actor hasn't done anything that has really
grabbed my attention, other then the sci-fi flick "Fortress". His most
well-known involvement in "The Highlander" series, did nothing for me.
Anyhow I decided to take a chance on this medieval B-film and was
pleasantly surprised with the overall effort, even though some
frustrating strokes cropped up.
Enchantingly sharp-etched period back-sets, props and costumes have a
rich awe to them, despite the cheap origins. The premise holds up
remarkably well with a broodingly elaborate mystery within a well
thought up concept of effective twists and sustained involvement of the
story's progression. This is because there's so much more going on
behind the scenes in this conspiracy laced-script, which keeps things
really tight and nebulous. The brisk location photography is genuinely
polished and covered the beautifully picturesque Hungry backdrop with
vivid scope. A blazingly elastic musical score paints the period and
moody precisely. A solidly low-key Christopher Lambert plays in a husky
and rundown portrayal of his character Rudy de Mendoza. He sounded like
he needed a cough drop. Blanca Marsillach charms in her glassy part and
James Faulkner weasels in. The acting while not great, is workably
stable and watchable.
Now what brought it down was that in patches the limp direction
couldn't come to terms with the promising material, and was weakly
conjured up and lacked real gusto in its delivery. Some unorthodox
set-pieces flourished with atmospheric flashes of intrigue and
foreboding terror, but more often it came across as frosty, repetitive
and stiff. Some nasty and mutilated violence livens up the show, but
the bustling action feels torpid, even though the pacing is always
busy. The idea behind it is a stimulating pot-boiler, but for most part
the execution is rather muddled and dry.
While the material and production design is up to par, it's basically
undone by feeble direction. Anyhow, it's not-too-bad and keeps you
highly involved.
9 out of 11 people found the following comment useful :- Medieval suspense with a religious historical topic., 18 December 2006
Author:
leevleev from United States
I was expecting a typical Christopher Lambert movie when I rented this,
a pretty badly produced swashbuckling movie with some funny stuff. I
was surprised to find that this movie was a little bit more....It is
not a 'fun' movie but it is not meant to be. Technically the movie is
pretty low quality and the script and editing is choppy but if you can
get past those aspects it is worth watching. The international cast
makes for a confusing variety of accents, but by the end of the movie
you can see why various accents make some sense. This film is meant to
inform the viewer of the history of the religious persecutions. It made
an impression on me. If you have a social conscience at all, you can
see a relevance to today's world events.
8 out of 11 people found the following comment useful :- Not a Bad B Movie, 6 August 2006
Author:
tikva1098 from Philadelphia, US
I agree with the previous commenter about the script and the fast pace
of the editing. It does the movie disservice. What would have made it
better would have been to let the characters shine through a little
more. I do think that for a low budget film it had an interesting, well
thought out story. I was surprised by this, and despite the poorly
choreographed fight scenes (why were all fighters, even henchmen,
better than Lambert), I was still interested because of the historical
engagement of the plot. I also agree with the previous commenter that
the Hungarian actors were good. I think it is clearly a B movie, but
not a bad one.
5 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :- Interesting tense thriller, 6 May 2006
Author:
axon50 from England
After all the terrible movies Lambert has been in over the last 5 years
or so, I had stopped watching his films. However, after a
recommendation I sought out "Day of Wrath" and I was very glad I did.
This may only be a B grade movie but the story was great and was well
supported by good acting and a mood inducing score.
I was kept involved right to the end and I liked the mystery with a
historical base. A good action thriller with an undercurrent of
conspiracy.
It was better than many big budget films I have seen lately and I hope
it is an indication that Christopher Lambert is back to making good
movies.
2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :- Slow moving, but well made., 12 September 2007
Author:
funkydvd from United States
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
I'm not sure where people are coming from when critiquing this movie.
One review sounds like a group of frat boys rented it to make fun of
and were disappointed that it wasn't funny? It's a costume/period piece
about the Spanish inquisition! What are people expecting? Action?
Comedy? This movie moves very slowly in parts, but it is simply telling
