"One for all, and all for one."      

THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK (PG-13) 

Reviewed March 14, 1998 - Check out The Man in the Iron Mask website.

Okay, here goes. 

The stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Gerard Depardieu, and Gabriel Byrne. 
The Director: Randall Wallace (screenwriter for Braveheart). 
The setting: 17th Century France under the rule of Louis XIV. 

Based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas, The Man in the Iron Mask tells the story of two twin brothers (both played by DiCaprio), separated at birth but of royal blood.  One brother is raised within the palace walls, and eventually becomes a young and ruthless king.  The other brother is raised in seclusion in the French countryside, but is later imprisoned (to protect the king's identity) and forced to wear an iron mask which hides his face.  Enter the musketeers: Porthos (Depardieu), Athos (Malkovich), Aramis (Irons) and D'Artagnan (Byrne), all older now than in their Three Musketeers days, but still skilled with a sword.  The first three musketeers want to replace the ruthless king; the fourth has taken an oath to protect him.

With a great cast, a more than intriguing story, and its fair share of lavish set pieces, The Man in the Iron Mask is one of those films that almost seems destined to do well at the box office.  With Titanic still going strong (yes folks, eleven weeks at number one so far) and DiCaprio enjoying a huge popularity surge, many will surely be expecting some great things from Iron Mask.  Well, here's a word of advice: don't set your expectations too high.

Although visually engaging and at times extremely entertaining, The Man in the Iron Mask does not deliver the sweeping, swashbuckling epic that everyone might be hoping for.  With characters that are inadequately developed, and pacing that generally feels unbalanced, this film starts off slowly and continues to wander for its first 100 minutes or so.  Ruthless king bad, country starving, bad ruthless king, old musketeers angry, bad bad king send people to their deaths, and so on and so on.  In fact, things really don't get interesting until the rescue of the king's twin brother, which unfortunately doesn't happen until the last half hour of the film.  At this point the film literally cuts to the chase, but perhaps a little too late. 

So, is The Man in the Iron Mask worth a trip out to the theaters?  For those of you who've gone and seen Titanic a buhzillion times for a shot of DiCaprio, then Iron Mask is likely a must see.  Those who enjoy the musketeer legend will also find things to like about this film.  In all other respects, however, Iron Mask is an unspectacular film...not bad, but not great either.

Responses from cyberspace--thanks for writing!

laelpe@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "I'm a 14 year old girl, I've read the book "the three mosketeers" and also the original version of Dumas "the man in the iron mask", both books were great. The film was really good, I didn't like Leonardo Di Caprio until I saw this film, and the other actors, specially John Malkovich, are fantastic. For all of you that liked the film, and haven't read the books yet, you must defenetly read them, and let me tell you that the original version of "The man in the iron mask" is not like the film, no it is much more dramatic..." (3/4/01)

Kris gives this movie  stars: "I think that this is my new favorite movie. Excellent cinematography. Most fascinating is the fact that you can just look at a photo of one of Leo's characters from the movie and be able to tell which one you're looking at. This movie was all about his eyes; be they Louis's steel grey or Philippe's soft (were they blue?) I had a dream with Aramis and Athos in it; shows that this movie really got to me. Malkovich was so perfect for his part somehow... This movie has it all; romance, suspense, action, family love, danger, and SWORDS! Yeah swords! Anyway... Rent it! Buy it! Do something; I'm going out to buy it ASAP." (12/30/00)

machine209@yahoo.com gives this movie  stars: "Although it did not follow the novel exactly (what film does?) this was an good flick. Leo's "acting" did not seem too bad when you have the other 4 too hold him up against. Plus, the director and actors did do a good job of keeping true to the faith and honor of the age. "Magnificent Valor!" "All for one and one for all." " (9/22/00)

Mary gives this movie  stars. (5/19/00)

David Rogers gives this movie  stars: "Out of all the DeCaprio movies I've seen (this one makes 2), this was the best." (5/6/00)

jessfrogy@prodigy.net gives this movie  stars: "Movie is preety good the story is good but they made one bad mistake casting leo as the prince he cant act at all he was only good in Whats eating Gilberts Grape I think he should only play retards from now on" (8/19/99)

Sklaw_Aras@yahoo.com gives this movie  stars: "I gave The Haunting (the new version) more stars than this, just because THAT movie was a little fun to watch. Since I enjoyed the first musketeers movie (charlie sheen, keifer sutherland) SO much, I was thoroughly disapointed in The Man In The Iron Mask. I thought it had poor acting, and it was a pitiful sequel to the Three Musketeers. Watch the first one, it is much much better." (7/31/99)

