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Le Bossu [1997]
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RRP: £12.99
Our Price: £27.95 (subject to change)
A stylish, witty French swashbuckler with the great Daniel Auteuil
Review date: 2008-01-25 Rating: 8 out of 10
From the DVD case of the movie under its French title, Le Bossu (The Hunchback), which is more satisfyingly overwrought than I could manage: When his great friend the Duke of Nevers is slain in a dastardly assassination plot by the Count Gonzague, fencing master Lagardere swears he will avenge the Duke's death and take care of the Duke's beloved orphaned daughter, Aurore. Sixteen years later, after secretly hiding with a touring theater group and raising the baby to young womanhood, Lagardere returns to the sumptuous Parisian courts to honor his deadly oath. Disguising himself as Gonzague's hunchback manservant, Lagardere infiltrates the Count's entourage and waits for his moment to strike and triumph over the traitorous forces of evil.
This is a first-rate swashbuckler that takes place in 18th century France. There's great sword play, a strong story, cunning disguises, some effective villains and a terrific acting job by Daniel Auteuil as Lagardere. The other actors are no slouches either, and there is a small but funny and effective part by Phillipe Noiret as an aging and selfishly charming Duke of Orleans.
Auteuil is an extraordinary actor with ordinary looks. Check out his role as Yves Montand's nephew in Jean de Florette and Manon of the Spring, then see him as the captain in The Widow of St. Pierre, then see him in this. Completely different roles and completely believable performances.
Some might be a bit squeamish toward the end at the sight of a 16-year-old crumpet passionately kissing a fortyish man. In this case, the man also has been her guardian and has taken care of her for nearly all of those years...and they live happily ever after. Ah, the French.
The DVD looks great. This is a movie worth getting if you like sword play, wit, heiresses restored to their fortunes and justice winning out.
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Reviews
good old-fashioned swashbuckling
Review date: 2007-12-14 Rating: 10 out of 10
This is, basically, the European equivalentof a kung fu movie. The plot is largely there as an excuse for the swordfights - not in any way deep or even remotely plausible but a lot of fun.
Another reviewer has outlined much of the storyline. The only thing I can add is that there is a characteristically implausible romantic twist.
The fighting is in the old Errol Flynn vein. Not much in the way of martial art credibility but, once again, loads of fun. The central good and bad guys dispense extras a dozen at a time.
That's pretty much it really. A good light-hearted swash-buckler. Sit back and enjoy.
Story Telling Alive and Well
Review date: 2006-10-12 Rating: 10 out of 10
With so many modern film-makers (especially in the US) having forgotten the basics that make a movie interesting (clear and credible plotting, in-depth characterisation, an empathetic protagonist, tension, pace and a satisfying and well-timed ending for example) it is a real joy to find the art of good old fashioned story-telling alive, well, and apparently thriving, in France.
Le Bossu (The Hunchback) is a visual treat - a great, escapist 'Sunday Afternoon' movie, set in colourful 18th century France. Georgeous location photography and sumptuous costumes dress a rich stage, but the focus stays firmly on the characters and the highs and lows of their struggles, especially that of Auteuil's dashing Lagardere (Somewhat misleadingly, the hunchback of the title) as he tries to clear his name, avenge the murder of his friend the Duc de Nevers and care for his orphaned daughter, heiress to the huge fortune stolen by arch villain, the slimy Count Gonzague.
The pace is taughtly kept, the story peppered with swash-buckling sword fights (often hilarious as well as dazzlingly fast) evil plots and cunning counter measures, nail-biting escapes and adrenaline-pumping pursuits. The supply of black-cloaked baddies, all despatched with aplomb by Lagardere, is seemingly endless. But the plot telescopes neatly down to the finale, which arrives with a satisfying sense of inevitability as the tireless hero closes in on the villains.
Cynics would say that this is a fairy-tale, with cartoon-character bad-guys and an impossibly noble hero, whose sword play and just-in time heroics ressemble the impossible coolness of Spaghetti Western leads. But since when did cynics know how to have fun? And this is a hugely enjoyable movie, a great sprawling feast of adventure, action and romance. The story is told with enthusiasm and wit, and the performances, especially the engaging and chameleon-like Auteuil, are superb. His versitility and sheer charm are rivetting. Quelle Homme!
Technically the transfer is excellent, with good picture and excellent surround-sound - especially good on DTS or Pro-Logic II if your player can support these. Subtiltes are in English and are fine. All in all, rich, well-told, superbly performed and great fun.
En Garde!
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Daniel Auteuil
Fabrice Luchini
Jean-Francois Stevenin
Vincent Perez
Marie Gillain
Creators:
Vincent Perez (Primary Contributor)
Daniel Auteuil (Primary Contributor)
Recording label: Pathe Distribution
Manufacturer: Pathe Distribution
EAN: 5060002835159
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 2006-06-12
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 123 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1997
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: French (Original Language)