Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8266 in DVD
• Released on: 2000-02-01
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Dubbed, PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish
• Dubbed in: French, German, Italian, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 135 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Footnotes in film books are likely to reduce this swashbuckling adventure down to a simple description: it was the first movie to star Leonardo DiCaprio after the phenomenal success of Titanic. As such, The Man in the Iron Mask automatically attracted a box-office stampede of Leo's young female fans, but critical reaction was deservedly mixed. Having earned his directorial debut after writing the Oscar-winning script for Mel Gibson's Braveheart, Randall Wallace wrote and directed this ambitious version of the often-filmed classic novel by Alexandre Dumas. DiCaprio plays dual roles as the despotic King Louis XIV, who rules France with an iron fist, and the king's twin brother, Philippe, who languishes in prison under an iron mask, his identity concealed to prevent an overthrow of Louis' throne. But Louis' abuse of power ultimately enrages Athos (John Malkovich), one of the original Four Musketeers, who recruits his former partners (Gabriel Byrne, Gérard Depardieu, and Jeremy Irons) in a plot to liberate Philippe and install him as the king's identical replacement. Once this plot is set in motion and the Musketeers are each given moments in the spotlight, the film kicks into gear and offers plenty of entertainment in the grand style of vintage swashbucklers. But it's also sidetracked by excessive length and disposable subplots, and for all his post-Titanic star power, the boyish DiCaprio just isn't yet "man" enough to be fully convincing in his title role. Still, this is an entertaining film, no less enjoyable for falling short of the greatness to which it aspired. --Jeff Shannon

Video Description
DVD Special Features

Feature-length stereo commentary by Randall Wallace, Director
Chapter Search
Original Theatrical Trailer
Soundtrack: English/German/Spanish/French/Italian
Subtitles: English/German/Spanish/Dutch/Finnish/Swedish/Norwegian/Danish/Portuguese/French/Italian

Synopsis
With a cry of "All for one and one for all!" the Musketeers return to correct the injustices perpetrated by spoiled monarch Louis XIV, whose misdeeds include imprisoning his twin brother on an island and encasing his visage in the titular mask. Teen idol Di Caprio assays the dual title role, while writer-director Wallace goes for the jugular with plenty of pomp and pageantry.

Customer Reviews

A Real Suprise
First, I would like to point out that personally I don't think that Leonardo DiCaprio is a very good actor. I haven't liked his preformance in many of his films. Due of this fact, I watched The Man In The Iron Mask, expecting not to enjoy the film, simply because he basic plays the main character. Needless to say, I was speechless at the end of the film. The Man In The Iron Mask is stunning and Leonardo's preformance - I hate to say - is also stunning. Additionally I have not enjoyed many musketeer films in the past, so obviously I did not expect to enjoy this. The Man In The Iron Mask is beautiful and memorizing, I have not seen the original version (as this is a remake) nor have I read the book. Therefore I did not know what to expect from this film and the twists really were twist for me. So definitly a film to be watched.

DiCaprio outshone by veterans
This film has plenty of swashbuckling action, stunning costumes and scenery, and more "one for all, all for one" sentiment than you can shake a stick at. The dialogue can be a let down, though, often sounding stilted and hammed-up, even when delivered by an actor of John Malkovitch's talent. Although Leonardo DiCaprio manages to portray both the King and his brother relatively convincingly (notice the difference in body language, especially when both characters are on screen together), he is no match for the combined presence of four great veteran actors. Byrne, Depardieu, Irons and Malkovitch are clearly enjoying themselves enormously, and DiCaprio suffers by the comparison. This is great action film, but like many action films, it helps if you don't think too much whilst watching it - ignore the cornier dialogue, and sit back and enjoy watching four great actors buckle their swashes for all they are worth!

Brilliant but ...
This is a brilliant movie, BUT not loyal to the book. If you expect to watch your favourite charatccters and story line brought to life (or rather picture) then you might be a little disappointed. The ending is opposite to that of the book, both in relation to the king and the musketeers. But other than that, the film is an absolute source of enjoyment.

This is a film that deals with love, honour, values, duty, treason, etc. You name it and the film deals with it. The characters are so alive and their pain truly hurts you and the joy vrings a smile to your face. I thinnk the true star of the fil is John Malkovish, who as Athos, has to learn to accept and eventually love the man, who is a clone (to be more precise twin) of the man who brought misery to his young son's life and put an abrupt end to it. Malkovich plays out this struggle so amazingly that at times it is unbelievable.

Unlike most Musketeer related movies, D'Artengan is not the centre of attention and it is as though, one window has been closed and surprisingly a larger one has been opened. You will see more of Honourable Athos, cunning Aramis and simple but brave and loyal Porhtos.

To end my comments, WATCH this film. It is fun, enjoyable, amazing and at times heart breaking.