Watch The Code

The Code (original title: "Le Pacte des loups") is a 2002 French action-thriller directed by Christophe Gans. The movie is set in 18th-century France and based on the real-life legend of the Beast of Gévaudan, a notorious creature that terrorized the countryside for years. The Code follows the story of a knight named Grégoire de Fronsac (played by Samuel Le Bihan) and his Native American companion Mani (played by Mark Dacascos) as they are tasked by the king to investigate the killings and hunt down the Beast.

As the duo arrives in a small village in Gévaudan, they meet its inhabitants, including the beautiful and enigmatic Marianne de Morangias (played by Emmanuelle Béart), her brother Jean-François (played by Vincent Cassel), the lord of the village Thomas d'Apcher (played by Jérémie Renier), and a host of suspicious characters. While Grégoire is eager to use his skills and intelligence to catch the Beast, Mani is more in tune with the ways of nature and sees the creature as a part of it, leading to conflicts between the two.

As the investigation continues, Grégoire and Mani soon realize that the killings may not have been the work of a simple animal but rather something more sinister and human. They start to uncover a web of deceit, corruption and a secret society that holds the key to the Beast's origins and motivations. Meanwhile, Grégoire starts to develop feelings for Marianne, whose loyalties and true intentions remain unclear.

The Code is a visual feast with stunning cinematography, beautiful costumes, and an epic score by Joseph LoDuca. The action sequences are well choreographed and feature both sword fighting and gunplay. The plot is intricate and engaging, with twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the very end. The movie is also known for its use of CGI to create the Beast, which was a bold move for its time but still holds up today.

The performances in The Code are excellent, particularly from Samuel Le Bihan as Grégoire. He brings a sense of wit and humor to the character, as well as a strong moral compass that drives his actions. Mark Dacascos as Mani is also impressive, portraying the character with a quiet intensity that stands in contrast to Le Bihan's more jovial persona. Emmanuelle Béart as Marianne is both alluring and mysterious, making it difficult to tell where her loyalties lie. Vincent Cassel as Jean-François is suitably creepy and unhinged, while Clotilde Courau as Marianne's sister Sylvia provides a sympathetic and tragic figure.

The Code is not without its flaws, however. At times, the movie can be overly convoluted, with too many characters and plot threads to keep track of. The pacing can also be slow at times, particularly in the middle of the movie. Additionally, while the use of CGI for the Beast was innovative at the time, it may not be as impressive to modern audiences.

Despite its flaws, The Code remains a classic of French cinema, showcasing the talents of its cast and crew. It combines action, romance, and mystery in a unique and engaging way that makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre. Whether you're interested in historical epics, creature features, or simply great storytelling, The Code delivers.