In association with

Le Bossu [1997]
from Pathe Distribution
starring Vincent Perez, Daniel Auteuil, Marie Gillain, Fabrice Luchini, Jean-Francois Stevenin

Features:

• PAL
• Widescreen

Editorial Review:

This superb swashbuckler stars Daniel Auteuil as Lagardere, 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 Lagardere. Sixteen 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, Lagardere undertakes a daring scheme of retribution and revenge, disguised as a hunchback. 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.

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

• A stylish, witty French swashbuckler with the great Daniel Auteuil
  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... more info

• good old-fashioned swashbuckling
  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... more info

• Story Telling Alive and Well
  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.... more info

Similar Products:

More from Amazon