Sarah Walker gives this movie  stars: "I thought this movie was great. Leo was good but the best actor was Gabriel Byrne he fitted the part really well(and he's so fine). This is by far the best movie for me." (1/9/99)

hasekrks@juno.com gives this movie  stars: "I just finished watching this movie and I thought everybody was really good. I especially liked Jeremy Irons. He is such a great actor. I thought Leo could have at least tried to give his character some kind of accent. But overall I give it 3.5 stars" (11/3/98)

Keene1@earthlink.net gives this movie  stars: "Same old story, but very well done. I liked the sets and costuming. It has both it's funny moments and moments much darker. We thought the Depardieu part in the barn was very funny. It is worth a try." (9/17/98)

Janeway gives this movie  stars: "I thought the movie was great, and I've seen it three times already. I don't see how anyone could think differently. Leo was amazing, and I thought the whole thing was terrific. Everything just went together to make one great movie." (8/25/98)

Nuri Salem gives this movie  stars: "I just want to say that this movie is the bomb. Leo was really great too." (5/31/98)

Nicole gives this movie  stars: "Man in the Iron Mask is a truly wonderful movie...A glorious swashbuckler with romance and intrigue and a fabulous cast. The costumes and soundtrack are magnificent, and DiCaprio, Byrne, Irons and Malkovich are all perfectly cast. This is a must see movie, to be enjoyed by anyone with a taste for grand period costume drama. Bravo to all, cast and crew, and many thanks for presenting us with such a jem!" (5/29/98)

madeline@sol.ymmf.hu gives this movie  stars: "John was the best in this movie. I think he make me enjoy the film. I want to congratulate him. Thanks John!" (5/27/98)

ilovejeremyirons@hwcn.org gives this movie  stars: "I was not at all disapointed! Jeremy was sooo sexy in that movie! I got so excited in the very begining 'cause his voice is sooo beautiful!!!!" (5/21/98)

Megan gives this movie  stars: "THIS MOVIE WAS FANTASTIC!! Leo did a great job, and so did the rest of the cast. If you have not seen this movie, take peoples words, GO SEE IT!" (4/17/98)

cus55@yahoo.com gives this movie  stars: "With such a powerful and brilliant story from Alexandre Dumas, this movie should have been excellent. The sets were superb, and he costumes were hard to be beaten. Yet the four musketeers were so disappointing; four brilliant actors did not do anything to make their roles more interesting. They had little depth, waste of time dialogue, and little emotion. Being the four main stars, it is a major letdown in the film. As for Leonardo DiCaprio, well, he didn't do that much to his two roles (although Philippe) was an emotional character. A typical ending gave this movie no surprise. So much potential was not very successful." (4/12/98)

angela3157@aol.com gives this movie  stars: "The movie was one of his best. Every one in it did a great job. It had an equal amount of sexual and fighting content that a movie needs. If only all movies could be that good!!!!!!!!!!!!" (4/11/98)

XOXO11786@aol.com gives this movie  stars: "I gave the movie 5 stars because not only was LEO a great actor (mostly as Phillipe) but so were the rest of the crew! I just saw the movie today. Some of the scenes got a little boring but when Leo came on something exciting would most likely happen!" (4/10/98)

CBAir14 gives this movie  stars: "I love Leo!!!!!!! The movie was really good too. I saw it 2 times. I love Phillippe!!!!!!!!!!" (4/10/98)

moneymaid3@aol.com gives this movie  stars: "Unsettling at times, and boring at times, The Man in the Iron Mask also contained enough thrill to, in my opinion be ranked as high as Titanic!" (4/10/98)

purerain4@mailexcite.com gives this movie  stars: "Grrrrrrrrrrrrreat movie! I was skimming through the entries and I saw someone didn't give it 5 stars because of nude shots, but I think that makes it all the more funnier and enjoyable to watch. It stands by itself, but Leonardo Dicaprio didn't hurt it much! =)" (4/9/98)

Jsobre@lonestar.jpl.utsa.edu gives this movie  star: "Terrible! Should have been called "Four Old Muskateers and by the way one (squared) Stud in the Iron Mask!" Fine actors are wasted in this mismash of Dumas. A much better version appeared on US TV about 10 years ago with Louis Jourdan as D'Argagnon and that guy from "Shogun" as Philippe/Louis, and included in the cast were Patrick McGoohan and Ralph Richardson. It's available in Video." (4/9/98)

RaShaun gives this movie  stars: "This movie was great, not just because Mr. DiCaprio was in it but because anyone that loves the 3 Musketeers will love they way they are portrayed in the film. Everything was awesome and Leonardo was just a plus. He's not the movie like he was in Titanic, just an added treat. The guy can act. He can change character very well." (4/8/98)

kps16@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "this film is absolutely excellent! the film is exciting yet romantic...a perfect movie to watch on any occassion and it not only shows how leo can act spendidly well, but also the bond of friendship! it shows that all of the actors and actresses can really act, particularly leonardo decaprio, especially since he acts two completely different roles! a definitely must see!!!" (4/6/98)

