AnhartLinkin
This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.
Logan
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
gridoon2018
This 2003 remake of a popular 1952 French film follows the original's plot quite closely, except that it adds one more villain (a black-clad traitor) for Fanfan to battle at the end, while the role of the army colonel who is also trying to win Adeline's heart is reduced (a change that works pretty well, in my opinion). It also both more satirical and more modernized that the original movie (the fight scenes are more intense, and even include some distinctly post-Matrix-era flips in the air). A handsome production, beautifully photographed with warm colors, this remake is about on a par with the original. Vincent Perez and Penelope Cruz are worthy successors of Gerard Phillipe and Gina Lollobrigida. **1/2 out of 4.
leplatypus
I can't say that this movie is a failure but it didn't catch me. Yet, everything was set for a great moment: exceptional cast with special mentions for mr Bourdon (a very naive King of France) and ms Cruz, whose dedication is unique (speak french phonetically, not right but in a funny way). - superb live locations in real old-times towns - excellent wardrobe for a historical movie in Old Regime - a director offering energy & rhythm in his worksBut, the result is soporific. Maybe because it's a remake and there never the same creative impulse as in an original work (you already know where you come from & where you aim) ? Hardly, the first movie is dated from the 50's and not much in the new generation can make a comparison.the deepest setback comes truly from the script: there's no passion in the story or the dialogs, so the pictures can be perfect but they are void of humanity... Wanting things to be too polished can bring to lose the shining.. Here's a example....
Renata
I went to this movie only because I am crazy about France, it's kings and queens. I adore baroque costumes and decorations. But this film was a great disappointment. Dialogues were not funny and lively. Costumes were miserable. Acting was awful. The plot was silly. The action was totally not convincing. Fanfan (the main character) was too arrogant and energetic. Solders and officers were too stupid. The king was too generous. I wanted to leave the cinema long before the end. I try very hard, but I can't remember anything good about this movie. Sorry...
isambard
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...
