Geoffrey Rush, Kate Winslet, Joaquin Phoenix, and Michael Caine head this powerful cast in a historically accurate film about the later life of the infamous Marquis De Sade. The film is funny, horrific, and seductive as it starts slowly and build to a frenzy.

The Marquis is imprisoned for his sexual adventures by Napoleon in an asylum, where the French government think he can do no more harm. However, the Marquis' reputation and influence penetrates even these isolated walls and he receives help from a young laundress, played by Kate Winslet. The asylum's caretaker, a priest, is totally unaware that she is smuggling out de Sade's writings to be printed in Paris, where they are best sellers and have the entire population talking. When Napoleon finds out about this he sends a much feared Doctor, played with relish by Michael Caine, to end de Sade's trickery without making him a martyr. The Dr. arrives as an advisor but soon has taken control of the asylum. However, even he cannot stop the Marquis, as he finds new a clever ways to express his deviant thoughts and desires. In one memorable scene, de Sade has had his writing tools taken from him so he uses blood and his own clothes to write this latest work. Escaping from his cell, he celebrates his triumph, along with most of the asylum's population.

Picture-The cinematography takes on an English "muted colors" look for atmosphere in most scenes. A greenish tint to the film is prevalent through most interior scenes, adding to the old world look of the film. Some scenes are not for the squeamish. The powerful opening scene includes a woman's beheading on the guillotine during the French revolution, as we get a very close up look of what it would have been like to experience such an event. Elaborate interior sets were created for the asylum interior scene's with its dark corridors and curved arches. de Sade's room was especially fascinating in it's prop selection. Check out the head that Kate Winslet examines when first entering his room. Sound-A 5.1 Dolby soundtrack uses all the channels but the rear channels are used sparingly. This drama's power is in its words and the disc's soundtrack present them flawlessly through the center channel. Discreet imaging of the separate channels was of high quality, from clanking doors and moans, to horses hoofbeats outside the asylum.

This special edition DVD contains 3 different short featurettes, with interviews of cast and crew, a the set designer, and costume designer. We see set designs in the making and hear about the research that went into the making of the film. There is also audio commentary from the screenwriter, Doug Wright, who was present on the set for the making of the film. A short still gallery, trailers and television spots round out the extras portion of the DVD.

This is truly an "adult" drama, from the sexual escapades in the asylum to the Marquis' selected passages, which arouse and revolt, living up to de Sade's reputation. Rush was nominated for Best Actor for his role, and the rest of the cast puts in remarkable performances, including some of the extras, who were classic looneys. The drama take us on a roller coaster ride of emotions. It is a powerful film and deserving of the awards it received. Fox has produced a technically flawless disc, with many bonus features adding to the disc's value. If you like riveting drama, check this disc out but send the kids to bed.