The story of Michael Kohlhaas was published back in the 16th century, a partial adaptation of the life of a real person. Age of Uprising: The Legend of Michael Kohlhaas, by Arnaud des Pallieres, is as grounded a version of the story as one is likely to find, hemming close to what appear to be the stylistic and thematic roots of the story. It's a handsome film, but its insistently stoic nature will probably lose a few viewers along the way, especially given the story's seemingly natural build toward a more violent conflict. That's not to say one should wish for Age of Uprising to be a more conventional action movie, but it can give viewers a sense of exasperation in the way the story's natural rhythm and des Pallieres' direction almost promises those kinds of thrills before backing away into a more low-key, dramatic tone.

Like any revenge story, Uprising studies the culpability of those who move to commit acts of vengeance, even those that are motivated by legitimate grievances. Like most things in the movie, this possibility hangs in the balance over Michael's actions for a lengthy chunk of the film before a theologist (Denis Lavant) finally expresses these things to Michael directly. While hunting the Baron, Michael kills one of his party members for unjustly robbing and pillaging, insisting their goals are more noble. The theologist argues that vengeance in the name of nobility is a contradiction, and that Michael's goals are not Christian. In one of the movie's more compelling scenes, Michael asks to confess, and the theologist agrees, but Michael struggles with the parameters that the theologist attempts to set for him.

Since popping onto the global scene in Casino Royale, Mikkelsen has seen his stock as an actor rise with consistency. His range of roles since then suggest an actor wisely keeping an eye on his image with regard to casting, seeking out a range of projects that will save him from "Bond heavy" pigeonholing. He is good as Michael, hitting the film's emotional beats with an impressive subtlety, but the notes themselves, on the page and as executed by des Palliere, can feel shallow and overly familiar. Mikkelsen is at his best when engaging with other actors, something to bounce off of, but all too often, scenes are framed with Michael retreating into his own mind, or with one character too passive in the scene to provide any dramatic friction. The moment with Lavant, as well as many with Mayance, and Bruno Ganz a governor stuck between his boss and his friend, provide Mikkelsen with the most room to work.

des Pallieres shoots Age of Uprising in what feels like a predictable fashion: subdued colors, playing with sunlight behind the characters, and occasionally using extreme close-up (both good and bad). The pieces for a great film are clearly present, but des Pallieres is a little too convinced of the film's profound nature, and gets a little lost in some of the scenes. In some moments, he captures subtle details, such as the obvious affection of a mother horse watching a newborn calf trying to scramble up onto its legs for the first time or soldiers slathering oil onto the tips of arrows, while in others he seems to be focusing on people and objects in the hope that something meaningful will just happen. The film's pace drags whenever des Pallieres indulges himself for unnecessary flourishes. A more ruthless editor might've sanded away some of this fat -- Kohlhaas himself, who insists on only what he is owed to the very end, would have approved.

The Blu-ray
The Blu-ray art for Age of Uprising is the same as the poster. In both cases, there's something a little strange about it; it feels like more traditional Hollywood marketing with its gray, Photoshopped skies and bold, blocky font. I'd almost be concerned a large number of people would be misled by it, but the rear cover does a slightly better job of selling it as an art film, although the two large quotes with "REVENGE" in them might still lead viewers astray. The 1-disc release comes in an eco-friendly Vortex Blu-ray case, and there is no insert.

The Video and Audio
Presented in 2.39:1 1080p AVC and French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, this is a top-notch Blu-ray release for both picture and sound. Every bit of dirt and grime is faithfully captured and complex lighting is handled almost perfectly (the blacks might crush a tiny bit). Sound is immersive and subtle. From the sounds of stick arrows bouncing off a window, horses retreating into the fog, the violin-heavy soundtrack, or feet approaching on a windy hillside, this HD soundtrack picks it up. English subtitles are also included.

The Extras
Three bonuses are included on the disc, all in HD, with a wonderful little addition: a "Play All" feature (46:40). The first two are interviews, with Mads Mikkelsen (8:16) and Arnaud des Pallieres (20:10). Both interviews were conducted at Cannes and are fairly mediocre, covering the usual bases (what made you want to do this project, how did you come to be involved, etc.) while the microphone pics up the clattering and banging of everyone in the background. This is followed by a reel of deleted scenes (16:22), which are a little exhausting given the film already feels too long.

Trailers for The Last Sentence, Ida, Generation War, North Face play before the main menu. An original theatrical trailer for Age of Uprising is also included, and plays as the last part of the "Play All" function. It's very bombastic.

Conclusion
Some will not mind Age of Uprising's leisurely pace and stoic tone, but it's not exactly the "revenge tale" that the marketing might have people believe. It's a handsomely made movie that occasionally dips into self-indulgence, but features a strong performance by Mads Mikkelsen that will help ease the viewer through the rough patches. Although the extras leave something to be desired, the Blu-ray is armed with a fantastic presentation. Recommended.