Production Companies Alicéléo, Canal+, Cecchi Gori Group Tiger Cinematografica, Centre National de la Cinématographie (CNC), Cofimage 8, Cofimage 9, DA Films, Gemini Film GmbH & Co. KG, Prima, TF1 Films Productions
Studio Aliceleo, AMLF, Canal Plus, Cecchi Gori Distribuzione, CNC, Cofimage 8, Cofimage 9, DA Films, Gemini Filmproduktions, Prima Cinematografica, TF1 Films, Tiger Cinematografica
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.
(44 votes)
2.
The swordplay never ends in this dazzling, Dumas-like adventure of conspiracy and revenge, set around 1700 and presented here in its seventh filmed incarnation, directed by French New Wave titan Philippe de Broca (That Man from Rio). Daniel Auteuil plays Legardere, a callow swordsman who becomes friend to and bodyguard of the Duke of Nevers (Vincent Perez). When the latter is assassinated by his scheming cousin, Gonzague (Fabrice Luchini), Nevers's daughter, Aurore (Marie Gillain), is left in the care of Legardere, who raises her within the protective camouflage of a traveling troupe of actors. Years later, back in Paris, Legardere exacts a complicated retribution under Gonzague's nose, determined to give Aurore the life and inheritance she deserves. This exceptionally handsome film is an all-out adventure, but the witty de Broca is not one to settle for mere derring-do. The great Auteuil (The Girl on the Bridge) proves as funny as he is heroic. --Tom Keogh
(37 votes)
3.
Some Things Are Worth Dying For
Daniel Auteuil (Lagardere) and Fabrice Luchini (Count Gonzague) star in Philippe de Broca's swashbuckling saga based on Paul Feval's novel, Le Bossu. Lagardere, a superb swordsman, vows to avenge the death of his dashing friend, the Duke of Nevers, murdered on the day of his wedding by his greedy cousin, Count Gonzague! Left to raise the Duke's infant daughter as his own, Lagardere hides her for sixteen years until the time finally comes to reclaim her inheritance, place in society and family name!
(37 votes)
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