Sophie Dianne was excited to find one of her favourite stories had been rebooted but she was disappointed to discover the story significantly changed.
In 1844 Alexandre Dumas wrote ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ and it is a story that has helped shape the way I see the world.
Betrayed by his friends and convicted of treason, sailor Edmond Dantès is condemned to life in prison. Upon his escape, he obtains a sizeable fortune and returns to France, disguised as the Count of Monte Cristo, determined to seek revenge. The lose of his fiancé and the injustices he has experienced, force him into a battle of faith and unforgiveness.
This book unlocked in me, a passion for justice and demonstrated the power of love
This book unlocked in me, a passion for justice and demonstrated the power of love. To me ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ will always be sentimental. Having seen the trailer for the 2024 film, it was only natural that I had my reservations. It filled me with both apprehension and disappointment - the 2002 adaption was so moving, why do we need another one?
I entered the cinema with an open mind, hoping that Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière’s French perspective would give the story more authenticity. From the outset it was clear that the directors wanted their 2024 film to be true to the original novel. It was interesting to delve into the character arcs of Dantès’ enemies, therefore understanding more about the complexities that formed his revenge plot. However, there were many inconsistencies that I personally found frustrating. A lot of the story was missing and heavily modified, with some characters being grouped to form a new one; Angelel. The screenwriters also made drastic changes to suit modern sensibilities, which meant the ending was not only unsatisfactory but incredibly sad.
The screenwriters also made drastic changes to suit modern sensibilities, which meant the ending was not only unsatisfactory but incredibly sad.
But my biggest qualm, was the removal of God. ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ should examine the transformation from vengeance to forgiveness. This is a story that puts one mans faith to the test. As we journey with Dantès he rediscovers himself, and his faith; his path is meant to realign with Christian teachings. Serving as a vivid illustration of personal redemption and the possibility of a new beginning. Which echoes Christ’s promise of new life.
Without this key theme, the entire story changes course. Maybe if the starring role was given to a man of faith, like Jim Caviezel in 2002, the godly core would have been respected? He is an actor famous for combining his religious beliefs with his work.
Read more film reviews here:
Review of Cabrini: The inspiring journey of a pioneering nun
‘So, last week I met Jesus’ (a review of The Chosen Season 4)
The Sound of Music may not be a ‘Christian film’ but it led me to write a devotional
As the new film ends, Dantès is changed for the worse, he is bitter and sails off alone. This is not the fate Dumas wanted for his central character.
The Count of Monte Cristo is an epic that should offer a compelling narrative of transformational power. By intertwining this masterpiece with biblical teachings we uncover a powerful message of hope and mercy that we can all resonate with. God teaches us to embrace Him when we feel wronged or betrayed, we are to give him all our injustices so He can fight on our behalf.
As it says in Isaiah 43:18-19 “forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you no perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
A life of peace and love was what Alexandre Dumas truly wanted for Dantès and its what God wants for us all.
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