Iread in other reviews that the last two movies were originally one but were broken into two parts for International release. I also read that these two films strayed a lot from the original books. All this might be true, but I really don't know about these aspects of the films--just what I just saw on DVD.
The first Angélique film was exceptional though I did notice that subsequent films were a bit of a letdown. Well, although this film still doesn't equal the first, at least it was better than several of the other films in the series. This time, Angélique has gone off to sea in search of her husband who she now is positive is still alive, as she caught a glimpse of him in the last film. However, her path to the man she loves is very brutal in this film and ends, naturally, with tragedy.
At the beginning of the film, our heroine accepts a ride on a galley commanded by a French admiral. However, when the ship is sunk by pirates (led, in fact, by Angélique's husband, Joffrey). He was unaware that she was on board, however, and when he later learns this he frantically goes in search of her. Unfortunately for Angélique, she is rescued by a sadistic pirate who delights in raping her as well as tormenting her. He also intends to sell her on the slave market, as because of her beauty and high birth, she'll command a fortune.
As the film nears the end, she is sold for an amazing amount by a stranger who happens to have bought her for Joffrey! However, although their reunion is at first joyous, the two soon begin arguing over nothing--a very odd twist thrown in by the writers. And, when the two realize the error of their ways and are about to kiss and make up, disaster strikes and she is kidnapped for a Muslim king--thus necessitating the next film, "Angélique and the Sultan".
Overall, this is pretty exciting stuff though I admit that the brutality of the film and nudity make it less family-friendly than most of the films in the series. Still, there are lots of plot twists and excitement to merit watching.
The first Angélique film was exceptional though I did notice that subsequent films were a bit of a letdown. Well, although this film still doesn't equal the first, at least it was better than several of the other films in the series. This time, Angélique has gone off to sea in search of her husband who she now is positive is still alive, as she caught a glimpse of him in the last film. However, her path to the man she loves is very brutal in this film and ends, naturally, with tragedy.
At the beginning of the film, our heroine accepts a ride on a galley commanded by a French admiral. However, when the ship is sunk by pirates (led, in fact, by Angélique's husband, Joffrey). He was unaware that she was on board, however, and when he later learns this he frantically goes in search of her. Unfortunately for Angélique, she is rescued by a sadistic pirate who delights in raping her as well as tormenting her. He also intends to sell her on the slave market, as because of her beauty and high birth, she'll command a fortune.
As the film nears the end, she is sold for an amazing amount by a stranger who happens to have bought her for Joffrey! However, although their reunion is at first joyous, the two soon begin arguing over nothing--a very odd twist thrown in by the writers. And, when the two realize the error of their ways and are about to kiss and make up, disaster strikes and she is kidnapped for a Muslim king--thus necessitating the next film, "Angélique and the Sultan".
Overall, this is pretty exciting stuff though I admit that the brutality of the film and nudity make it less family-friendly than most of the films in the series. Still, there are lots of plot twists and excitement to merit watching.