Movie Description This superb swashbuckler stars Daniel Auteuil as Legardere, a swordsman in 18th-century France who befriends his fellow fencing student, the dashing Duke de Nevers (Vincent Perez), only to wind up on the run and accused of his murder. Nevers' villainous cousin (Fabrice Luchini) has orchestrated the killing, and is now after the Duke's infant child, Aurore, who is rescued and raised by Legardere. The years pass and Aurore grows into a ravishing beauty (played by Marie Gillain), who has inherited her father's skill with a sword, and, controversially, developed more than just a daughterly love for her protector. Sworn to avenge the Duke's death and restore Aurore's rightful title, Legardere undertakes a daring scheme of retribution and revenge. Like a great old novel (it's adapted from LE BOSSU by Paul Feval) the film grips one's attention firmly from beginning to end, with Auteuil a dashing Fairbanks-esque hero, Luchini a most hissable villain, and Gillain a damsel worth dying for. Sumptuous photography lovingly captures the epic sets and breathtaking outdoor locations without ever distracting from character, plot, or pace.
| Credits | | Producer: | Patrick Godeau | | Cast: | Claire Nebout, Didier Pain, James-Spencer Thieree, Jean-François Stévenin, Philippe Noiret, Renato Scarpa |
Editorial Reviews "...Mr. De Broca's film is full of durable cinematic pleasures....[He] certainly has charm to spare..." New York Times - A. O. Scott (10/18/2002)
"...De Broca has made it as emotionally engaging as it is amusing....An enchanting, richly detailed period piece..." Los Angeles Times - Kevin Thomas (11/08/2002)
"This invigorating swashbuckler gives Cocteau's old favourite Jean Marais a choice role as the dashing Henri De Lagardere..." Sight and Sound - Geoffrey Macnab (03/01/2004)
| See an error? Submit a change request |