its story. You've got to be patient to watch a movie about the Spanish
inquisition in the first place, so be forewarned. Other than that,
Lambert gives a good performance, the costumes are excellent. I love
the little twists and turns.
Is it suspenseful? No. Is it supposed to be? I never got the idea that
it was. I guess the bottom line is: What are your expectations of a
movie before you watch it? If you go into it with none, then you are a
lot better off. This movie doesn't fit a lot of people's expectations,
but that doesn't make it a bad movie. In fact, what I liked about it
was that it doesn't fit into the normal American movie genres of:
action, comedy, buddy movie etc. I was actually pleasantly surprised by
the stark beauty of many shots and could accept its low-budget
shortcomings because the story and acting were good enough for me to
enjoy.
8 out of 15 people found the following comment useful :- Pretty Terrible, 23 June 2006
Author:
whynot_joek from Hungary
An awful script and terrible direction saved only by some decent local
and imported actors. Lambert is fine but not given much to work with.
Most of the time he seems to have the same slightly puzzled look on his
face. Blessed, Faulkner and Law do the character work that they do best
and the director should be glad to have had them in. Local Hungarian
actors, including Szonja Oroszlany do solid work as well proving that
the country has real talent available. Would have been good to see
newcomer Ben O'Brien more in the role as Lamert's deputy.
Unfortunately, the script sinks the boat and viewers don't have any
time to develop a relationship with the characters much less care about
any of them. Quick-pace editing means that the whole story moves much
too fast.
1 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :- Miscast actor & Two Decades two late!, 15 August 2007
Author:
nwestwood1 from United Kingdom
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
This would have been good if this was made in the mid 80s and it stared
somebody like Rutger Hauer. Also if the likes of Paul Verhoven had
handled the direction, it would be more promising ala Flesh & Blood. I
love the original Highlander, but Christopher Lambert has gone down
hill big time. He plays his role in all round terms a chump & his
swordplay is pitiful- I don't think he even kills anyone!! In
Highlander, he would have made mincemeat of the baddie- he gets
humiliated by him. As for the bad guy, he is actually the good guy- huh
? The DVD Cover is misleading as you see him with a sword, thinking
your in for a Highlander type swordfest- hell no !.
2 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :- good movie, 2 July 2006
Author:
bettsestatesale from United States
who is the actor that was cast as the 'Hungarian mercenary'???? who?
who? thanks. I loved the costumes, the actor ( Lambert) needs a haircut
and a few more facial expressions. I just want to know who the actor
was that stole the movie from him....the Hungarian mercenary. The
photography was well worth watching, very well done and historical
scenes were also well done.The scenes also folded well into each other
.A smooth continuity, and understandable lines. The children were well
chosen and presented their characters well. Who is that actor??? You
know the one I mean , the Hungarian mercenary?The various animals that
were used in the movie were well chosen and well saddled, bridled, and
shod for the time period.Things like that really stick out in a period
piece , like a new western saddle on a 16th century horse. Lambert is
still the highlander in all of his roles, I know he could expand them
if he wanted to, or even tried. The documentation was exact and you
could almost smell the smoke in the fire scenes. And there were many.
3 out of 6 people found the following comment useful :- Anti Hitchcock, 14 March 2007
Author:
cjbzgzgibe from Europe
I had nothing to do on a Sunday and this movie was on TV. So I said, oh
great a murder mystery. I always enjoyed them. Even if they weren't so
good... But this movie is just terrible. It is an anti-Hitchcock movie,
meaning there is absolutely NO suspense. None whatsoever. The director
should find himself a different profession. The cuts are so quick and I
do mean so quick that the movie just blows past. Some people get
killed, bam, next scene, main guy finds something important out, bam,
new scene. No suspense. And in this type of movie the suspense is
everything. You have to be there with the protagonist finding clues and
being on the edge of your seat when something goes wrong. Here NOTHING.
And the acting... It's like the year 2000 only everyone is in medieval
clothes. The only medieval thing in the movie is the costumes and the
scenery. But i could have lived with bad acting. But the cuts... Why
not let a scene settle in? WHY?
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Day of Wrath (2006)
22 out of 35 people found the following comment useful :-

