Le Bossu (On Guard) (1997)
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87% of critics liked it
(31 reviews) -
70% of users liked it
(1,155 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
- Directed By
- Philippe de Broca
- Written By
- Philippe de Broca, Phillippe De Broca, Jean Cosmos, Jerome Tonnerre
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1997 Wide
- Studio
- Empire Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Doris N. Truong, Dallas Morning News
Sometimes, nothing satisfies like old-fashioned swashbuckling. And in this regard, On Guard delivers.
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Wesley Morris, Boston Globe
Despite its postdated irrelevance and its dopey title, this Daniel Auteuil vehicle is ludicrous fun.
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Allison Benedikt, Chicago Tribune
An awkward and indigestible movie.
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John Monaghan, Detroit Free Press
It's a tale well told and nearly irresistible.
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Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle
A big, gorgeous, sprawling swashbuckler that delivers its diversions in grand, uncomplicated fashion.
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Cast
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Daniel Auteuil
as Legardere
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Fabrice Luchini
as Gonzague
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Vincent Perez
as Nevers
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Marie Gillain
as Aurore
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Yann Collette
as Peyrolles
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Jean-François Stévenin
as Cocardasse
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Didier Pain
as Passepoil
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Claire Nebout
as Blanche
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Philippe Noiret
as Philippe d'Orleans
- Charlie Nelson
- Jacques Sereys
- Ludovica Tinghi
- Renato Scarpa
