La Fille de d'Artagnan

This has got to be one of the best French films I have ever seen, the subtitles were pretty easy to read and the cast was supurb. A definite must see for anyone who liked Braveheart or Zorro.

The entire cast brought out the adventure and the comedy of the film - Great Swordplay, especially the classical beauty Sophie Marceau. This film deserves plenty of awards, the media should be buzzing about "Revenge of the Musketeers".

As I began to view this film, I had quite a few doubts. Recent "Musketeers" films have been falling flat. I am now very pleased to say that "Revenge of the Musketeers" (U.S. video title) is a solid production, featuring an excellent European cast and fine direction.

Set in the twilight years of the musketeers, the plot focuses on Eloise d'Artagnan (Marceau) and her struggle against perceived plots and conspiracies. When her convent is assaulted, she seeks out her famous father in Paris. There are some comedic moments and decent fight scenes. I was especially pleased to note that Eloise, who was raised in a convent and had no martial training, did not suddenly gain the magnificent fighting prowess of her father. Yes, she does get involved in a number of fights, but the director had the sense to clearly portray her absolute inexperience. Fans of Musketeers films and of swashbucklers in general should give this film a chance. Merely seeing a competent Musketeer film done in the French language alone is a treat.

A blithe film, perfect for a wintry evening. I saw it because I have loved every Tavernier film I have seen. This one was an unexpected treat--I was prepared for something dark and moody, and instead got Gallic sunshine. The plot is about as serious as a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, but it really doesn't matter. It's all delightful froth. Twenty years have passed since the famous adventures of the Three Musketeers. The film begins with an escaped African slave and a mysterious raid on the convent in which Eloise, the daughter of D'Artagnan, has been raised. Quick tempered and bold, she vows to avenge the death of the Mother Superior, disguises herself as a boy and leaves for Paris seeking her father's aid. The film records the amusing history of her subsequent adventures and companions. The French do this kind of picture better than any one else--it's civilized, affectionate, jolly, self-aware, playful, and respectful. Sophie Marceau is luminous, whimsical and feisty as Eloise. I wish we could see her in more roles. Phillipe Noiret is perfect as D'Artagnan, moving and comic simultaneously. Over-scheduled Americans may fret at the pacing, but just allow yourself to be a little French--enjoy the tale, the lack of American style violence and the delightful performances, music, and sets. C'est tres jolie.

Bertrand Tavernier has turned to the past many times before in his long career. He has no trouble telling a story with period costumes and swirling swordfights. La fille de D'Artagnan is a lot of fun for the first sixty minutes or so, then the lack of any great imagination in the plot construction starts to be apparent. There seems to be a coded message in a letter stolen from a convent that occupies the minds and energies of many of the characters to the detriment of telling the story.

Philippe Noiret is great, but the part is so easy for him. Sophie Marceau gets to show off her splendid breasts. Jean-Luc Bideau as Athos is perhaps the most watchable actor in the proceedings; he looks really dapper in that eyeband. If you want a really fine film about pre-Revolutionary France, try Que la fête commence, which has Noiret in one of his best roles.

This movie must have been at its best at the concept stage. It seems to be a patriotic attempt to remake Lester's Three Musketeers as a French film. The actors are good, and Sophie Marceau is lovely, but Tavernier has no clue how to make an action film. The story rambles incoherently, the pacing is awful, even the action scenes lack tension, and the jokes fall flat. In this genre, DeBroca's Le Bossu is far superior. For a good film with Sophie Marceau, see Police.