Brotherhood of the Wolf

By EWAN McDONALD

(Herald rating: * *)

"Philosophical kung-fu horror flick set in 18th century, powdered-wig-wearing France" was the catchline of this allegedly true story set in the South of France, where a beast is roaming the countryside and making haute cuisine of the villagers.

The men can't catch it and King Louis XV, is not best pleased.

He sends his best court naturalist/philosopher, Gregoire de Fronsac (Samuel Le Bihan), to capture the animal. De Fronsac has an Iroquois companion, Mani (Mark Dacascos), brought back from the wars in "New Britain", a one-armed aristocrat, Jean-Francois (Vincent Cassel), and the mysterious beauty, Sylvia (Monica Bellucci).

A long film that can't live up to its exuberant costuming, convoluted story, and a less-than-convincing CGI beast from Jim Henson's monster shop.

DVD features: movie (144 min); deleted scenes; cast and film-maker biographies; production notes; trailer.