Did the feature film hit our theaters this Wednesday, December 27th convince the first audience? While it averages 3.2 out of 5 from the press and 3.4 out of 5 from the public, thanks to 113 people* who have rated it so far (including 26 critics), here’s a summary of what viewers think. Matter of honor.
Seven years after filming Alone in Berlin, Swiss actor and filmmaker Vincent Pérez returns to direct, in an honorable venture starring Roshdi Zemm, Doria Tillier, Guillaume Gallien and Damien Bonnard. His 4th feature film this time is set in France and is a period film with a backdrop of dueling and fencing.
The case of honor combines both real and fictional facts. Vincent Perez, who co-wrote the screenplay with Carine Silla, claims he did extensive research to write his notes as accurately as possible. Netizens particularly highlighted the neat sets and costumes and the fencing choreography among the film’s strengths.
They liked it
(4.5/5): “Great mural, best actors, lyricism, rhythm. Cinema, as we like, popular and quality. In short, a great film, flawlessly scripted, found in festival selection and programmed without hesitation. Bravo Vincent Perez and Carine Sylla and all your actors, Roshdi Zem, Dora Tillier, Damien Bonnard, Guillaume Gallien.“
Matilda Neime (4/5):Great movie seen in previews! There’s real research in aesthetics and staging, the battles are brilliantly staged and filmed, and it lets you bring to life a little-known practice in our history! The casting is great and we never get bored!“
Cinemadourg (3/5):Plot wise, I haven’t seen more than 100 minutes of this raunchy Vincent Perez drama. Fencing matches are going very well, we take great care in preparing these matches. I lacked a touch of emotion or excitement to win it outright. A show good enough to end the year with “forgiveness”!“
Find all viewer reviews on AlloCiné
They liked it less or didn’t like it
Simon Bernard (2/5):“A Deed of Honor” could have been a good movie, but by trying to cover too many topics, it falls apart. Focusing on a Feminist Character: It’s a very good idea, but why add a love story, and in particular a seductress story, that undermines Marie-Rose’s independent aura? Setting up brilliant duels and confrontations between a feminist and a sexist macho: nice idea, but why are these two characters suddenly helping each other (on the subject of male disguise) for no reason? It’s kind of a shame.“
traverse1 (2.5/5): “It’s all still pretty vague and the dialogue sounds more literary than natural. Roshdi Zemi is flawless, but she shouldn’t push her talent. (…). What’s worse, in the end, is that we find it a little difficult to say positive things about a film that has a bit of a sword in the water effect, when there was undoubtedly much more to say about this France between the two wars (that’s 1870 and 1914)..”
Americo (0.5/5):I stayed until the end because of the admiration of Roshdi Zem and Guillaume Gallien. Long, boring, sluggish. This is what I finally figured out based on real facts and it seemed completely made up…“
Affair of Honor is currently in theaters.
* Average as of Thursday, December 28, 2023 from ratings and reviews seen on AlloCiné
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
