Il ritorno di Sandokan — The Return of Sandokan 1996

I feel that this series was unjustly treated. True, there are a few dissonances in the story compared to the original, but it is not at all bad — and it is refreshing to have a lady lead again. Mandala Tayde is delightful. The show brings back a certain charm that was lost in La tigre e ancora viva -Sandokan alla riscossa (1977). In English, the film was called The Tiger is alive, the second Sandokan movie— where, there was no love interest.

In fact, it seems to evolve. Sandokan had learnt from the tragic end of his great love with the English lady and he did not repeat that mistake, avoiding pain for both himself and perhaps for the new girl as well. Of course, one can also see it as a reflection of his eternal love for his only Marianne, but it is clear that the new love touched him too.

Someone said he had missed the sea and the ships, we only had the jungle here. And this is the series' strength that it sucks you into its world, because it is so exciting that you do not notice such things. I only thought about the sea afterwards, when someone mentioned it.

There are brilliant villains in the film. Although I sorely missed the real and only Yanez — for me, Philippe Leroy — the young actor Fabio Testi is also very likeable. The rest of the cast is strong, too. Romina Power shines, and Lorenzo Crespi as Yanez' son is delightful. Randi Ingerman brings real complexity to Yamira, partly wicked, partly loveable. Franco Nero is frankly gorgeous in his role. Mathieu Carriere is hateful and pitifully power hungry. Tobias Hoesl is despicable  — perfect. The supporting cast, including Vittoria Belvedere and others, add depth and colour to the story.

I watched it out of curiosity, since I had never heard of it at the time of its making nor had I seen it before. I watched it out of nostalgia — I do not deny that. I love Sandokan and the story itself. It is most enjoyable. I loved it, whatever others may say, its weaknesses are not enough to spoil it at all.

I truly do not understand those who say it is not good. Kabir Bedi at 50 is just as magnificent — in looks and action — as he was at 30. I have never seen a man at 50 to be this gorgeous and act with such speed and power. I was amazed at his beauty and prowess. His agility, his body, his beauty, his presence and his acting all were stunning.

The fight choreography was superb! The original ideas — especially the one with the horse — were great!

The French actor who played the main villain was convincing and hateful; you could feel it. The other villain, the German actor, was simply despicable — perfect. I watched it twice: one after the other. Once in my own language and once in Italian, (actually, Italian, first). I just loved it —not as much as the original Sandokan, because nothing can beat that, but I loved it, sincerely.

I can recommend it to all who recognize the greatness of Kabir Bedi and all who want good old-fashioned action and a story which never grows old — about the fight between good and evil, the struggle for freedom and the search for happiness.

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