Stephanie gives this movie  stars: "I think this is a grreat movie. All of the actors did exellent work, and the storyline is preety awesome too. Leo, was simply scrumtios,as always. One little problem; COULD WE HAVE LESS SEX PLEASE? Other than that it was perfect(bye the way, loved the action)" (4/6/98)

turtledove_abc123@yahoo.com gives this movie  stars: "It's a really greata movie but the producers took so long to get to the piont. My favorite charachcters were Luis and Phileepe. Both were fighting and Phileepe was reluctant. Leonardo DiCaprio is a very talented actor." (4/6/98)

Psal.23.4@aol.com gives this movie  stars: "This is by far the best movie I've seen. It's tied at first on my list with Titanic. I love Leo as the afraid, insecure man." (4/5/98)

Juan.1@isla.net gives this movie  stars: "This movie was great, but the best was the actors. All of them do they job. The best was Jeremy Irons as Aramis and Gabriel Byrne as D'atargnan. They both represented the excellent acting. The chararter of D'atargnan was great,because his suffering and inner emotions. The final part was the best of the movie, go and see it!" (4/5/98)

lemon1432@aol.com gives this movie  stars: "i just saw the movie today and i was mesmorized by how good it was. the cast and story were excellent. i totally enjoyed watching it, and i really like leonardo dicaprio. if anyone hasn't seen it they should it is a wonderful movie!!!!" (4/5/98)

nickblaskowski@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "Hard to tell the two bros apart,but other than that, PRETTY GOSH DARN AWESOME!" (4/5/98)

Elizabeth gives this movie  stars: "I thought that this movie has a wonderful cast and it was a great story, but the directing could have been a little better. It seemed as if the movie was like the never ending storing in the beginning, and like a louis duncan book in the end. if it wasn't for the excellent cast and the thrilling story, i do not think that this movie would have been worth seeing." (4/4/98)

John Doe gives this movie  stars: "It was sooo good! Except for the fact that there was more sex than fighting and story! LESS SEX MORE STORY!!!!!!!!" (4/4/98)

Sat1nshoes@aol.com gives this movie  stars: "I thought the movie was excellant! I thought Leo and all the other actors and actress did a grrrrrrrrrrrreat job! I thought even the bad Leo was hot! Great job you guys!!" (4/4/98)

badidas44@aol.com gives this movie  stars: "The Man In The Iron Mask was an EXCELLENT movie!! Leo and the other actors did a wonderful job. It was interesting seeing Leo playing two parts (a good guy and a bad guy) in at the same time. Besides that, the movie had a good story. I highly recommand this movie! DON'T miss it!" (4/4/98)

William Stanley gives this movie  stars: "I LOVE THE MOVIE." (4/3/98)

Tiffany gives this movie  stars: "I would have givin' the movie five stars except, everyone had different accents. Besides that I loved it. I love Jeremy Irons, and I've always thought Leo was great since his Arnie days. Leo's got a God given talented and I wish all the teenyboppers would realize that and get past the exterior. The movie was beautifully portrayed and the acting was excellent, I'd love to see it again." (4/3/98)

AprilFlowers@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "It was good content...but the acting by Dicaprio SUCKED!!!" (4/2/98)

mzpluto@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "This movie was great, and not because Leo is in it (even though it does make it a lot more fun to look at, if you know what I mean)." (4/2/98)

yodalalee gives this movie  stars: "Leonardo is the best actor on earth and did a sensational job!!!!" (4/2/98)

peachesforfree@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "I thought the movie was great. I have never read the book and I am not sure how close the story is but it is worth watching the movie just for the last 15 minutes." (4/2/98)

Kelly gives this movie  stars: "I thought it was a great movie. It teaches you about history, it was interesting, and it had Leonardo DiCaprio!!! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because of the nude shots of Gerard." (4/2/98)

Anonymous entry gives this movie  stars: "I saw the movie twice and I loved it the second time around. I really do PITY the people who thought it wasn't great I love all of the actors and actress. This movie is ranked up there with the Three Musketeers I really love the actor who played D'Artagnan (GABRIEL BYRNE, and CHRIS O'DONNELL who played the young D'Artagnan In the Three Musketeers). THEY DID A REALLY GOOD JOB. I really do suggest seening this movie It's the BEST. I don't want to sound mean or anything but the people who didn't like or love the movie should see it again and maybe the second time around you will love it along with the rest of us. OH AND MY MANY THANKS TO THE DRECTOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOOD JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!" (4/1/98)

Lisaiscool@juno.com gives this movie  stars: "I thought that this movie was spectacular, not only because I adore Leo, but it's really hard to act for twins. It is a must see!" (4/1/98)