I found it to be a richly entertaining mystery., 21 April 2006
Author: jadeheart6 from Florida, United States
Before I watched this movie I assumed it was going to be a bad "B" type movie that would be heavy on the cheese and light on substance. Imagine my surprise when halfway through the movie I was riveted to the plot line and actually enjoying the suspense. I can't say much about the movie without giving away to much so I'll say somethings not concerning the plot. Christopher Lambert portrays a 16th Century sheriff living in a town deep in the heart of Spain. His acting really shines here but I was amazed at the supporting cast's talents as well. Everyone seemed to really play off each other and it flowed together pretty smoothly. The ending leaves you satisfied and is thought provoking as well. There is some topless nudity but it is tastefully done. Parents should be warned though there is some blood and violent imagines in this film although it is used to advance the storyline. This story is worthy of theatrical release although I think it went straight to video. So rent/buy it on DVD and put the kids to bed and enjoy an amazing story similar to a "Rob Roy" or "The Name of the Rose" style of movie.
7 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :-

Left in the dark, for a good reason., 10 April 2007
Author: lost-in-limbo from the Mad Hatter's tea party.
A 16th century Spanish town is plagued by some mysterious murders involving important town figures and when the sheriff Rudy de Mendoza starts his investigation on the mutilated bodies, he learns that no one else seems to want to help him out, as there's a cover up, which leaves him all in the dark. As the deaths grow, Rudy goes on to learns more. The web of deceit grows larger and secrets are being revealed. In his path is a mercenary group, which Rudy is trying to figure out who's the man behind it all and his intrusion could cost the lives of those his loves.
Christopher Lambert as an actor hasn't done anything that has really grabbed my attention, other then the sci-fi flick "Fortress". His most well-known involvement in "The Highlander" series, did nothing for me. Anyhow I decided to take a chance on this medieval B-film and was pleasantly surprised with the overall effort, even though some frustrating strokes cropped up.
Enchantingly sharp-etched period back-sets, props and costumes have a rich awe to them, despite the cheap origins. The premise holds up remarkably well with a broodingly elaborate mystery within a well thought up concept of effective twists and sustained involvement of the story's progression. This is because there's so much more going on behind the scenes in this conspiracy laced-script, which keeps things really tight and nebulous. The brisk location photography is genuinely polished and covered the beautifully picturesque Hungry backdrop with vivid scope. A blazingly elastic musical score paints the period and moody precisely. A solidly low-key Christopher Lambert plays in a husky and rundown portrayal of his character Rudy de Mendoza. He sounded like he needed a cough drop. Blanca Marsillach charms in her glassy part and James Faulkner weasels in. The acting while not great, is workably stable and watchable.
Now what brought it down was that in patches the limp direction couldn't come to terms with the promising material, and was weakly conjured up and lacked real gusto in its delivery. Some unorthodox set-pieces flourished with atmospheric flashes of intrigue and foreboding terror, but more often it came across as frosty, repetitive and stiff. Some nasty and mutilated violence livens up the show, but the bustling action feels torpid, even though the pacing is always busy. The idea behind it is a stimulating pot-boiler, but for most part the execution is rather muddled and dry.
While the material and production design is up to par, it's basically undone by feeble direction. Anyhow, it's not-too-bad and keeps you highly involved.
9 out of 11 people found the following comment useful :-

Medieval suspense with a religious historical topic., 18 December 2006
Author: leevleev from United States
I was expecting a typical Christopher Lambert movie when I rented this, a pretty badly produced swashbuckling movie with some funny stuff. I was surprised to find that this movie was a little bit more....It is not a 'fun' movie but it is not meant to be. Technically the movie is pretty low quality and the script and editing is choppy but if you can get past those aspects it is worth watching. The international cast makes for a confusing variety of accents, but by the end of the movie you can see why various accents make some sense. This film is meant to inform the viewer of the history of the religious persecutions. It made an impression on me. If you have a social conscience at all, you can see a relevance to today's world events.
8 out of 11 people found the following comment useful :-

Not a Bad B Movie, 6 August 2006
Author: tikva1098 from Philadelphia, US
I agree with the previous commenter about the script and the fast pace of the editing. It does the movie disservice. What would have made it better would have been to let the characters shine through a little more. I do think that for a low budget film it had an interesting, well thought out story. I was surprised by this, and despite the poorly choreographed fight scenes (why were all fighters, even henchmen, better than Lambert), I was still interested because of the historical engagement of the plot. I also agree with the previous commenter that the Hungarian actors were good. I think it is clearly a B movie, but not a bad one.
5 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :-

Interesting tense thriller, 6 May 2006
Author: axon50 from England
After all the terrible movies Lambert has been in over the last 5 years or so, I had stopped watching his films. However, after a recommendation I sought out "Day of Wrath" and I was very glad I did.
This may only be a B grade movie but the story was great and was well supported by good acting and a mood inducing score.
I was kept involved right to the end and I liked the mystery with a historical base. A good action thriller with an undercurrent of conspiracy.
It was better than many big budget films I have seen lately and I hope it is an indication that Christopher Lambert is back to making good movies.
2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-

