Bathory Countess Of Blood

Title: Bathory Countess Of Blood (15)

Year: 2008

Running Time: 141 minutes

Director: Jurak Jakubisko

Cast: Anna Friel (Erzsebet Bathory), Karel Roden (Thurzo), Vincent Regan (Ferenc Nadasdy) Notes: Won five awards.

Rating: 9

Thoughts:   Based on the legendary Madame Bathory, rumoured to have been the most prolific female murderer.

This is a slightly quirky film, with an interesting real-life character, a well-told story, and the excellent Friel in the lead role. There's a good mix of drama and story telling, the Countess is portrayed as having a vulnerable side as she ignores her reputation.

The story then plays out in a fairly epic way, rolling along through great scenes and sets. It all looks great and is shot very well.

I was surprised that they bring in some comic (except it's not funny) relief with a couple of monks that try and spy on her. They aren't needed and I would have rather it embrace the darker side of the story more.

That's the stronger element of this tale. I do wonder if this would be a middle-of-the-road affair if Friel wasn't in it.

She is meant to be playing a strong individual and does, raising the whole piece. Add that to the overall look and feel, with the era brought alive superbly, and this ends up being very good.