BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF, directed by Christophe Gans, is an incredible mixture of horror, asian-influenced action, costume drama, mystery and revenge and did I mention it was French ?

This is a MUST SEE !!!! Especially for those of you who enjoy horror and action films as this movie is a blast at every level.

The story is based upon actual events that happened in France in the 1700's about a mysterious and terrifying monster called "The Beast of Gevaudan". In the remote region of Southern France, the beast has haunted those who live there by stalking and killing women and children. King Louis XV dispatches a naturalist (think forest ranger EXTREME !) Fronsac (Samuel Le Beihan) and his partner, a mysterious Iraquois Indian, Mani ( Mark Dacascos) to investigate what is going on.

What begins as a hunt for a monster, becomes a mystery that leads into a conspiracy. Fronsac is one who never believes that things are never as they seem.

The citizens of the haunted area, dont belive nor trust Fronsac and Mani, with Fronsac's scientific approach to the mysterious beast and how Mani has a "shaman-like" power to talk to trees and animals, to find answers.

The action in this film is breathtaking. Mark Dacascos, steals the show when the fighting breaks out. The "trap sequence" will be talked about for a long time. The opening fight sequence was one of the the most exciting and thrilling fights I have seen on screen in sometime.

Everything about this film is excellent ! The cast, which also includes Vincent Cassel, Monica Belluci ( who will be in MATRIX RELOAEDED) and Emil Dequenne have wonderful preformances.

If the action sequences remind you of Hong Kong action, it should. The stunt coordinator is Philip Kwok, who also worked on HARD BOILED, BRIDE WITH WHITE HAIR and TOMORROW NEVER DIES.

It also nice to see Mark Dacascos finally getting the attention he deserves, as this role should take him out of the B-movie casting calls for good (for more on this see today's ASIA FILM NEWS on him). His acting, presence and fighting were exceptional. Mark and Mr. Gans worked together last on CRYING FREEMAN, a Japaneese cult hit based on a comic book.

As I mentioned before, if you like horror films, see this ! If you like action films, RUN TO THE THEATER. If you like a good movie...log off now and go see what I'm talking about. You will not be dissapointed.

To some the running time of 146 mins may seem long, but the movies keeps up the pace and keeps your attention. It is rated R for a reason, as it is very violent, gory and has some sex/nudity, so DO NOT TAKE CHILDREN !!!!

It's in French with English subtitles, but it doesnt take away from this fantastic film. So after you see it, enjoy the reaction you get from someone when they ask you what it is, a French, werewolf/martial-arts/horror mystery film. Yeah, that should make them go see it, it made me go. You should too ! DO NOT WAIT FOR VIDEO--this is meant for a big-screen and a good sound system.

Don't miss it !!!