Download Free The Reckoning

This film was a total surprise for me. I went to see it without any pre
conceived ideas; I had no clue what to expect. I based my decision on the
the strength of the cast here assembled. It proved me right, as this is a
movie that is very satisfying without being pretentious, or preachy.

It is, without a doubt, a major achievement for its director, Paul McGuigan.
It probably would be intimidating to undertake a project of this magnitude
and still bring together all the right elements to make this film enjoyable.
The only sad part is that it seems this film is not getting its fair share
the way it's being marketed, at least in this country.

Paul Bettany is amazing as the young priest who commits a terrible sin and
has to leave the security of his church. He is fortunate to meet with the
kind hearted Martin, and his troupe of players. William Dafoe is very good
as the principal actor in this group. Brian Cox's role is brief, but he is
very effective. Elvira Minguez has no dialogue at all, but her presence is
crucial to the story and her Martha adds another layer to the
story.

Despite the different acting styles and accents, the story keeps the viewer
engrossed in the story. I do hope it will get the audience it sadly needs,
for this is a much better film than the silly stuff being offered these
days..

An excellent murder mystery that just happens to be set in 1380 Europe.
Paul Bettany is convincing as young priest with a terrible secret, and
he is lent able support by William Dafoe as the head of a ragtag acting
troupe and Brian Cox one the actors. The plot is as much a morality
play as a thriller, and succeeds at both. Wonderful costuming and
period detail (of course I wasn't around in 1380, but it certainly
feels authentic, other than the usual perfectly aligned modern teeth).
Terrific photography, to boot. Astute movie fans will recognize a
couple of performers from BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF, to which this bears
some slight resemblance. They include Vincent Cassell in a small but
pivotal role as the lord of the castle at which the troupe has arrived
just as a series of brutal slayings is being secretly investigated by
agents of the king. Highly recommended. But beware some graphic bits of
business, along the lines of scenes in CRIMSON RIVERS (coincidentally
of which Cassell was the costar)..