Robert Langdon, a Harvard Professor of Symbology finds himself on a quest to help a Cryptologist (Audrey Toutou) explain the murder of her Curator grandfather who is killed with strange symbols carved into his chest at the Louvre in Paris. They find out that the Curator left many clues which lie with Leonardo Da Vinci and also the legend of the Holy Grail but end up fleeing from the French police. As they get closer to the truth, they uncover enormous historical and religious secrets and puzzles which only they can solve.
This was always going to be criticised due to the enormous success of Dan Brown's novel of the same name. This movie adaptation keeps closely to the books religious themes and European settings. The story unlocks secrets held by the Catholic Church and the history of Christianity through puzzles, anagrams and a valuable keystone although much of the explanation is lost amongst loads of unnecessary car chases.
The intricacies of the plot are underplayed and this is the films main letdown as such items as the "Fleur De Lys" are uncovered and explained but not very well or in an exciting way, after all this is the only real means of suspense in the film and it is sadly lacking. Hanks also refuses to make the role his own as well which is sometimes required in order to grab the audiences attention. He is fine in the role however and perhaps in the sequel he may come out of his shell more.
In its own right, its a very enjoyable film with an excellent cast but as with most of Ron Howards films, its not amazing, just good. He always directs with an assured hand but lacks defining characteristics and I never feel he is very exciting. I would have also liked to see romance between Hanks and Toutou which they are both very good at. I don't necessarily think it would have lessened the films impact to see them get it on. The film also benefits well from having both solid acting from Bettany (playing a terriffying monk) and Mckellen in supporting roles and part of the film is based in london.
The religious history/story is fascinating even though it is slightly far fetched that Da Vinci, The Catholic Church and Symbology should be so closely linked. At the end of the day, what a joy it is to see an exciting fact-based story get adapted for the screen.
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I watched this a long time ago. I thought Tom Hanks was really dull and uninspiring, and was probably a large part of why I've not watched it again since.
Uncover The Secret. Dan Brown's international bestseller comes alive in the film The Da ... more
Vinci Code directed by Ron Howard with a screenplay by Akiva Goldsman. Join symbologist Robert Langdon (Academy Award'‚ Winner Tom Hanks) and cryptologist Sophi...
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Dan Brown's international bestseller comes alive in the film THE DA VINCI CODE, directed ... more
by Ron Howard. Join symbologist Robert Langdon (Academy Award Winner Tom Hanks, 1993 Best Actor, Philadelphia, and 1994 Best Actor, Forrest Gump) and cryptologist ...
readalittlereadalot 17.06.2007 (17.06.2007)
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Review of The Da Vinci Code (DVD)
Advantages: A good story from the Brown Novel, great filming and good cast Disadvantages: Not outstanding acting, slightly erratic at times, lots of information in short space of time
reevo_the_great 07.11.2008 (08.11.2008)
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Review of The Da Vinci Code (DVD)
readalittlereadalot 17.06.2007 (17.06.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of The Da Vinci Code (DVD)
Advantages: Good mix of drama/action/suspense and plot explanation, entertaining enough to keep you watching Disadvantages: Not for the squeamish, subject may offend or bore, may seem far-fetched, subtitles
IzzyS 21.09.2008 (21.09.2008)
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Review of The DaVinciCode (DVD)
![The Da Vinci Code [2006] [DVD]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78189413.jpg "The Da Vinci Code [2006] [DVD]")
Apr 25th, 2009
(May 11th, 2009)
somewhat helpful by (100%):
