On Guard (1997)

Synopsis: This superb swashbuckler stars Daniel Auteuil as Legardere, a swordsman in 18th-century France who befriends his fellow fencing student, the dashing Duke de Nevers (Vincent Perez), only to wind up on the run and accused of his murder.... This superb swashbuckler stars Daniel Auteuil as Legardere, a swordsman in 18th-century France who befriends his fellow fencing student, the dashing Duke de Nevers (Vincent Perez), only to wind up on the run and accused of his murder. Nevers' villainous cousin (Fabrice Luchini) has orchestrated the killing, and is now after the Duke's infant child, Aurore, who is rescued and raised by Legardere. The years pass and Aurore grows into a ravishing beauty (played by Marie Gillain), who has inherited her father's skill with a sword, and, controversially, developed more than just a daughterly love for her protector. Sworn to avenge the Duke's death and restore Aurore's rightful title, Legardere undertakes a daring scheme of retribution and revenge. Like a great old novel (it's adapted from LE BOSSU by Paul Feval) the film grips one's attention firmly from beginning to end, with Auteuil a dashing Fairbanks-esque hero, Luchini a most hissable villain, and Gillain a damsel worth dying for. Sumptuous photography lovingly captures the epic sets and breathtaking outdoor locations without ever distracting from character, plot, or pace. [More]

Starring: Daniel Auteuil, Fabrice Luchini, Vincent Perez, Marie Gillain

Starring: Daniel Auteuil, Fabrice Luchini, Vincent Perez, Marie Gillain, Sacha Bourdo, Claire Nebout, Philippe Noiret, Didier Pain, Renato Scarpa, Jacques Sereys, Jean-François Stévenin, James-Spencer Thieree

Director: Phillippe De Broca

Director: Phillippe De Broca
Screenwriter: Phillippe De Broca, Jean Cosmos, Jerome Tonnerre
Producer: Patrick Godeau
Composer: Philippe Sarde
Studio: Empire Pictures

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