The Man in the Iron Mask (1998), Director: Randall Wallace, rated R for swashbuckling violence

For the honor of a king. And the destiny of a country. All for one.

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Gérard Depardieu, Gabriel Byrne, Anne Parillaud, Peter Sarsgaard, Hugh Laurie

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"It's a prison. Of course, there's no trouble getting in. The problems will come when we want to get out." - Athos

Why watch this? This top-quality movie will entertain you with each thrust and parry.

Plot Summary: The story follows the aging musketeers, Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D'Artagnan, during the reign of King Louis XIV. Aramis devises a plan to replace the tyrannical King Louis XIV, who is starving his people, with his compassionate twin brother, Philippe, who has been imprisoned and forced to wear an iron mask since birth. D'Artagnan, loyal to the king, must choose between his duty and his allegiance to his friends as they attempt this dangerous deception.

Dad's Preview: I love tales of the Three Musketeers, and their fourth ally, D'Artagnan. There are many Musketeer versions on film, and this is one of my favorites. One key ingredient here is DiCaprio, who plays the dual roles of imprisoned King Louis, and his devious brother Philippe. The other ingredient are the fine stars portraying the famous three: Malkovich, Depardieu and Irons - they really shine. It is a magical moment indeed when the aging Musketeers reunite for one final last stand. There is a plot twist, and it's delightful. "All for one and one for all!"

United Artists; MGM Dist. Co.