While I am familiar with the myth or legend of Countess Bathory, then I sat down to watch this 2008 movie for entertainment only, not really putting anything more into it. So whether how much or not this movie was true to the actual Countess and the events that took place in her life, I do not know, nor do I really care; a movie is a media for entertainment.The story in "Bathory" is centered around Erzsébet Báthory, notorious Countess, in the mid-1500's Hungary. Married to a formidable warlord and conqueror, Bathory is at the seat of power in Hungary, caught in the game of power and influence. But rumor and dark stories circulate about her bathing in the blood of virgins, having consorted with the devil and having a witch as her right-hand maiden.Right, well, entertainment-wise then "Bathory" was adequate, albeit nothing extraordinary. However, it was a long, long movie, running at two hours and twenty-one minutes. So keep that in mind, especially because the movie is not a non-stop action-filled ride. There are ups and downs throughout the movie, of course. I was adequately entertained, although at times I found the movie to just be too slow-paced and too long.The acting in the movie was quite good, as they had some nicely talented actors and actresses on the cast list. Anna Friel (playing Erzsébet Báthory) and Karel Roden (playing Thurzo) carried the movie quite nicely.One thing that didn't really sit well with me, was the two Catholic monks, or spies as they actually were. They were just too much of a comical relief, and were sticking out like a sore thumb from the rest of the movie. And their array of out of place gadgets were just too much.There are better movies that deal with the Erzsébet Báthory character and story. This 2008 movie at the hands of director Juraj Jakubisko scores a lukewarm, mediocre five out of ten stars from me only.

Things that I liked about the movie:The main actress was really good. The music was impeccable. Amazing scoring. Costumes and photography were very good.What I did not like:The story is completely misrepresented. It seems like the whole purpose of the film/plot was to exculpate Bathory from all the crimes is said to have committed. But without any real evidence and proofs. So what's the point? I was looking forward to watching a movie about countess Bathory, and the crimes she committed, not a nonsense beautified version of her personality to the extremes. Bathing in herbs? Yeah, right. The nobles back then could do anything they wanted without consequences, why this movie tries to convince us that Bathory is an angel is out of my comprehension.300 witnesses were questioned and testified about her crimes.So, all in all this movie is a big disappointment. I would really want to see a movie about Bathory with a proper and not misleading plot.

Bathory tells the interesting story of Bathory, which they say, she killed young women for her own health and youth. The story has so so much potential, to make a good film of it, but they really ruined it.What comes in my mind, when I think about the way, they made the film? MTV! First you see how Bathory is promised CUT suddenly you are on her marriage - CUT you are on a battlefield - CUT, CUT, CUT.No scene really gives you a deeper seek into the story. You just hop from here to here, there to there and back again. SO you really cannot identify someone with yourself or feel with someone from the film. It is really a crappy MTV style.The story is interesting although. SO, please someone, who knows to make good films should read in the old tellings of the story and make a good film of it. Bathory really deserves that.In my mind, the film was a big waste of time.

I honestly do not see while people are bashing this movie. Some of their reasons are because they do not understand it and it's more like a series of pictures or that it's not like the "actual Elizabeth Bathory". When honestly... if they had somewhat of a more open mind.. they would have got it. As well.. if they had read the description of the movie.. it clearly says this is the story of opposing the thought of her being an actual serial killer a.k.a Historical Fiction film.Anyways....The flashbacks or dreams or whatever... were showing you the mind of Elizabeth and what she wanted despite the fact she was going crazy and could not tell between reality and dreams. The "green dreams" most of them were showing the future and the moment it happened it showed you again to be reminded. As for the acting... I saw nothing wrong with it at all. It was not B-Rated at all.. and I can tell you this..Anna did one heck of a job compared to some very "famous" actresses like Megan fox who cannot act at all. I do agree some of the comedy with the monks in there was out of place.. but there was a reason behind it I am sure. Other than that... this movie was NOT a waste of time and I'd watch it over and over again.So I rate this 9/10. It is worth a watch... unless your one of those people who always fell asleep during history class and do not know the true story of Elizabeth Bathory. and again this is Historic FICTION film.