On Guard DVD

ON GUARD- A review by Addy

==Background==

_On Guard_ is a French made film that was adapted for film from the book titled Le Bossu, (The Hunchback) by the author Paul Feval. _On Guard_ was released in 2004 and is your swashbuckling style movie in the vein of all those classic Musketeer movies or The Count of Monte Christo. Being made in France the film _On Guard_ is in French language with English subtitles. This gem ...
...I first spotted this film on Amazon and after some investigation I noticed a pattern of consistently high praise, well I need no more convincing to make a purchase. Throughout the film in its entirety it impressed the hell out of me, the sets are impressive and outdoor scenes and camera work, are a testament to the quality of the film. Daniel Auteuil plays Lagardere and Vincent Perez as the Duke are outstanding performances. For me the storyline ... more

ON GUARD- A review by Addy

Background

On Guard is a French made film that was adapted for film from the book titled Le Bossu, (The Hunchback) by the author Paul Feval. On Guard was released in 2004 and is your swashbuckling style movie in the vein of all those classic Musketeer movies or The Count of Monte Christo. Being made in France the film On Guard is in French language with English subtitles. This gem of a film is filled to the brim with conspiracy, action, retribution, love, and passion with a healthy layer of wit to top it all off. However, for me what this film has in such abundance is simply that it is such great fun.

Additional info

Genre: Foreign Films
Starring: Daniel Auteuil, Fabrice Luchini, Vincent Perez, Marie Gillain, Sacha Bourdo, Yann Colette, Jean-Francois Stevenin, Didier Pain, Charles Nelson, Claire Nebout, Philippe Noiret
Director: Phillippe De Broca
Screenwriter: Phillippe De Broca, Jean Cosmos, Jerome Tonnerre
Producer: Patrick Godeau
Composer: Philippe Sarde
Released: October 18th 2002

Synopsis

The intriguing On Guard, the title should clearly be indicative and leave no ambiguity as to what this film is about as this is the expression used at the outset of a duel. The film is set in the very early part of 18th Century France. The brilliant plot follows the story of an unlikely hero by the name of Lagardere. Though he tries and tries Lagardere never seems to ascend beyond measly mediocrity when it comes to his fencing skills, but in desperation to become a renowned hero like the legends that have passed before him such as D'Artagnan, Lagardere never misses an opportunity to extend his minor repertoire of skills. The Duke of Nevers is a deceptive guy who looks somewhat effeminate, loves crazy wigs, and is a terrible womaniser and looks like he would not be able to handle himself well at all....that is until he needs to use his rapier. Lagardere and the Duke cross swords and in awe Lagardere wants to learn from the Duke, but before long Lagardere makes some unwise decisions.
The Duke learns that there are consequences to his actions. One of his sexual exploits as resulted in a birth and a future heir, but the Duke does not shirk responsibility opting to marry the mother and raise the bairn. But Count Gonzague, the Dukes cousin wants all his titles and wealth so he plans to murder the Duke his wife to be and heir. Tension mounts as assassins lie in wait one of which is Lagardere!! In a style and manner commanding the upmost respect the assassins are slain The Duke has some secret techniques that are real tasty especially one that renders the opponent vulnerable and puts a rapier embedded inches into the forehead, right between the eyes...Amazing to watch. The Duke and Lagardere remain but the Duke befriends him. The scene is set, Gonzague is determined and will make more concerted efforts to get what he wants. Not only that the boy heir holds a deep dark secret. Can Lagardere be trusted? What is so special about the heir? Will Gonzague or the Duke prevail, and will Lagardere discover that the hero was within him all along......you bet he will.

A viewers humble opinion

On Guard is a cinematic treat. It is the equivalent of the modern day Errol Flynn movie and holds all the magic of one. I first spotted this film on Amazon and after some investigation I noticed a pattern of consistently high praise, well I need no more convincing to make a purchase. Throughout the film in its entirety it impressed the hell out of me, the sets are impressive and outdoor scenes and camera work, are a testament to the quality of the film. Daniel Auteuil plays Lagardere and Vincent Perez as the Duke are outstanding performances. For me the storyline is beautiful I wish I could tell you about something really wonderful but it would spoil some of the plot. What I can share however is that watching Lagardere evolve as a person and become all that he is destined to be is a real visual treat. The film cover says that some things are worth dying for and all what was needed for Legardere was to find purpose, of which he does in this film. The fencing is fantastic and the is a heroine in the film that will appeal to women in character and to men in looks. Legardere is an endearing character that will hold appeal to both men and women viewers and the film is one that can be enjoyed by all the family.

The film in itself is great fun and there is lots of humour injected into the film. The action is great and the pace of the film is right on the money. The script as far as i can tell is accurately translated into the English subtitles that make for a decent script also. The plot has some nice twists and turns to it to enhance the enjoyment.

My one criticism in a negative light is the ending and it seems not very well thought out. There is not too much i can say without spoiling it so all i can say is i felt it needed more, I hope this is adequate enough for you to get the gist.

Many thanks for reading/rating my review, Addy

© May, 2008 

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