TeenzTen
An action-packed slog
ChicDragon
It's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.
Rio Hayward
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
Nicole
I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.
paid in full
Note: this movie was viewed in its original version, french language.This movie was awsome.
The story never has a dull moment.
The villains are great and the good guys play their roles well.
It is different from american movies in a good way.
It has romance, vengeance and loyalty as themes...and also a lot of action.
You will be pleased.
writers_reign
... that this will go down well with Errol Flynn aficionados or indeed with anyone who enjoys a good romp. In one respect it's good old fashioned melodrama in the Sandy Dumas Vic Hugo tradition with evil plotters, disguises, circus performers and, of course, costume. Daniel Auteuil is not the first name that springs to mind when thinking 'swashbuckler' but he acquits himself excellently as did Depardieu in Cyrano de Bergerac and Vincent Perez (who was also in Cyrano) is not far behind. Fabrice Luchini is also in good form as the scheming nephew determined to inherit no matter over whose dead body. Finally we must add Marie Gillain in an early appearance as daughter turned lover (don't ask, just go see). All in all a very fine divertissment.
N-J-Tomecko
Le Bossu was a purchase I stumbled upon while looking at other films on Amazon. Reading the reviews there convinced me to give it a shot and, given my slight predilection to period pieces and a good sword fight, I was willing to take a chance. It is, without doubt, one of the best "impulse buys" I have ever made.The film, as others have mentioned is sharp, witty and paced to perfection. Without going too much into the plot (others have already done so) I wanted to add my 2 cents worth on what I consider some of the film's highlights.La Botte de Nevers (The Nevers Attack). Although, as pointed out in another comment, a fair fencer would likely have no problem countering this move, I would raise two points of note. First, the attack used in this film version is significantly more believable and cinematically enjoyable than other versions of the "Lagardere" story, or many other modern films with sword-play. Secondly, in the film it is pointed out that "confusing the opponent/deception" plays a crucial role in the success of the move. This suggests that it is the move's lack of conventionality that may be the source of its success against fencers all too accustomed to the, albeit skillful, established fencing patterns.The Louisiana stock-market manipulation. Having a background in business, I greatly enjoyed the style, verve and panache with which this subject was handled. It could so easily have become overly intricate, dull or a side-note to the story. Not so here, playing a central role to the latter stages of the film that maintains the overall pace and joyful exuberance of the rest of the film. It was a great pleasure to see the subject matter directed with such flair and sense of fun.The humour throughout. This film offers up a feast of wit, riposte and tongue-in-cheek, while maintaining it's focus as a swashbuckling adventure. This can be a tricky balancing act, but De Broca manages it with great skill.Daniel Auteuil. He is wonderful throughout, bringing a warmth, charm and, when necessary, seriousness to the role.I highly recommend this film to anyone who likes period films, swashbucklers or just a genuinely good time.
Deusvolt
I first mistook Daniel Auteuil for Gerard Depardieu. The French, it seems, have a predilection for unhandsome actors the likes of Yves Montand and Jean Paul Belmondo. But I am not complaining. I like them because they are so credible.I highly recommend this movie if you liked Scaramouche, Cyrano de Bergerac, The Three Musketeers and other movies featuring dazzling rapier swordplay. The wonderful scenery, excellent choice of locations, intricate props and background really brings you back to France in the 1700s.A nice American connection is made when the villain Gonzague is shown to be selling shareholdings in a land venture in Mississippi which at the time was still in French hands. The armsmasters, fencing instructors and stuntmen did a wonderful job. The "Nevers attack," however, is dubious. A trained fencer can easily foil it.Did you feel like giving the Duke of Nevers a scuff on the head for being so careless with his wealth and his life? But there are real people like that.At times, the plot and dialog become maudlin perhaps as a sop to the ladies who would have to watch the movie with swordplay enthusiasts.