Le Bossu (On Guard) (1997)

87% of critics liked it
(31 reviews)
70% of users liked it
(1,138 ratings)

This period swashbuckler, set during the years 1699 to 1716, is the seventh screen adaptation of Paul Feval's 1857 serialized novel. Trained in circus stunts and fencing, Lagardere (Daniel Auteuil) becomes the bodyguard of the Duke of Nevers (Vincent Perez), whose cousin is the greedy Gonzague… More This period swashbuckler, set during the years 1699 to 1716, is the seventh screen adaptation of Paul Feval's 1857 serialized novel. Trained in circus stunts and fencing, Lagardere (Daniel Auteuil) becomes the bodyguard of the Duke of Nevers (Vincent Perez), whose cousin is the greedy Gonzague (Luchini). Nevers learns he is a father and plans to marry Blanche de Caylus (Claire Nebout) in order to raise an heir. Gonzague dispatches assassins to kill Nevers, Blanche, and their baby. Dying, Nevers turns the child over to Lagardere, asking him to gain revenge on his killers. The infant is a girl, and Lagardere and the child hide amidst an Italian troupe of actors. Years pass, and the young Aurore (Marie Gillain) grows up believing Lagardere is her father. When the actors arrive in Paris 16 years after Nevers death, Lagardere at last sets the stage for revenge. Swordfight choreography by Michel Carliez, son of the fight expert who trained Jean Marais for the 1959 film of Le Bossu. Shown at the 1997 Acapulco French Film Festival and the 1997 Bastia Festival of Mediterranean Cinema. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr. 8 min.
Directed By: Philippe de Broca
Written By: Philippe de Broca, Phillippe De Broca, Jean Cosmos, Jerome Tonnerre
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1997 Wide
On DVD: Mar 9, 2004
Studio: Empire Pictures

Critic Reviews

Doris N. Truong, Dallas Morning News
Sometimes, nothing satisfies like old-fashioned swashbuckling. And in this regard, On Guard delivers.
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe
Despite its postdated irrelevance and its dopey title, this Daniel Auteuil vehicle is ludicrous fun.
Allison Benedikt, Chicago Tribune
An awkward and indigestible movie.
John Monaghan, Detroit Free Press
It's a tale well told and nearly irresistible.
Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle
A big, gorgeous, sprawling swashbuckler that delivers its diversions in grand, uncomplicated fashion.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
The sword fighting is well done and Auteuil is a goofy pleasure.
Jason Best, Movie Talk
A dashing hero, dastardly villain and winsome distressed damsel, not to mention a melodramatic plot, thrilling sword fights and high-spirited comedy - all the elements you need to fashion the perfect swashbuckler.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It was too silly and formulaic to get my undivided attention.
Marty Mapes, Movie Habit
For both the artsy foreign-film crowd and the blue-collar action-movie fans
Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone, TheMovieChicks.com
Touché!
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion
Vastly enjoyable--a stylish, affectionate, old-fashioned swashbuckler...staged with such elan that the result is completely winning.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Turns out to be a nifty swashbuckler whose plot easily could have been lifted from a number of Douglas Fairbanks silent pictures.
Anita Schmaltz, Metro Times (Detroit, MI)
In the spirit of Voltaire and Molière, On Guard volleys great wit and deadly gestures in a milieu of lush apparel, landscapes, captivating music and 18th-century lacy sleeves.

Read all 13 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Stephen M

As someone who doesn't make enough effort to track down the movies he'd really like to see, and who rarely troubles to watch anything a second time, the fact that I've now seen Le Bossu three times - having actively hunted for it on two of those three… More
As someone who doesn't make enough effort to track down the movies he'd really like to see, and who rarely troubles to watch anything a second time, the fact that I've now seen Le Bossu three times - having actively hunted for it on two of those three occasions(!) - must mean that I'm rather fond of it. Yes, some of the plot developments take a little swallowing, the love story is kind of kinky and the film never quite recovers from the loss of Vincent Perez, but it's romantic to a fault, the period recreation is exquisite, the performances are delightful and there's literally an exciting twist or turn every five or so minutes. What I admire most about Le Bossu, however, is that it's a textbook example of that seemingly effortless French lightness of touch which Hollywood invariably translates into indigestible stodge. Daniel Auteuil is wonderful here.
Stella D

outlandish but loads of fun. the kind of film i thought they didn't make anymore: swashbuckling in grand style!
Arash X

Fun to watch & nothing more