Am not sure that the story makes logical sense but I did enjoy this mystery story set in 16th century Spain as it had interesting subtexts about persecution and religion and kinship and not just a series of gruesome murders. Christopher Lambert as Ruy de Mendoza in the lead was leaden. (His gruff voice made him hard to hear at times) Brian Blessed, James Faulkner and Phyllida Law (who spoke clearly) however gave class to the acting. The most compelling character was Lukács Bicskey as the Hungarian mercenary. One wanted to see more of him. The costumes looked convincing and the environment seemed authentic even though filmed in Hungary. The film would have been even better with more assured direction and the editing sometimes was below par. However it held my attention from the opening scene to the movingly ironic ending.
(NB Contains cruel mistreatment of books; being burned, thrown about or used as a weapon. Ghastly!)
(NB Contains cruel mistreatment of books; being burned, thrown about or used as a weapon. Ghastly!)