Synopsis
In the 16th century in the Cévennes, a horse dealer by the name of Michael Kohlhaas leads a happy and prosperous family life. When a lord treats him unjustly, this pious, upstanding man raises an army and puts the country to fire and sword in order to have his rights restored.
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Cast
- Mads MikkelsenMichael Kohlhaas
- Mélusine MayanceLisbeth
- Delphine ChuillotJudith
- Bruno GanzThe Governor
- Denis LavantThe Theologist
- David KrossThe Preacher
- Roxane DuranThe Princess
- Paul BartelJérémie
- David BennentCésar
- Swann ArlaudThe Baron
Recommendations
- 83
Portland Oregonian
With strong performances, the gorgeously overwhelming environment (the sounds of wind and flies are practically supporting characters), and at least one agonizingly long close-up, Age of Uprising unsettles as it raises troubling questions about the price, morality and flexibility of a "principled stand." - 60
The Guardian
Perhaps as a parable, simplicity is what is required, although sometimes the film does not rise to tragedy. Visually, Age of Uprising is classy and plausible, but delivers less than it promises. - 60
The Telegraph
Age of Uprising falls awkwardly (but not altogether unappealingly) into the gap between art film and horse opera. - 60
Total Film
Director Arnaud des Pallières lends a bleak austerity to the story, but with only one murky battle scene to quicken the blood it’s hardly a recipe for unbridled excitement. - 42
The Playlist
It’s handsome, stately and deathly dull. - 40
Time Out London
Unfortunately, Arnaud de Pallieres’s film succeeds neither as a decent adaptation of the book nor as a rewarding movie in its own right. - 40
The Hollywood Reporter
An old-fashioned, Robin Hood-style revenge tale that favors self-serious storytelling over action and suspense, Arnaud des Pallieres’ Michael Kohlhaas provides a few quick thrills and some beautifully photographed landscapes, but never really convinces as an intellectual’s swords-and-horses period piece. - 40
Variety
Kleist’s direct language and straightforward storytelling are nowhere in evidence in Pallieres’ narratively challenged adaptation, featuring a French-speaking Mads Mikkelsen in one of his least impressive characterizations.
