Hoorah for Packages from Shanghai!

[przed]

I've been waiting, not so patiently, for Alatriste, the Spanish language historical epic starring Viggo Mortensen with a crazy/awesome moustache, to get a North American release. I saw it at the film fest two years ago. Twice! With Viggo in attendance! And did I mention I got to meet him! Viggo's attendance aside, since I'm a sucker for stories of noble swordsmen in difficult times, I loved it. So I really, really wanted a copy of my very own.

This fall I finally faced the fact that the film'll probably never see the light of day over here. So I went poking around on Amazon and eBay and found someone selling a region 2 disk from Hong Kong for not very much at all. And today I got a package with a Shanghai return address and my lovely, lovely copy of Alatriste. I stuck it in the player and checked out a few of my favourite scenes, and it's as awesome as I remember, not to mention a gorgeous transfer.

So to celebrate...

...a little Alatriste sword porn.

The hat! The moustache! The world weary and knowing look in his eye! Not to mention the sword hilt sitting within easy reach.


I love the piratical look in this one, and the sword casually slung over his shoulder.


This shot is from the very last battle in the film, where Alatriste and his men are bloodied but unbowed. It both is and isn't a hopeful ending and for that I love it.


I can't help it; I adore seeing a man come on guard with a sword. Particularly if his form is good. And trust me on this, Viggo's form is exquisite. (Okay, that form is exquisite too. *g*)


One more en garde pose, and I love this one even more. I think it's the slight arch to his back. It's so deliciously suggestive.


Okay, there's no sword in this one, but I think it's a stunning picture of Viggo even without one. I like men with a few miles on them, men who've aged in interesting ways, and Viggo is doing that in spades.

Comments

[sooguy.livejournal.com]

Glad you found a copy of the film. It was a great film! I am glad I got to go with you guys that year to see it.

Great screen captures!

[shaw012145.livejournal.com]

First impression of your first picture ... Viggo reminds me of Joe Shaw (young Cecil Rhodes) and the second picture ... why didn't they cast him in Pirates ?

This man has a chin dimple to die for.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oh very nice. I nearly didn't look when you said he had a moustache, but... very nice despite that! And I'm with you about the swords and the en guards...

[kiwisue.livejournal.com]

The film had a limited Australian release, but I missed it with all the globe-jockeying. What I saw looked good, very good. Thanks for reminding me to check out the DVD.

[phantomas.livejournal.com]

I MUST FIND! Must have/see!

Is your copy in Spanish, subtitled, or...?

Anywa, yes, ebay/amazon is the way to go. I read the book and really liked them, I truly want to watch this film. And Viggo looks amazing in period costume. :D

[przed.livejournal.com]

It is a great film, isn't it? We've just got to convince Don of that fact. *g*

[przed.livejournal.com]

Viggo in Pirates...mmmm.

And yeah, the chin dimple is pretty awesome.

[przed.livejournal.com]

But such a moustache! (I admit, I'm partial to facial hair. Martin Shaw with a beard is utterly yummy, as far as I'm concerned.)

And the swords thing...totally irresistible.

[przed.livejournal.com]

I'd highly recommend it. It moves along at a fast clip (they crammed all the books into the movie) but it's engaging throughout.

[przed.livejournal.com]

Check eBay. The copy is in Spanish with English subs. And some Chinese on the packaging. (It sort of looks like a bootleg, but if so it's a really nicely designed bootleg. The cover sleeve is even embossed.)

I've only read the first book and really liked it. The next two are sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. Maybe over Christmas...

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

Ooh! I remember you posting about this at the time, but...gah, these photos! Right, I definitely need to see this. (Why won't it come out in North American release? Are they really...yes, of course the powers that be are that stupid. Arrgh.) Gorgeous. Thank you!

[przed.livejournal.com]

Well, when I get some time (I know, stop laughing) I could burn you a copy.

As for the stupidity of The Powers That Be, it is well documented and seemingly never changes. (I mean, it's Viggo fucking Mortensen and they've already paid for the film. You think they could at least arrange a boutique release to cash in on the Viggo fangirls, not to mention the Hispanic market. Prats.)

[captfuzz.livejournal.com]

I'll give you that Viggo looks great with the moustache (and with the hat). But that's as far as I'm going for now.

[przed.livejournal.com]

Well, I'll be happy with that for now. (And plan that forced weekend-long Alatriste marathon for later. Heh.)

BTW, you totally need an icon.

[canadiansuzanne.livejournal.com]

Yummy Viggo!

Mmmmmm...

I needed some of that today. Thanks. :)

[kortirion.livejournal.com]

Thank you for all the above...

...but last pic and last comment - oh I do so thoroughly agree!!

[przed.livejournal.com]

No day is so good that it can't be improved by a little Viggo. *g*

Hope NaNo is going well. (It's gonna be years before I can think of attempting that.)

[przed.livejournal.com]

Clearly you have exquisite taste. *g*

[just-ann-now.livejournal.com]

Yowie, kazowie! And I'm not even a Viggophile. May I borrow one (or more) of these for the upcoming Advent Calendar?

[przed.livejournal.com]

Borrow as many as you like. (I saw your Advent Calendar post, but drew a blank on what to suggest. Glad I can offer a minor contribution.)