Hugo Pratt was a master narrator. His comic book adventures of Corto Maltese were elegant and unique, with charismatic dreamer Corto, his ruthless companion Rasputin (a creature of pure Id and malevolence who still miraculously came across as sympathetic), exotic settings and memorable secondary characters.
La Cour Secrète des Arcanes is a worthy adaptation of Corto's best adventure. With stylish art direction, a pleasant soundtrack and an effective atmosphere, this cartoon is intriguing and features characters of remarkable depth like Ungern Khan and the exceptional Shangai Lil.
End of WWI: adventurer Corto Maltese is recruited by a secret society to recover the treasure of the Tsars; his companions are friendly rival Rasputin and enigmatic Shangai Lil. To say more would be a pity - don't be deceived by the outrageously low IMDb rating.
I believe Pratt would have loved this, and there can be no greater compliment.
8/10
La Cour Secrète des Arcanes is a worthy adaptation of Corto's best adventure. With stylish art direction, a pleasant soundtrack and an effective atmosphere, this cartoon is intriguing and features characters of remarkable depth like Ungern Khan and the exceptional Shangai Lil.
End of WWI: adventurer Corto Maltese is recruited by a secret society to recover the treasure of the Tsars; his companions are friendly rival Rasputin and enigmatic Shangai Lil. To say more would be a pity - don't be deceived by the outrageously low IMDb rating.
I believe Pratt would have loved this, and there can be no greater compliment.
8/10