Cartouche

While this certainly isn't one of the deeper or meaningful costume dramas I have seen, I must admit it's a lot of fun--even though the character played by Jean-Paul Belmondo is crazy when it comes to his relationship with the lady played by Claudia Cardinale. It's in many ways a re-telling of the Robin Hood story in 18th century France--with a much more flawed main character. Like Mr. Hood, Cartouche steals from the rich and gives to the poor, but unlike Robin (who was quite happy with Maid Marion, thank you very much), once Cartouche got the girl of any man's dreams, it just wasn't good enough. Claudia Cardinale played a ravishing young thief who was desperately in love with him and ultimately would do anything for Cartouche--and the idiot keeps looking at other women! Ultimately he understands the stupidity of this, but by then it's just too late.

The story excels when it comes to exciting fights and costumes. However, at times, it lets the viewer down because the mood of the film seems to shift too much--almost like there were several versions of the film and they morphed them together. On one hand, it's a romance and in that department it does an excellent job. On the other, it's an exciting adventure yarn and once again it succeeds in this department. But, at some points in the movie (particularly when Cartouche is in the army), it also tries to be a pretty broad comedy. I actually think the film might have been better if the entire thing had been comedy or they removed the comedy altogether. It just seemed disjoint and odd the way it changed styles. However, regardless of this, the film is still worth seeing and is a lot of fun.

Those who like the genre should not miss the (rare) occasion to see this movie. It is a splendid cloak and dagger story, full of adventures, fights and love. Of course, somewhat incredible at times. Unforgettable is the scene in which the bandit Cartouche (Jean-Paul Belmondo) with the corpse of Venus (Claudia Cardinale) in his arms demands jewels in ransom from French nobles, in order to have a treasure to be buried with his beloved Venus, who has been killed in a fight.

In the 18th century, Louis De Bourguignon nicknamed under the name of Cartouche , (Jean Paul Belmondo) is acting with the Malichot (veteran Marcel Dalio)'s band , but their manners are too unethical for him . He creates his own gang , turning into a French Robin Hood , including his Merry men (Jean Rochefort still today playing and deceased Jess Hahn) ; the thief Cartouche takes over the Parisian crime syndicate making dangerous robberies of the rich people, and even distributing the supplies with the poor people ; furthermore he falls the entrapments of love . Thus , Cartouche attracts the people's sympathies , Venus's love , and hatred from the authority and enemies . Later on , Cartouche and his partners participate in Seven Years War , France against Prussia, where are decorated and considered as heroes. Cartouche/Belmondo is cool as the adventurer who finds risked situations while trying rob the shipments and save mistress in distress . Cartouche is betrayed but he can getaway all the traps they set at him . Meanwhile , he falls in love with two women , Isabel (a ravishing Odile Versous) and his gypsy-girlfriend (a beautiful Claudia Cardinale) . Eventually , he will be saved by a girl , at her own cost .

This is an amusing film that contains noisy action , comedy , thrills , duels , audacious adventures , fencing and many other things . This is an agreeable entertainment juvenile romp well written by Daniel Boulanger , Charles Spaak and the same director Philippe de Broca . The movie displays in grandiose style swashbuckler , heroism , rousing action , swordplay , slapdash , overwhelming fights, fist-play and humor with tongue in cheek . This release has some nice and even hilarious moments here and there , though isn't always interesting , sometimes is diverting and fresh and on a couple of sympathetic occasions is frankly delicious . This adventure movie with a high budget packs breathtaking places , spectacular scenes , luxurious scenarios and amusing plot . Dashing Belmondo sports an inimitable smile while fights and loves ; as usual he combines action with comic episodes . It deals with Louis Dominique or Cartouche , splendidly performed by Belmondo , recently become a big star , he is fine as the hero of this exciting story . Jean-Paul is very nice , he ravages the screen , he jumps, leaps and bounds , hits and runs . Belmondo steals the spectacle , he's a complete show and as usual at the time he makes as his own stunts . Jean-Paul always performed all the stunts himself but ceased to do so after the accident during the filming of ¨Hold Up¨(1985) . Enjoyable acting by main star names , as a gorgeous Claudia Cardinale playing as his gypsy-sweetheart , she's in her splendor of Mediterranean beauty ; in addition Jean Rochefort and Jess Hahn as his two likable underlings . Special mention to sympathetic Marcel Dalio as roguish and mean Machilot .

It's enriched by glimmer cinematography reflecting spectacularly colorful outdoors and glamorous interiors by cameraman Christian Matras , shot on location in Aveyron, Béziers, Hérault, Guermantes, Seine-et-Marne, Lagny-Sur-Marne, Seine-et-Marne, Pézenas, and Senlis, Oise, France . Wonderful musical score by the classic George Delerue who composed a lively as well sensitive soundtrack . The motion picture was well directed by Philippe De Brocca , an expert on adventure genre , many of them starred by Belmondo , such as ¨That man from Rio¨, ¨Up to his ears¨, ¨Le Magnifique¨, ¨L'Africain¨, ¨L'incorregible¨ , ¨Le Bossu¨ and of course this ¨Cartouche¨. This standard and entertaining 6o's swashbuckling that combines with certain gusto all staples of the genre to be liked for Belmondo and Cardinale fans. Rating : Good , worthwhile watching .

CARTOUCHE (3+ outta 5 stars) Rousing comedy-action-drama about a rascally rogue in 18th Century France who is a sort of a cross between Zorro and Robin Hood... except that he's not necessarily helping the less fortunate so much as helping himself. No matter, as played by Jean-Paul Belmondo he is a charming hero... even when committing the unpardonable sin of wooing another woman while he has the steadfast love of the most beautiful woman in all of Europe (Claudia Cardinale). For those who love a good swashbuckler, this movie won't leave you disappointed. I found this movie tremendously entertaining, even in spite of the atrocious American dubbing. I will probably wind up giving this movie an even better rating when I finally get a chance to see it in its original language. Tired of his talent for thievery being exploited, Cartouche brazenly challenges the authority of the leader of the city's criminal population. Biting off a bit more than he can chew at the time, he takes a position in the French military. He and his new comrades not only manage to make off with a fortune in gold, but Cartouche wins over the ridiculously beautiful gypsy-thief Venus (Cardinale). Cartouche proves himself to not be without flaws... which gives the rousing finale an extra bit of resonance. Classic adventure movie-making... you don't see many movies like this anymore!

This lush and lively swashbuckler is notable for it's slapstick humor and blatantly romantic finale. The silliness works thanks to director DeBroca's whimsically light touch and Belmondo's atypical athletic charm. It's an elegant and sumptuous looking production and a surprisingly romantic adventure. The ravishing Ms. Cardinale alone is worth the price of admission. Delightful in spirit, charming in delivery, with appropriately gorgeous music by Georges Delerue. The superb widescreen DVD from Anchor Bay is the best way to appreciate this movie.