Anonymous entry gives this movie  stars: "this movie was absolutly fabulous!! a must see. I was enlightened by the "good" twin and infuriated by the "evil" twin. The charcters where not only extremly inticate and interesting but also passionate. A definate must see the story is absolutly FASCINATING and will have you at the edge of your seat at each turn of the plot." (3/31/98)

Sherry Jessopp gives this movie  stars: "This movie was excellent and I don't know how anyone could disagree, it was funny,entertaining and even had sad parts. Leo did an amazing job playing twins, I mean you could always tell them so obviously apart even without speaking. He brought out the two characters incredibly well." (3/31/98)

RavenLodin@aol.com gives this movie  stars: "unlike many people, i didn't come to see it for leonardo dicaprio. this movie was beautiful in every facet and i enjoyed it! i would call it intriguing with comedy and suspense. i have to admit, leo did pretty good in this one--by the middle of it I was wanting to hurt him! and the other performances were great! the casting director did a great job and i just don't know what else to say about this wonderful movie....oh yeah...it made me want to read The Three Musketeers and The Man in the Iron Mask ;O)~" (3/30/98)

Crystal gives this movie  stars: "I loved the man in the iron mask. It was a fabulous film. Not only was Leo hot (as always), the other actors gave a good performance as well. I would say that it was a good romance combined with comedy, intrigue and mystery. I couldn't take my eyes off of the screen the whole entire time! I would definately recommend it." (3/30/98)

Anonymous entry gives this movie  stars: "I thought the movie was great! I don't get how anyone else could't like it. Come on i mean it is double LEO! I thought it was kind of sad. Like when the twins father died. I thought this movie was great and I reccomend seeing it." (3/30/98)

boethin@eoni.com gives this movie  stars: "I thought Leonardo was the best! Gabriel, Jeremy, John, and Gerard were also good. Must see again movie!" (3/29/98)

Kathryn Welch writes: "It is the best movie ever! Especialy because DiCaprio is in it." (3/29/98)

tere@globaldialog.com gives this movie  stars: "I thought that Leo played good in both the good and evil people." (3/29/98)

LeAnn Williams gives this movie  stars. (3/29/98)

derrickw@levygee.co.uk gives this movie  star: "Although, like the rest of the girl nation (and maybe a few queer boys) I love Leonardo DiCaprio and I think he did a great job. Like everyone else said, he made me love one and hate the other but unless you are the one for the three musketeers and fencing swords, I WOULD NOT recommend this film. The only reason I would ever go back would to make Leo some money - and he's got enough of that! Actually, it was pretty gruesome when the swords were going in the men's chests. That was the only bit I liked. When I woke up ate the end the same thing was still hapenning. So I didn't really miss out. Do, however, go and see it because otherwise you'll be really left out because everyone else will be talking about how crap it was." (3/29/98)

Char gives this movie  stars: "I just want to say the success of this movie will be the multi talents of Leonardo DiCaprio. Since I saw Titantic, I have almost watched all of his other shows for the first time and really enjoyed them all. Going to see The Man in The Iron Mask was almost considered "Have To" just to see what Leo will show us next. Hey "Oscar"... If your listening, Wake Up and Nominate Leo - he is awesome! The Man in The Iron Mask kept me stuck to my seat the whole time!" (3/29/98)

swannaya@aol.com gives this movie  stars: "i just saw the movie for the first time and i love it cuz the double dose of leo and the continuous story from the original three musketeers" (3/28/98)

smokegal9@aol.com gives this movie  star: "One star was as low as I could go. The screan play was BAD, the acting was outragously bad. Only Depardue had his head out of you know what. The music was ever present and felt out of place. It is a great story and they have destroyed it. I think a Razzie contender for 1998!" (3/28/98)

Anonymous entry gives this movie  stars: "Like many historical pictures, this movie was visually appealling. However, the confusion of accents and the lack of good dialogue (especially early on) greatly detracted from the movie. Moreover, the "great revelation" that the King and his brother was foreshadowed too early and too pointedly and reminded me too much of "Braveheart". Other than Byrne, Irons and the scenery, this movie was a disappointment and I hadn't expected much." (3/28/98)

swee7drmr@aol.com gives this movie  stars: "I thought Leonardo Dicaprio did an excellent job playing two characters. He had me hating the king & loving the prisoner at the same time...yet, it was the same person playing both parts. I loved the humor, action, love and passion I found in the movie. The cast was incredible and entertaining." (3/28/98)

silverrose0024@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "A powerful story, the ending was predictable. It was very entertaining, Leo does a great job!" (3/28/98)

gorbash@aol.com gives this movie  stars: "The movie has a visual that will stay with me for a long time...Phillipe looking out of the castle window at the full moon...It was gorgeous!! I would like a poster of that....There are some deep currents of feelings running through this production but sometimes it is distracting. I did enjoy it though and thought it well worth the money." (3/26/98)