The revisionist history -- making the evil Marquis de Sade a semi-heroic romantic -- is mind-boggling enough. But the atrocious acting, amateurish cinematography and terrible dubbing make this film achingly bad. The only reason to keep watching is that almost all the women in the film are gorgeous. And, amazingly, being tortured for days, with hands bound overhead, apparently doesn't detract from a woman's beauty, hairstyle and makeup. My guess is that the producers filmed mostly in Russia, choosing women for their looks -- and willingness to work cheap -- rather than acting ability. If you decide to watch this because you have nothing better to do, or are a film student looking for bad examples, fast-forward through every scene not involving nudity.

This film presents a wildly inaccurate portrayal of the historical De Sade ( - even getting his name wrong ...Donatien Aldonse, not Donatien Alphonse, is the man's correct name.) And it is a shame as De Sade is a richly complex character who, when honestly examined, illuminates a time of great change in france's opinions of madness, justice, priviledge and morality. This film-maker's treatment of history resemble's that of Winston's in the correction room at the ministry of truth in Orwell's 1984. This film approches the nadir of the continuing misunderstanding of genius right along side Mickey Rourkes portrayal of Charles Bukowski as Snagglepuss the Effeminant Beatnik Lion in the otherwise enjoyable movie, Barfly. All that aside, the film does serve as an occasion for some arousing nude photography and the depiction of erotic scenes of humiliation and torture. The women used for the elegant opening credit sequence are voluptous and beautifully depicted and certainly worth the price of a rental.

This role may be one of Nick Mancuso's best. He finally seems as though the character fits into his skin, and his lines are not forced or hazy in any way. The script leaves little to be desired in the way of a plot and dialogue, truly. It isn't historically accurate, but that isn't the point. For a movie with an X-rating, it struck me as suprisingly witty and deep at some times. If you can find it, it's a good way to spend an evening.

I was pleasantly surprised by this film. . . it's actually an insightful film about the influences and the character of the Marquis De Sade. Dark Prince examines both the Marquis himself, and the social milieu in which he lived (France during the French Revolution). What Dark Prince reveals is that the real monster during this dark period of French history was not the Marquis himself, but the forces which fought to silence him, i.e. the aristocracy and its supporting forces (the courts and other institutions of the law). I hope I don't make this film sound too dry and analytical, cause it's quite an entertaining, albeit dark and sometimes disturbing, look at the life of the Marquis De Sade. After watching this film, you won't look at the Marquis De Sade in the same light again.