There is always something beautiful, refined, and meaningful to miss, like this classic Spanish movie 13 years ago. It's a pity that I can't often see such well-made, well-acted, and well-detailed films. Kings and soldiers, conspiracy and love, loyalty and betrayal, bravery and cowardice, destruction and survival, are as real as the gloomy and towering city walls and churches, gorgeous aristocratic costumes and ragged mercenary clothes in the film. There is also the coldness and gloom that pervade the whole film, the ubiquitous oil painting-like light and shadows and shots, and the heartbreaking guitars and violins intertwined, reflecting the blurred scene of Spain at the end of the Middle Ages: the kingdom is still prosperous and powerful, but the world is It has been secretly changed, and the society is no longer full of vigor and thriving. The emotions, dignity, even blood, tears and fate of ordinary people were as cheap as grass and trees in that era, and they were worthless. All have quietly prepared gravediggers for the former dynasty. We are neither the most honest nor the most devout protagonist in such a world, fighting bravely, keeping promises, falling in love, betrayed until his unparalleled fearlessness and superb swordsmanship are eroded and lost in time.
At the same time, this is a masterpiece that was almost destroyed by translation. I think any name like Spanish Chronicle, Sword and Dust is better than "The Legend of Mercenaries". In fact, the original title is very simple, it is the Spanish name of the protagonist: Alatrist. Whether the real or the mercenary in the film, there is no legend at all. Either struggling to live humbly in the intrigues and intricate interests of the nobles, or dying in obscurity in the battle for the empire.
The 2 and a half hour movie is said to be based on five thick novels. This explains why the film's narrative is so succinct and jumpy. This was supposed to be an epic, but sadly it didn't. There are also language barriers, lack of knowledge of Spanish history, and facial blindness, which greatly increases the difficulty of understanding. Some of the supporting characters' dialogues may not be translated at all, and the original subtitles are all in Spanish, so I still can't read them.
It feels like I can't watch some other Hollywood movies anymore.
Suddenly I remembered that Carmen's story was also in this land.
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