Review of The Count of Monte Cristo

I didn't have any particular expectations about the Count of Monte Cristo per se going in. However, I am a fan of literature and costume dramas. I was amazed something this good was on TV -- and in America no less! Cudos to Bravo for having the guts to show a subtitled movie. The story is like a cross between Dracula, Sherlock Holmes and Jeckyll and Hyde, with a plot including poisonings, disguises, true love and revenge. I thought the entire cast was excellent, particularly Depardieu, who is completely masterful and magnetic as the Count. This show was lauded in every critical review I saw, so don't hesitate to rent or buy it -- absoutely outstanding.