Viggo Mortensen leads an all-star cast in this swashbuckling period drama - the story of Diego Alatriste, a former soldier and mercenary who becomes a hero of Spain's 17th century Imperial wars. The most expensive Spanish-language film ever made based on the wildly popular novel series by Arturo Pérez Reverte. 17th century imperial Spain under the reign of Philip IV, a weak and easily manipulated monarch dominated by a corrupt and intrigue-ridden court, the head of which is the influential Count-Duke Olivares. Intrigue and betrayal, duels and battles, love and hatred set the stage for the adventures of Captain Alatriste. In His Majesty's service, a proud soldier in Flanders and in times of peace, a hired sword in Madrid and Seville. He wasn't the most virtuous of men, nor the most devout, but he was a man of valour. His name was Diego Alatriste! Alatriste is in love with the beautiful María de Castro, the most famous actress of her time. Compelled to fulfil the final wish of his dying friend, Alatriste makes his way back to Spain to care for the man's young son Iñigo. Alatriste attempts to safeguard Iñigo both from a military career and from the Machiavellian woman he loves, the sweet and disturbing Angelica Alquézar.