--Slight Spoilers-- "On Guard" is the fifth French cinematic adaptation of Paul Feval's novel "Le Bossu" (The Hunchback), which was first published in 1858. While seemingly unknown in the U.S., the book and its chief protagonist, Lagardere are well-known in France. In fact, Lagadere's challenge to the traitorous Count Gonzague--"If you won't come to Lagadere, Lagadere will come to you!"--is a French proverbial saying now and most of its citizens appear to have some working knowledge of the tale. I believe that the director's supposition of some foreknowledge of the story is what leads to some bewildering twists for viewers that lack that orientation. This film covers a lot of territory in its little more than two hour running time and moves at a very sprightly pace. Some things whoosh by in the narrative, while others are implied to have been discussed off-camera by the involved parties. The result, however, is that there appear to be plot holes in the story for the uninformed. Why didn't the Duke De Nevers send back assistance to aid Legardere? Why didn't the Duke inform his father-in-law that there had been attempts made on his life? Why didn't Lagadere and Aurore discuss the slaying of a swordsman in a duel and the implications that the act had for them both? And most pointedly, what is the explanation of Aurore's behavior upon discovering that she is Lagardere's ward, and not his daughter?
Despite these criticisms, this is a good old fashioned revenge, reward, romance and restoration yarn. It received numerous nominations for film awards and deserved them. The acting is quite good, despite the aforementioned script problems, and Daniel Auteuil, Fabrice Luchini, Marie Gillian and Vincent Perez give lively performances. Auteuil, despite being too old to play either the younger or older versions of Lagardere almost makes you forget it. Vincent Perez as the slightly comedic, and foppish De Nevers, strikes the right tone for the tale. Luchini as the slightly mad and gleefully evil, Gonzague is a satisfying villain. Gillian as the tomboyish, guileless innocent that events revolve around, hits all of the right notes, even if we cannot fully discern the melody that she is playing. The sets, art direction and the costuming are all first rate.
In the end, if you just relax and go with this story and resist trying to apply contemporary values to a story set in the 17th century, you are in for a pleasant ride. Sit back and enjoy. This is the best swashbuckler that I have seen in recent years. I only wish that the novel was available in an English translation to fill in the blanks. Incidentally, Feval's son found fame and notoriety by writing prequels and sequels to this yarn, crafted around the Lagardere character. Other swashbuckling tales that featured D'Artagnan and Cyrano De Bergereac as the protagonists were also written by the son. Alas, none of these tales are currently available in English translations.
Despite these criticisms, this is a good old fashioned revenge, reward, romance and restoration yarn. It received numerous nominations for film awards and deserved them. The acting is quite good, despite the aforementioned script problems, and Daniel Auteuil, Fabrice Luchini, Marie Gillian and Vincent Perez give lively performances. Auteuil, despite being too old to play either the younger or older versions of Lagardere almost makes you forget it. Vincent Perez as the slightly comedic, and foppish De Nevers, strikes the right tone for the tale. Luchini as the slightly mad and gleefully evil, Gonzague is a satisfying villain. Gillian as the tomboyish, guileless innocent that events revolve around, hits all of the right notes, even if we cannot fully discern the melody that she is playing. The sets, art direction and the costuming are all first rate.
In the end, if you just relax and go with this story and resist trying to apply contemporary values to a story set in the 17th century, you are in for a pleasant ride. Sit back and enjoy. This is the best swashbuckler that I have seen in recent years. I only wish that the novel was available in an English translation to fill in the blanks. Incidentally, Feval's son found fame and notoriety by writing prequels and sequels to this yarn, crafted around the Lagardere character. Other swashbuckling tales that featured D'Artagnan and Cyrano De Bergereac as the protagonists were also written by the son. Alas, none of these tales are currently available in English translations.