Movie Reviews for On Guard

On Guard

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Movie Reviews of On Guard

Movie Review: Swashbuckling Entertainment
Summary: 5 Stars

I picked this movie up on a whim and was I ever glad that I did. This movie is swashbuckling entertainment at its finest. Not only is the movie beautiful to look at, the acting is top notch and the story line is refreshingly crisp and intruiging.

Daniel Auteuil is the witty and bold Lagardere, who has vowed to avenge the death of his friend and fellow swordsman, the Duke de Nevers, who has been assassinated on his wedding day by his treacherous cousin. Lagardere must then raise the Duke's daughter and somehow regain her birthright. Interspersed through the story is exceptionally choreographed sword play, a love story and a Monte Cristo-like plan of revenge.

Auteuil is lovable and dangerous at the same time as Lagardere and somehow convincingly pulls off being the main romantic lead as well, even though the age difference between he and his paramour is something that most American audiences shy away from. Vincent Perez as the Duke was a wonderful touch. He's frivolous, prissy and hedonistic, but he's also a dangerous man with a sword, in fact more dangerous than Lagardere, and he's also a loving man to his wife and child he hasn't seen and comes out being downright likable. Marie Gillain is spunky and charming as Aurore, the Duke's daughter and Lagardere's ward. She's truly her father's daughter and more than a match for Lagardere.

As with the Count of Monte Cristo, this is a revenge movie at heart with a lot of heart in it. It makes for a lovely period adventure piece and well worth the watch.

Movie Review: "In A Year, 10 Years... 20... I'll Avenge Thee"
Summary: 5 Stars

Note: French with English subtitles.

'On Guard' released in '98 is a delightful movie encompassing masterful swordplay, murder and revenge, love and redemption. Starring Daniel Auteuil in one of his finest roles, it's easy to see why he has become a recognized "National Treasure" of France. He is funny, charming, sly, dashing, brave, sensitive and romantic. Truly one of the most engaging actors on the scene today.

Plot: Lagardere (Daniel Auteuil) is hired to escort the Duke of Nevers ((Vincent Perez) to a distant town to wed his beloved Blanche (Claire Nebout) who has already given birth to his daughter. His envious cousin Count Gonzague (Fabrice Luchini) desires both the Dukes money, property and fiance, escorting an envoy of mercenaries to kill the Duke and everyone at the wedding except the lovely Blanche. Lagardere steps in and becomes the hero saving the baby Aurore and escaping to raise her as his own. With the passing of sixteen years the time of revenge and redemption arrives. Is the brave Lagardere up to the task?

This is my favorite French film. Not only is Atreuil magnificent but he has a wonderful supporting cast with the villianous Fabrice Luchini (Count Luchini), Vincent Perez (Count Nevers) and the lovely Mari Gillain as Aurore.

My Highest Recommendation!

Movie Review: SUPERB ENTERTAINMENT
Summary: 5 Stars

This is one of those rare period pieces that doesn't age. Everything about it is wonderful: acting, photography, sets, costumes, screenplay, directing. It's a beautiful story also, and all the emotions are right and the characters are fresh despite the movie being based on a 19th century novel. And the swordplay is top-notch. The origanl French title is Le Bossu, or The Hunchback. If you like romance, action, a good period setting that's done with impecable taste and atistry, and a thoroughly enjoyable and charmingly involving fable, this is one to consider. I really loved it! Some (most!) of the imagery is just magnificent. There is a sequence of dissolves that is a work of art. It's fun and very satisfying. The image of the DVD is excellent as is the sound. A must!

Movie Review: touchez ma bosse mon seigneur!
Summary: 5 Stars

Je me souviens avoir vu ce film lors de sa sortie...Je ne savais si je devais le voir ou un autre film de cape et d'épée... mais j'ai bien fait de choisir ce film! Daniel Auteuil interprete avec Brio le role de Lagardere! C'est ce film qui m'a fait découvrir Auteuil et j'ai vu certains de ces autres films... mais je reviens toujours vers celui-ci! Les scènes d'actions sont géniales, l'histoire es bien montée...

C'est dommage que l'on ne connaissent pas mieux ce film et ce roman ils méritent vraiment d'etre aussi connu que les oeuvres d'Alexandre Dumas!


Movie Review: A very enjoyable film.
Summary: 5 Stars

Being a huge fan of Daniel Auteuil's work, watching this
film was a no-brainer. (Anything Daniel touches I must see!) And may I say, it was definitely worth seeing! The storyline, acting, and direction is excellent! It is a fantasy-world that you delve into within the film, and one must remember this. Have a little imagination while watching and don't ask too many questions about character development. This is a film where you escape complicated, everyday life, and are transported to a world where honor, love, loyalty and goodness always conquered above all. Definitely recommended!
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