A fierce soldier fighting for the Spanish cause in Flanders returns to a drastically-different Spain to fulfill the dying wish of a fallen friend, only to find that life isn't what it once was in his decaying homeland in director Agustin Diaz Yanes' adaptation of Arturo Pérez-Revete's popular series of bestselling books. Compelled to fulfill the final wish of his dying friend, noble warrior Alatriste (
Viggo Mortensen) makes his way back to Spain to care for the man's young son Iñigo (Nacho Perez and
Unax Ugalde). Things have taken a sharp turn for the worst back home, however, and as Alatriste does his best to help the boy reach manhood while earning his keep as a hired swordsman, he sees his country crumbling at the feet of a feeble monarch who is failing to grasp the inner-workings of his own corrupt court. The impulsive handling of the Spanish Inquisition, coupled with the corrosive influence of the Count-Duke of Olivares (Javier Cámara), has brought a once powerful nation to its knees as the growing chasm between the deceitful upper-class and the miserable life of the commoners has effectively served to polarize the populace. In a time where corruption reigns honor has faded, Alatriste remains a lone figure who refuses to relinquish his noble spirit as he raises Iñigo and enters into a passionate love affair with actress Maria de Castro (
Ariadna Gil). ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide