On Guard
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DVD Cover Information Actor: Daniel Auteuil, Fabrice Luchini, Marie Gillain, Vincent Perez, Yann Collette DVD: Region Code 1 Audio: English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); French (Original Language); Italian (Original Language) Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, Enhanced, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen Picture Format: 1.33:1 Running Time: 128 minutes DVD Release Date: 2004-03-09 Audience Rating: Unrated Studio: KOCH LORBER FILMS |
| New | New Usually ships in 1-2 business days | $44.99 | ||
| Used | Used Usually ships in 1-2 business days | $2.99 |
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Movie Reviews of On Guard
Movie Review: A Stylish, Witty French Swashbuckler With The Great Daniel Auteuil
Summary: 4 Stars
From the DVD case of the movie under its French title, Le Bossu (The Hunchback), which is more satisfyingly overwrought than I could manage: When his great friend the Duke of Nevers is slain in a dastardly assassination plot by the Count Gonzague, fencing master Lagardere swears he will avenge the Duke's death and take care of the Duke's beloved orphaned daughter, Aurore. Sixteen years later, after secretly hiding with a touring theater group and raising the baby to young womanhood, Lagardere returns to the sumptuous Parisian courts to honor his deadly oath. Disguising himself as Gonzague's hunchback manservant, Lagardere infiltrates the Count's entourage and waits for his moment to strike and triumph over the traitorous forces of evil.
This is a first-rate swashbuckler that takes place in 18th century France. There's great sword play, a strong story, cunning disguises, some effective villains and a terrific acting job by Daniel Auteuil as Lagardere. The other actors are no slouches either, and there is a small but funny and effective part by Phillipe Noiret as an aging and selfishly charming Duke of Orleans.
Auteuil is an extraordinary actor with ordinary looks. Check out his role as Yves Montand's nephew in Jean de Florette and Manon of the Spring, then see him as the captain in The Widow of St. Pierre, then see him in this. Completely different roles and completely believable performances.
Some might be a bit squeamish toward the end at the sight of a 16-year-old crumpet passionately kissing a fortyish man. In this case, the man also has been her guardian and has taken care of her for nearly all of those years...and they live happily ever after. Ah, the French.
The DVD disc I have looks great. This is a movie worth getting if you like sword play, wit, heiresses restored to their fortunes and justice winning out.