Il settimo flagello

This 1960s movie is not horrible, but having just re-read the Trilogy, have to say it is not very good, Very little of the quality of the book was conveyed. The characters (which tend to be stereotypical anyway) were even more so in the movie. Azia in particular was all too obviously villainous -- lots of eye-flashing and lip-curling, nothing of the complexity of the character. Also, there was NO chemistry between Michal and Basia; and really nothing to involve you with Basia at all. Hard to believe Basia is considered one of the most endearing of literary heroines in Poland if you base your impression on this film. Here she looks like just any 60s movie cutie, with her anachronistic hairdo. Those bangs!

Nothing of the epic quality of Basia's ride back to the fort is conveyed. Even minor details matter in period films. Could they not at least have dressed her in period? In the book, whenever she dresses in male attire, Sienkiewicz is careful to describe her costume -- big baggy trousers, etc. In the film, she rides in stylish 20th century skin-tight trousers making her escape through the snow even more implausible. I would really like to see this remade.