The Bridge of San Luis Rey (2004)

In 1714 Peru, a friar is tried by the Inquisition for questioning God's intentions when five die in the collapse of an Andean rope bridge.

Director:

Mary McGuckian

Writers:

Mary McGuckian, Thornton Wilder (novel)

Stars:

Kathy Bates, Gabriel Byrne, Robert De Niro

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
F. Murray Abraham	...	Viceroy of Peru
Kathy Bates	...	The Marquesa
Gabriel Byrne	...	Brother Juniper
Geraldine Chaplin	...	The Abbess
Robert De Niro	...	Archbishop of Peru
Émilie Dequenne	...	Doña Clara
Adriana Domínguez	...	Pepita
Harvey Keitel	...	Uncle Pio
Samuel Le Bihan	...	Dona Clara's Husband
Pilar López de Ayala	...	Camila Villegas (La Perichola)
John Lynch	...	Captain Alvarado
Dominique Pinon	...	His Excellency's Fop
Mark Polish	...	Manuel
Michael Polish	...	Esteban
Jim Sheridan	...	The King of Spain

Storyline

In early 19th Century Peru an old Inca rope bridge collapses, plunging five travelers to their deaths in the Andean chasm below. Brother Juniper, who was within minutes of being on the bridge himself, becomes obsessed with discovering how five people of differing class and circumstances came to be on the bridge at that moment. The Catholic friar wants to know if it was mere existential happenstance or part of God's cosmic plan. After researching the lives of the victims for five years and publishing his findings in a book, he is accused of heresy by the worldly Archbishop of Lima and is put on trial for his life by the Inquisition.

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Plot Keywords:

bridge | peru | rope bridge | friar | inquisition | 

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Taglines:

Five Lives Bound By One Fate.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements, some disturbing images and some sensuality

Details

Official Sites:

New Line Cinema [us]

Country:

UK Spain France

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 December 2004 (Spain)

Also Known As:

El puente de San Luis Rey

Filming Locations:

Málaga, Andalucía, Spain

Box Office

Budget:

$24,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$12,665 (USA) (17 June 2005)

Gross:

$42,880 (USA) (17 June 2005)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Tribeca Productions, Metropolitan Filmexport, Davis-Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Archbishop of Peru: [to the Abbess] Fortunately I count the cessationn of these meetings as one of the benefits of dying.

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Connections

Version of The Bridge of San Luis Rey (1944)

User Reviews

Excellent production design and gowns but slowly narrated

The picture is set in early 18th Century Peru , during old Inca empire as it focuses a priest named Brother Juniper (Gabriel Byrne ) who investigates a highly rope bridge collapse in Lima (Peru) . The lofty bridge left five travelers people falling into deep and die at a fateful accident . The Catholic friar wants to know if it was mere existential or divine deed . As the Franciscano priest tries to discover if was a holy cause or a freak disaster . He'll survey the life and events of the deceased persons . Thus, the lonely Marquesa ( Kathy Bates ) who is helped by an orphan (Adriana Dominguez), La Penichola (Pilar Lopez de Ayala), a famous actress but ill-fated and the uncle Pio (Harvey Keitel) . However his investigation lead him to Inquisition judgement in a court ruled by the Viceroy of Peru ( F.Murray Abraham ) and as public prosecutor the Archbishop ( Robert De Niro ). He is framed of heresy by the worldly Archbishop and is put on trial for his life

The film is set in XVIII century, Peru and based on the known novel by Thornton Wilder . Scenarios are impressive but no the argument and it result to be confuse and with some gaps , besides is slow moving that makes it a little boring and tiring . Star-studded cast is top-of-the-range with known and famed actors but with a far-fetching storyline , they appear acting with no sense . However the sets including palaces , cathedrals , church , square.. are mesmerizing , furthermore outdoors and landscapes are spectacular , thus the production design was realized by Gil Parrondo ( Academy Award winner by Patton ) . In addition, the brilliant and luxurious costume design was realized by Ivonne Blake( Oscar by Doctor Zivago and Nicholas and Alexandra ). The glimmer cinematography by Javier Aguirresarobe ( The others ) like is splendidly reflected on the marvelous landscapes of Peru (although was shot in Spain ) . Lalo Schifrin score is sensitive and atmospheric with typical South American music . The film is based based on the best-seller novel by Thornton Wilder and filmed previously by Rowland V.Lee in 1944 and another early version shot in 1929 .The motion picture is regularly directed by Mary McGukian . The film will appeal to costumer genre fans. Rating : Average but passable .