Edmund Dantes (Jim Caviezel) is an adventurer who is betrayed by his friend, Fernand Mondego (Guy Pearce). After this betray, Dantes is condemned to a tower on prison island of Chateau where he is supposed to lie until he is old and grey. But one day he receives a visitor, a fellow inmate by the name of Faria (Richard Harris) who by accident discovers Dantes on his journey to build an escape tunnel.

The older of the two, Faira teaches Dantes both mental and physical arts and the two discuss philosophies such as that of Adam Smith and Machiavelli. Faria convinces Dante to take up his mission of digging an escape route.

The rest of the film revolves around Dantes mission to escape from this prison and have revenge on his capturers. As he plans his escape, Faira discuses the treasures of Monte Cristo. This will eventually become Dantes masquerade as he become the Count of Monte Cristo and seeks his vengeance on his enemies.

The rolling hills, fortresses and prisons seen in the film are very authentic. The acting is believable but the storyline is a drag at times. Both Caviezel and Pearce do extraordinary jobs in their roles and this film will bolster their reputation as actors.

In all, we rate this film as good.