Fanfan la Tulipe

My wife and I watched this movie while on holiday in France last summer. A great deal of the action had been shot on location in Montpazier, one of the prettiest villages in France with carefully preserved houses etc. As a 'thank you' there was an open-air showing of the film in the village square while we were there in June 2003. As it didn't get dark enough until about 22.30 there was time for a drink (or two) beforehand and we all sat in the square, under the stars. The film was a laugh from beginning to end.The most outrageous stunts and swordplay to make Errol Flynn look like an amateur. A special treat, of course, was to see images of the very buildings around us, the church, the market hall, and quite a few of the locals who appeared as extras, pop up on the screen. The whole film was tongue-in-cheek, swashbuckling, D'Artagnan type nonsense. Fencing on rooftops, jumping out of windows, kissing the girls, fighting ten men at once. What more do you want?

I'll admit we saw it in ideal circumstances, which bring back happy memories of a glorious summer. But it was entertaining and made for fun. Would I watch it again? Sure! (Especially with a glass of wine!) Michael.

If you don't go in expecting too much, this film is a pleasant way to pass some time. It is certainly no great work of art. Didn't see the original so can't comment on that score. Furthermore, don't really speak French (although enough to understand that Italian subtitled version missed large chunks of dialect), so Cruz's reportedly bad accent was lost on me. It is undoubtedly clichéd, lacking in any original ideas or concepts, and has gaping plot holes.

However, that said, it has no pretensions of being anything more sophisticated than what it sets out to be. My advice would be to enjoy it for what it's meant to be: fun, swashbuckling, mildly amusing entertainment with two luscious-looking stars. In fact, just watching Perez and Cruz alone make the whole thing worthwhile.

I have not seen the original of this film, but this version was O.K., purely regarding its entertainment value (intellectual stimulation aside). Perez is charming as Fanfan although Cruz's rather strong Spanish accent annoys me. All in all, not a bad attempt although I must not admit to understanding everything , as I saw it in French and history is not my forte...

This new version of a favorite classic was a great swashbuckler - lots of romance, lots of adventure and excitement galore. Vincent Perez was handsome and energetic... a perfect romantic hero. Penelope Cruz was beautiful and feisty - a perfect romantic heroine. The crowd in the cinema was especially enthusiastic when we went -some viewers we know went to see it several times. The period costumes were wonderful, and certainly the equal of earlier versions. The photography was also well done - the French countryside has never looked so wonderful! Knowledge of French is definitely helpful, as the jokes might be lost on those who don't truly understand the language.

Loved it so much I bought it!

Well well well, first impression: the room was quite empty for an opening day! That does not sound great for the Box Office...

And the movie: Let's say it's entertaining. For Sure. But that's all! Vincent Perez (Fanfan) is too annoying playing the naive guy. Penelope Cruz.. annoying speaking french with such an accent "Fangfang" Hopefully the supporting actors are great! Didier Bourdon is a Wonderfull Roi Soleil... and the actor who plays "de la Goule" is WON-DER-FULL!!

So in fact: let's say: 1* on 4 If you have 8 euros in your pocket for nothing..otherwise..wait to see it on TV.