Le Pact des Loups (Brotherhood of The Wolf)

From the first 15 minutes, you’ll realize that this isn’t your stereotypical art house French movie – it’s full of action and puts you on the edge of your seat. OK, I have to admit I’m not a huge fan of French movies, but every once in a while I see one that I like. Past favorites of mine include “Le Femme Nikita,” “Jean de Florette,” “Manon of The Spring” and now “Brotherhood of The Wolf.” “Brotherhood” boasts excellent action sequences, state-of-the-art special effects, and beautiful cinematography. It is kind of a cross between a period piece set in 18th Century France, “The Matrix,” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”

The story is about a Parisian scientist and his Canadian-Iroquois blood brother who are sent by King Louis XV to track the Beast of Gevaudan, a giant wolf-like creature that killed more than 100 people in mid-18th-century France. No, this isn’t a werewolf movie; rather, it is a mystery/action movie complete with political intrigue (from the Vatican to the French Royal Court) where nobody is who they seem to be.

However, the move did have some periods where it got pretty slow and took itself a bit too seriously at times with the characters’ somewhat preachy dialog. Overall I had a good time and would recommend it. The film is now available at major movie rental chains.