Corto Maltese: Under the Sign of Capricorn (2003)

Corto Maltese: Under the Sign of Capricorn Poster
Original Title: Corto Maltese: Sous le signe du Capricorne

In 1916, laconic adventurer Corto Maltese is in Paramaribo, Surinam visiting his mystic female friend Java. He helps a young heir haunted by voodoo spirits, delivers some weapons to rebels in Brazil and hunts for treasure with Rasputin.

Overview of the Film
"Corto Maltese: Under the Sign of Capricorn" is an animated experience film that debuted in 2003. The film is the work of Richard Danto and Liam Saury, released under the banner of Canal+. The narrative is based on the Italian comic series "Corto Maltese", developed by Hugo Pratt. Richard Danto and Christophe Gans composed the screenplay for the movie, while Patrick Burgard led the instructions.

Main Characters and Plot Outline
The lead character of the movie, Corto Maltese, embarks on unbelievable adventures that take him across Central and South America during World War I. Corto's personality as a sea captain who has no loyalties other than to his own ideals is strongly depicted in the movie. Other considerable characters consist of Rasputin, an antagonist and Corto's enduring adversary, and Tristan Bantam, a British guy searching for his sibling.

Events and Conflicts
The film tells a gripping story of a stolen treasure map leading to Golden City and the consequent adventures including Corto Maltese. It starts with Corto being worked with by a South American rebel, Bouche Dorée, to pirate an armored train filled with gold. The job is within Corto's ethical compass, as he supports revolutionaries battling oppressive federal governments. Nevertheless, the situation escalates when they fulfill Tristan Bantam, leading to a joint look for his missing out on sibling, and the legendary "Lost City".

Corto can't withstand a great experience, so he partner with Tristan to find Bantam's sister amidst the civil war outbreak. The plot then thickens as they journey through wild adventures discovering supernatural entities, coming across brutal warlords and devious profiteers.

Creative Style and Theme
"Corto Maltese: Under the Sign of Capricorn" stands out due to its artistic design that combines standard animation strategies with an unique European comic visual. The movie's visual looks show the atmosphere of World War I and the exotic South American landscapes, supplying a practical feel to the story. The film's animation is excellent, catching the essence of the original comic series.

The hidden theme of the movie focuses on commitment, relationship, experience, and a continuous search for knowledge. It concentrates on values such as guts, pragmatism, and open-mindedness highlighted through essential plot points and character actions.

Ending and Impact
In the end, regardless of the whirlwind journey and dangers dealt with, Corto Maltese retains his moral compass, questioning authority, and assisting individuals discovering difficulty. With the renowned character's vitality and charm, the film effectively leaves an influence on audiences, taking them through a daring journey filled with intrigue and excitement.

Conclusion
"Corto Maltese: Under the Sign of Capricorn" is not simply an experience film; it's an exceptional tale of multi-dimensional characters, historical settings, and extensive themes. The film does an excellent job of catching the spirit of the original comics, providing audiences a mix of adventure, history, and a deep insight into humanity. It rightly sticks out as a compelling homage to Hugo Pratt's long-lasting creation, Corto Maltese.

Top Cast

  • Richard Berry (small)
    Richard Berry
    Corto Maltese (voice)
  • Patrick Bouchitey (small)
    Patrick Bouchitey
    Raspoutine (voice)
  • Catherine Jacob (small)
    Catherine Jacob
    Ambiguité (voice)
  • Marie Trintignant (small)
    Marie Trintignant
    Bouche Dorée (voice)
  • Marc Andréoni (small)
    Marc Andréoni
    (voice)
  • Jean-Pierre Lazzeri
    (voix)
  • Claude Beyney
    (voice)
  • Damien Witecka (small)
    Damien Witecka
    (voice)
  • Francis Leplay (small)
    Francis Leplay
    (voice)
  • François Soule
    (voice)
  • Jade-Nadja Nguyen (small)
    Jade-Nadja Nguyen
    (voice)