Slow moving, but well made., 12 September 2007
Author: funkydvd from United States
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
I'm not sure where people are coming from when critiquing this movie. One review sounds like a group of frat boys rented it to make fun of and were disappointed that it wasn't funny? It's a costume/period piece about the Spanish inquisition! What are people expecting? Action? Comedy? This movie moves very slowly in parts, but it is simply telling its story. You've got to be patient to watch a movie about the Spanish inquisition in the first place, so be forewarned. Other than that, Lambert gives a good performance, the costumes are excellent. I love the little twists and turns.
Is it suspenseful? No. Is it supposed to be? I never got the idea that it was. I guess the bottom line is: What are your expectations of a movie before you watch it? If you go into it with none, then you are a lot better off. This movie doesn't fit a lot of people's expectations, but that doesn't make it a bad movie. In fact, what I liked about it was that it doesn't fit into the normal American movie genres of: action, comedy, buddy movie etc. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the stark beauty of many shots and could accept its low-budget shortcomings because the story and acting were good enough for me to enjoy.
8 out of 15 people found the following comment useful :-

Pretty Terrible, 23 June 2006
Author: whynot_joek from Hungary
An awful script and terrible direction saved only by some decent local and imported actors. Lambert is fine but not given much to work with. Most of the time he seems to have the same slightly puzzled look on his face. Blessed, Faulkner and Law do the character work that they do best and the director should be glad to have had them in. Local Hungarian actors, including Szonja Oroszlany do solid work as well proving that the country has real talent available. Would have been good to see newcomer Ben O'Brien more in the role as Lamert's deputy. Unfortunately, the script sinks the boat and viewers don't have any time to develop a relationship with the characters much less care about any of them. Quick-pace editing means that the whole story moves much too fast.
1 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-

Miscast actor & Two Decades two late!, 15 August 2007
Author: nwestwood1 from United Kingdom
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
This would have been good if this was made in the mid 80s and it stared somebody like Rutger Hauer. Also if the likes of Paul Verhoven had handled the direction, it would be more promising ala Flesh & Blood. I love the original Highlander, but Christopher Lambert has gone down hill big time. He plays his role in all round terms a chump & his swordplay is pitiful- I don't think he even kills anyone!! In Highlander, he would have made mincemeat of the baddie- he gets humiliated by him. As for the bad guy, he is actually the good guy- huh ? The DVD Cover is misleading as you see him with a sword, thinking your in for a Highlander type swordfest- hell no !.
2 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-

good movie, 2 July 2006
Author: bettsestatesale from United States
who is the actor that was cast as the 'Hungarian mercenary'???? who? who? thanks. I loved the costumes, the actor ( Lambert) needs a haircut and a few more facial expressions. I just want to know who the actor was that stole the movie from him....the Hungarian mercenary. The photography was well worth watching, very well done and historical scenes were also well done.The scenes also folded well into each other .A smooth continuity, and understandable lines. The children were well chosen and presented their characters well. Who is that actor??? You know the one I mean , the Hungarian mercenary?The various animals that were used in the movie were well chosen and well saddled, bridled, and shod for the time period.Things like that really stick out in a period piece , like a new western saddle on a 16th century horse. Lambert is still the highlander in all of his roles, I know he could expand them if he wanted to, or even tried. The documentation was exact and you could almost smell the smoke in the fire scenes. And there were many.
3 out of 6 people found the following comment useful :-

Anti Hitchcock, 14 March 2007
Author: cjbzgzgibe from Europe
I had nothing to do on a Sunday and this movie was on TV. So I said, oh great a murder mystery. I always enjoyed them. Even if they weren't so good... But this movie is just terrible. It is an anti-Hitchcock movie, meaning there is absolutely NO suspense. None whatsoever. The director should find himself a different profession. The cuts are so quick and I do mean so quick that the movie just blows past. Some people get killed, bam, next scene, main guy finds something important out, bam, new scene. No suspense. And in this type of movie the suspense is everything. You have to be there with the protagonist finding clues and being on the edge of your seat when something goes wrong. Here NOTHING.
And the acting... It's like the year 2000 only everyone is in medieval clothes. The only medieval thing in the movie is the costumes and the scenery. But i could have lived with bad acting. But the cuts... Why not let a scene settle in? WHY?
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