At the end of 1918 while civil war is raging on in Russia, antagonism is slowly spreading to the East, between the Oral mountains and Shanghai. Stuck between a desire to save what's left of the great Imperial Russia, and starting from a clean slate, old generals, secret organizations, and mercenaries attracted by gold, struggle to take advantage of the events. As Corto Maltese returns to Shanghai, he barely gets time to cross paths with his old friend/nemesis Rasputin, and escape a murder attempt before being contacted by members of a Chinese secret organization called "The Red Lanterns". In the heart of violent Manchurian horizons, Corto and Rasputin launch themselves into a fabulous treasure hunt, following the tracks of the mysterious armor-plated train of Kolchak. A steel monster spiked with canons and machine guns, this trains protects the counter-revolutionaries gold...
| Original Title | Corto Maltese : La Cour secrète des Arcanes |
| Year | 2002 |
| Country | Italy, France |
| Genre | Drama, Animation, History, Adventure |
| Director | Pascal Morelli |
| Runtime | 92 min. |
| Rating | TMDB: 6.5/10 (52 votes) |
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The film doesn't rush. It trusts the viewer — gives time to inhabit the characters, understand what's really happening. Direction here serves the actors rather than overwhelming them.
This film doesn't entertain — it speaks. If you're ready for that, it'll leave a mark. If not — it'll seem slow.
A good choice for those who value subtle direction and honest performance.
Director: Pascal Morelli
— MovieFinder Editorial
Best Watched
Viewing atmosphere: Unhurried, on a weekday evening. Put down the phone, let the film work.
Richard Berry
Corto Maltese (FR)
Patrick Bouchitey
Rasputin (FR)
Barbara Schulz
Shangai Li (FR)
Marie Trintignant
Duchessa Marina Seminova (FR)
Marc Chapiteau
L'Ataman Semenov (FR)
Maxime Leroux
Nino (voice)
Hervé Bellon
Generale Chang (FR)
Emmanuel Curtil
Tenente Barrow (FR)
Patrice Dozier
Lunga Vita (FR)
Jean-Michel Dupuis
Barone Von Ungern-Sternberg (FR)
Audience Score
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