I must admit that I hadn't heard about the legend of Michael Kohlhaas before I saw this film, but then it's not my closest history either. However, that's one thing that's great about films. It can take us to other worlds and times, and tell us stories and make legends become even greater. So this film made me check out the story.

It's in many ways an understated film. A very realistic depiction, without the Hollywood nonsense. I enjoyed the story very much, and appreciate the realism that's put into it. It's a French/German film telling a German story, with Danish top actor Mads Mikkelsen in the lead. A job he as always does great.

We're back in the 1600's in Cevennes, where the horse dealer Michael Kohlhaas experiences how the rich aristocrats are doing what they want, even when it comes to stealing and killing humans. But when the young ruthless baron kills Michael's wife when so goes to negotiate after a horse theft, the gathers a gang and starts retaliating. The baron gets away, but with Kohlhaas and his gang in his heels. This is the start of a Robin Hood- like tale, with a growing number of followers as well as a growing reputation of fairness.

The film takes us back to the 1600's with no fuzz. Very much what we would think it all could have happened back then. I like the way it's shown and told. obviously not with a big budget, but solid. Chemically free of the extravaganza Hollywood would have put into it.

What annoys is a bothering background sound, an echoing noise which should have been removed. It's not enough to ruin the film experience, though.

This is a European movie about European medieval times and it shows - no "cinderallisation" a la Hollywood, very reduced dialogue and a people's behavior and code of honor that sometimes feels very strange to us.

What's left to say: great production, great cinematography, great acting. Sometimes the dark and melancholic tone of Michael Kohlhaas reminds me of Ingmar Bergman's great classic The Seventh Seal (1957).

For sure, no movie for action-addicts, but like La reine Margot (1994) a great celebration on European history and culture.