Synopsis: Set during the time of the first outbreak of bubonic plague in England, a young monk joins a group tasked with learning the truth about reports of people being brought back to life in a small village by a rumored necromancer.Not just another gory sword fight flick, although those things are true, but what I think sets it apart a bit is the very nice atmosphere of creepy marshes filled with fog and mists. The movie just feels bleak and gritty with great sets and the overall feel of it. This is how I think it should feel and look at the outset of the bubonic plague. I wanted to shower after watching it. With lots of soap. Bacterial soap.
The effects are great and feel very raw too. There are quite a few hackings with big swords and such and scenes filled with blood and dismemberment.
I expected all these things though, but what I didn't expect was the excellent exploration of religious faith, occultism and witch hunts. There's quite a bit of thought-provoking material to keep the brain exercising while the eyes take in the action.
Negatives? A bit of that shaky cam stuff during some action scenes gets annoying. Also the pace and plot sort of drag along at times.
Overall though, a nice, sometimes brutal, period piece that's pretty engaging for the most part. Even the ending is pretty satisfying and a bit of a surprise I thought.
7.5/10
