Few authors' resume has spawned as many big screen adaptations as Alexander Dumas, the French writer of long-winded adventure tales. The most famous adaptations have been of the 3, sometimes 4, musketeers. This one from the late 1990's is probably the most balanced and well written one. The movie stars a cast from numerous countries, including veterans such as Jeremy Irons, Gerard Depardieu and John Malkovich. The key to the movie is Leo DiCaprio, who plays identical twins; one good and one bad, and Leo does a good job of portraying both.



The movie itself is best described as a drama. There is action, but it does not dominate the movie. There is some comedy, but only in a couple of scenes. The only substantial romance is a sideplot between the King's mother and one of the musketeers. As a story, it is quite believable and is not made to be a glorification of the musketeers. Instead, it is a good historical epic with heavy emphasis on good storytelling, good dialogue, and the occasional twist and turn. Worth the time to watch it.