‘The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan’, by Martin Bourboulon, is one of the best versions, a historical adventure film, not hysterical, without respite.
I admit that I have a special weakness for practically all the film versions of the great Alexandre Dumas classic, from Fred Niblo’s 1921 move to madness just short of steampunk by Paul WS Anderson from 2011, the latest adaptation, going through the classics of George Sidney and Richard Lester or the almost youthful one by Stephen Herek. But of course, when the French take the lead, it is something else. They take it more to heart. Because ‘The Three Musketeers’ are a national glory. And you have to act accordingly. As in the canonical version directed by Bernard Borderie in 1961, undoubtedly the most faithful, Bourboulon has divided his adaptation into two installments, and if he takes more liberties than his predecessor, he has not for that reason renounced the ‘France brand’: Historical rigor, exquisite setting (albeit on the dark side) and great spectacle, without losing sight of an almost perfect balance between action, romance, political intrigue, epic and humorous touches.
The result is, in view of the first installment, one of the best versions, a historical adventure film, not hysterical, without respite. Despite some debatable decisions (to dispense with Rochefort and Planchet), most of the original adventures remain intact, the action scenes, once their immersive nature is assumed, are compelling, and the greater emphasis on political intrigues and courtesans endows the film with its own personality, very much in keeping with the letter and spirit of Dumas. And then, of course, there’s the cast. All the actors chosen are perfect, but it is It is obvious that Vincent Cassel was born to be Athos, as much as Eva Green was born to be Milady. Together, they steal a good part of the movie. In short, with its discreet touches of updating, its respectful variations and its spectacular production design and mise-en-scene, our neighbors show that, in the midst of so much social drama and good comedy, they still know how to take care of their classics. I wish we could say the same.
For lovers of the French-style historical adventure of yesterday and today
DATA SHEET
Address: martin bourboulon Distribution: Francois Civil, Eva Green, Vincent Cassel, Romain Duris Country: France Year: 2023 Release date: 14–4-2023 Gender: Adventure Script: Matthieu Delaporte, Alexandre de La Patellière Duration: 121 min.
Synopsis: D’Artagnan, an intrepid young man, is presumed dead after trying to save a young woman from being kidnapped. When he arrives in Paris, he tries by all means to find his attackers. However, he is unaware that the search for him will lead him to the heart of a war in which the future of France is at stake. Together with Athos, Porthos and Aramis, three brave musketeers of the king, D’Artagnan faces the dark machinations of Cardinal Richelieu.
Source: Fotogramas
Emily Jhon is a product and service reviewer at Gossipify, known for her honest evaluations and thorough analysis. With a background in marketing and consumer research, she offers valuable insights to readers. She has been writing for Gossipify for several years and has a degree in Marketing and Consumer Research from the University of Oxford.