James Caviezel stars as Edmond Dantes, a man of little means surrounding himself in high class society and is ultimately betrayed by his best friend Fernand Mondego, played by Guy Pearce. Dantes is second mate on the merchant ship Pharaon. He defies first mate Danglars, played by Albie Woodington, by taking a detour to the Island of Elba when learning of his captain’s brain fever. This happens to be the island where Napoleon has been exiled. While on the island Napoleon gives Dantes a letter of treasonous affairs, contents Dantes knows nothing of because he can’t read.

Fernand, son of a count, witnesses the exchange of the letter without Dantes’ knowledge. Mondego has always wanted to be Dantes, who always finds good in anything he does. Fernand gets anything he wants and is still not content. His jealousy turns to betrayal with the help of Danglars.

With the death of the former Captain, Dantes is made the new Captain of the Pharaon once they return to their home of Marseilles. Danglar and Fernand inform the chief magistrate Villefort, played by James Frain,

While at the Chateau d’if, Edmond meets Faria played by Richard Harris, an older inmate who accidentally digs a tunnel into Dantes’ cell thinking that he is going to end up outside of the jail walls. The unexpected meeting of these poor souls sparks a friendship. Faria then informs Edmond that if he helps dig a new tunnel the right way he will teach him all that he knows including to read and write. Edmond also asks Faria to teach him the art of the sword, for vengeance is always on his mind.

of Dantes’ crime where he is charged with treason and sent to the Chateau d’if. After just a few days of his imprisonment Villefort sends a letter to Dantes’ family and fiance, Mercedes, played by Dagmara Dominczyk, informing them of his execution.

Faria supplies Edmond with a map of a lost treasure that will make him the richest man in the world if he does escape. He tells him not to use it for his revenge. Why don’t we ever listen to the educated minds? For he surely does use it for his plan of vengeance.

The casting was superb when it comes to the most important character of all, the Count of Monte Cristo. James Caviezel wins over your heart from his ignorant and child like manner in the beginning to his vengeful and stubborn demeanor. He has so much

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