Edmond Dantes (Depardieu) has been held in the notorious prison, Château D'If under the false charge of political treason. After 18 years he escapes from captivity and finds a buried treasure on the barren isle of Monte Cristo. Determined to seek vengeance and find his lost love Mercedes, Dantes uses his vast wealth to assume a new identity -- the Count of Monte Cristo. With the help of his servant Bertuccio, he embarks on a journey to bring justice to the men responsible for his imprisonment.