Hector I
A film I've been wanting to see for some time, I'm a little dubious about this one, liking many aspects but less so others.
We follow the story of Michael Kohlhaas, “in the 16th century in the Cévennes, horse trader Michael Kohlhaas leads a prosperous and happy family life. Victim of a lord's injustice, this pious man of integrity raises an army and sets the country on fire to restore his right.”
It's debatable whether Mad Mikkelsen was the right choice, given that we're following the story of a Frenchman of the time. Although he always plays his part perfectly (what charisma!), the passages in French - which he learned phonetically - are a little awkward at times.
Aesthetically, the film is really superb, even if I felt a little too much the famous brown filter of Arnaud des Pallières' films (cuckoo Three Musketeers!). But that's not a problem.
As for the plot, I think it's a very fine story, showing the choices we have to make and how far we can go in our principles when it may harm those we love. The religious aspect is fairly well exposed, and we enjoy following this period of history, even if the original character was German and actually met Luther. The transposition to France works well.
And now for the fights, because when you think of a period film, you think of a fight. There are almost none. The only one really filmed, the assault on the castle, is very slow and soft, I find, and the “incomprehensible duel”. The others are suggested, in beautiful ways, notably the archers facing the church, but we're left wanting more. We'd have liked to learn more about his companions, especially the one who comes to offer his services.
Perhaps this was intentional, but if so, why initiate scenes announcing the hero's team presentation, or a duel, only to remove them later?
A fine film, certainly, but it could have been a superb film.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/11/25
Full Review
Chris A
I recommend this film for its meandering mood, tone of courage and sanctity. The film captivates Kohlhaas in a personal struggle between revenge and an adherence to biblical forgiveness. Cross your heart, this was a rapacious religion in a 15th century(?) fiefdom. A barbarian he is not and he takes up arms to elicit revenge. The only reason he has to die is that one of his comrades took up arms against a princess’ guard (?). Film to video production overly contrasty, losing important detail. Voice quality poor as well. C+. needs clarification.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
01/10/25
Full Review
R 9
It's a good film, even though it could've been done far greater.
This does make for a quite pleasant two hours, it's a simple story and portrayed it quite an understated and straightforward way. While that is a positive, it is actually also a negative in a weird sorta way. As much as I enjoyed it, I still wanted much more from it; and I feel like it had greater in its locker.
Mads Mikkelsen as Michael Kohlhaas (apparently loosely based on real life Hans Kohlhase) is great casting and Mikkelsen puts in a performance of quality, though I personally believe a more commanding showing would've elevated the movie higher... but that's minor, as less in fairness still would work either way. The support cast are solid.
Two other parts that could've made this 2013 release stronger are the dialogue and the music. For the former, none of the conversations or speeches struck a memorable cord. For the latter, I wanted a proper movie score throughout as I think it would've suited things onscreen perfectly; thankfully, we do get a great piece of music at the end at least.
All in all, 'Age of Uprising: The Legend of Michael Kohlhaas' could've went up a few gears but what's there is still a good watch in my opinion.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
10/16/23
Full Review
Audience Member
3stars for Mads 1. 5for the image
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
02/18/23
Full Review
Late R
If you ever wondered whether it would be possible to make what is essentially a revenge story tedious, slow and boring to watch, then ‘Age of Uprising: Michael Kohlhaas' is your answer. The pacing is strange for such a story and the sparse dialogue stands out, and not in a good way. Yes, it's nicely filmed making use of the beautiful surroundings and locations, and the cast is great with the always superb Mads Mikkelsen doing his best to offer some point of interest which results in a few engaging scenes, but even he can only do so much.
In short, it's neither fun nor entertaining and I found myself often checking my watch which I never take as a good sign.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
08/17/20
Full Review
Audience Member
I watched it only because Mads Mikkelsen is in it. I just needed to get out of my head the Mikkelsen Hannibal persona, since I didn't like the series at all but love Mikkelsen. I agree with all those who found the movie too slow. A half hour could have been excised in the movie's interest. I was most annoyed by the bad lighting and filming that was too close, showing irrelevant fragments , as if tearing apart and dissecting a beautiful painting. At times the camera moved so erratically that it seemed to be a home movie. Thankfully, Mads Mikkelsen made it all worthwhile. He's a major actor of great charisma and sensitivity.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
02/20/23
Full Review
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