Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Compare this American Release with the Original, November 29, 2006
I am an avowed francophobe, well not really, I like their cheese, wine and above all their women, and in this case one of their movies. Actually a Deutsche e-freunde recommended it to me. No faint praise. I said I like the cinematography of Brotherhood of the Wolf. He recommended Vidoqc. I blanched at paying the $50+ cost of the nearly unavailable DVD, but decided to take the chance. It was worth it. I noticed that it is offered in prerelease at $25 for the American version, a bargain so long as it hasn't been gutted by the American distributor.
My version was released in Quebec.
The story is well done. It hooks you in the first few minutes. The colors and camera work are mesmerizing. You feel like you can smell the brandy and garlic on Nimier's breath. The costumes are pure genius. You feel like you are standing in Post-Napoleonic Paris. Pitof, the director with such credits as visual effects director on both The Messenger: the story of Joan of Arc, and Alien 4. Most recently he directed the bomb Catwoman with Halley Berry. Well, don't judge Vidoqc by that disaster. The shift of an inch or two of Halley's costume top and he would have had a hit. I think the mere presence of Sharon Stone probably killed that effort.
Not only will the plot twists and turns of Vidocq keep you guessing up to the end of the movie; the atmosphere will intoxicate you. As with most french films, there is abundant sexuality and in this case, revealed and implied deviancy enough to titillate even the most jaded. Young girls sold into white slavery by their parents to be tortured, mutilated and ultimately sacrificed by the Alchemist...I doubt much of that will make it into the American release. One pitiful scene remains vivid, where Vidoqc tries to communicate with the filthy naked form of a cowering young teenager. She mumbles incoherently through her terrified tears, incapable of uttering an intelligable sound. Covered with filth, trembling, it appears her tongue has been cut out. As Vidoqc watches helpless, the girl runs off into the night and an uncertain future.
Pitof paints a vivid world of sex, violence and chaos set amidst the turmoil of France in upheaval. This is a not to be missed movie.
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not for everyone but very well made!, January 4, 2007
As a photographer I really enjoyed the cinematography and camera work of this film, very dramatic. The plot was very clever and the settings couldn't have been better. Unless you have very poor eyesight I have to suggest you watch it in French, the English dubbing is pathetic. The fight scenes were very cool and the special effects were effective and not overdone. I say this movie isn't for everyone because it doesn't have a very mainstream Hollywood blockbuster feel, it has a very foreign essence to it. I venture to say if you liked Brotherhood Of The Wolf then you will probably like this one to. The mood at atmosphere of the film are brilliantly captured and every scene would make a wonderful still photograph. Be prepared to sit down and watch it without distractions, if you miss even a few minutes you might become confused. There are a lot of subtle flashbacks throughout the movie which may prove confusing if you're not paying attention. Anyway go out a rent this movie if you're looking for something other than your typical Hollywood style film. I have nothing against the French, when I visited southern France a few years ago I loved the people and the country and I have always loved their films and here's just another example why.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
VIDOCQ is the Matrix on crack cocaine, September 23, 2002
VIDOQ defies words. Words could not do this movie justice. I watched it and was speachless. I had to watch it again just to understand the mystery better. The movie is like watching a dream and a nightmare on speed. The movie is a cross between the Matrix, Moulin Rouge and From Hell. It is basically an investigation of an investigation into a serial killer. This killer is unlike anything you have ever seen, the assasin has been stalking Paris for Centuries and the movie is set in 1830 just before the Revolution for the Charter of Human Rights. The movie is visually stunning and very freaky. Everything in the movie is a clue to the mystery, yet the mystery haunts you, because as you watch it, the reality you understand becomes irrelevant. This is the best movie I have ever watched and even the subtitles didn't bother me... they added to something that was mysterious and visually unique.
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