Unlocking DaVinci's Code (2004)

Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

I wanted to but couldn't!

A Major Disappointment

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

Host Patrick Macnee (who should be knighted by now but that's another forum) provides a clear, concise history of Leonardo Da Vinci, the famous artist created the Last Supper and Mona Lisa. In this documentary which was probably inspired by the craze regarding Dan Brown's book about the Da Vinci Code, the documentary goes into detail about how the ideas formed from the Knights Templars to the Gnostic Gospels which were priceless in itself. For those of us who are interested in biblical scholar, this documentary is quite effective without being so overwrought with details and information. The experts are quite excellent in explaining the information about the theories and the life of the time.

Not that it was awful, it was just - useless. I saw lots of supposition about supposed traditions, which by the way, have little or no standing in real history. But of course, there could not have been any code in DaVinci's work unless it was put there from a much later time that knows about back masking and making something out of lots of gibberish nothings. It was VERY unfortunate that one with the credibility and class of Patrick McKnee was shouldered with the host position. The lack of class in production of the piece, the lack of accurate historical evidence and the lack of a clear line from the offered "evidence" to the conclusion (that there is a connection between DaVinci and a code secreted in his work, etc.) is very bad. It kills what little class McKnee lent to the piece and absolutely destroyed the credibility that was pleaded for by the author. In short, fiction is just that : fiction. Lies and made up "truth" are just that ; lies and made up "truth", no matter how nicely they are dressed. Do not waste your time, unless you enjoy fiction and like seeing supposed intellectuals posing as grown ups while they make utter fools of themselves. How terribly unfortunate.

Watching this movie, I would say it is done in an insightful manner. The overview, sources, and sweeping range of explanations concerning DaVinci's work and more is inspiring. As a closer look at information handed down and accepted previously as fact, Unlocking does a deft job. At first watch, the multiple topics winding in various directions is a bit of a spiral. However, the academic approach to history, many sources with a critical perspective, creates a strong foundation of discovery between God's truth and Man's truth. In the end, the discerning twists become the movie's strength. Viewing spurred a spark for more and research beyond. For that simple fact, I highly recommend this movie to the intellectually and spiritually curious. Not too shabby for an hour's worth of entertainment. Oh and Mr. Macnee is a great narrator!

If you want to see this one, it's for one of three reasons.1. You've just read "The Da Vinci Code" and are interested in finding out more. If this is the case, stay away from this movie, as it will give you information that will leave you scratching your head and thinking, "Where the hell did they come up with that?" If you are interested in finding out more, read the book "Holy Blood, Holy Grail." That book, while not necessarily true, will give you more information in a better manner.2. You've just read "The Da Vinci Code" and "Holy Blood, Holy Grail." If this is the case, stay away from this movie, as you won't hear anything new.3. You haven't read either of the two aforementioned books. If this is the case, stay away from this movie, as it will raise some questions that will seem to be out of left field. If "The Da Vinci Code" and the issues the book raises interests you, read the two books mentioned above.DO NOT WATCH THIS MOVIE.