I have just watched this film, and it lives up to the 1885 Jules Verne novel. Louis Jourdan is the perfect choice for the title role, not only because he is an actor of depth and breadth, but because he understood what Mathias Sandorf fought for--liberty. Jourdan worked with the French cause during WW II, and his father was imprisoned. Jourdan knew what it was like to fight for life and liberty, and this is evident in his performance. Equally emotive is his love for his daughter in the film, highlighting the importance of family. Mathias even sets his daughter's beau, who is part of the enemy forces, free at the end of the film: in part due to his daughter's feelings, and in part due to loathing the idea of revenge.
This film at heart deals with themes of liberty, loyalty, and love in one of the most emotionally-moving films I have ever seen.
This film at heart deals with themes of liberty, loyalty, and love in one of the most emotionally-moving films I have ever seen.