What makes Brotherhood of the Wolf any
different from your average kung-fu movie? Obviously something; according to
most critics, but I saw no contrast between it and the hazardous
Transporter. Brotherhood of the Wolf utilizes much more style in
its direction, production, and writing; but to me it’s nothing special. There
is something distinctly sickening about it. Aside from the fact that I am
writing this review under the presence of the stomach flu, just thinking about
this film makes me want to barf. The stupid characters and bad acting make it
far less than desirable to watch.
The
story is about the hunting of a beast. In the depths of the French wilderness,
this beast kills innocent travelers. Virgins to its story often mistake it for
the average werewolf, but this is a very powerful creature full of rage and
the desire to kill. There are a few well-done shots of this monster attacking,
including those of the opening scene, which are well-choreographed, produced,
and directed. But without these, the film serves no purpose. The plot doesn’t
leave us involved, and because of the meaning it looses in the translation of
languages; we don’t feel for the characters. Brotherhood of the Wolf
isn’t only mindless fun, its mindless filmmaking as well.
I’m
not sure that there is a reason that the film was made, either. There are
several epics, similar to this film that serve definite purposes.
Brotherhood of the Wolf has the extreme length of an epic, but doesn’t
have a purpose. One of the biggest problems with it is that it has no sense of
direction. A cast, crew, and their film must know where they want themselves
to go, and what their trying to achieve. There is some degree of this fact
shown in the screenplay of Brotherhood of the Wolf, indefinitely; but
a very small amount of it actually shows in the final cut of the flick. All of
the pieces fit in the puzzle, but there are giant gaps of air between the
worn-out edges of them.
The
costumes are interesting, and I will give them that. Interesting is not always
a good thing; but it’s an intriguing one. The odd fabrics seem to wear the
dull and lifeless actors as if they were the star of the film themselves. With
fish-hats, stocking-suits, and bras that don’t only cover the breasts; the
clothing gallery is certainly amusing to watch. Soldiers ride their horses in
bare feet in the middle of the winter, yet they are fully clothed indoors.
Brotherhood of the Wolf is like a foreign attempt at madness, which
leaves American viewers cluelessely pondering its every move. I like to watch
movies, but not riots.
Now
that this review has come to an end, I am glad to reach a certain point of
closure. Brotherhood of the Wolf is simply a film that I have no
interest in talking about, and doesn’t deserve to be talked about. It isn’t
painful to watch, but it’s far from pleasurable. The performances are dull,
the action is lifeless, and the special effects are tacky. Let’s end the
talking here. Bottom Line: Don’t waste your time.
-Danny, Bucket Reviews
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