Le Pacte des Loups (2001)

Who or what is murdering peasants in rural France in the 1600s? A member of the court, returned from the Americas with an Indian companion, is sent by the King to investigate. He leaves the bright, enlightened, royal court, and enters a dark, gritty world of mystery, superstition, fear, lies, and conspiracy. As grizzly and seemingly senseless as are the murders, tragic is the tale of the handsome, young, galant local nobleman returned from Africa minus an arm. But the story becomes even stranger, as the protagonist enlists the aid of a beautiful local madame with whom he has mysterious connection. Many plot twists ensure continued interest. There is incredible action photogrphy rivaling Matrix and Crouching Tiger. And, an ending that is both satisfying and that reveals even deeper mysteries tied to that time of increasing knowledge and religious conflict.