On Guard

Le bossu

The swordplay never ends in this dazzling, Dumas-like adventure of conspiracy and revenge, set around 1700 and presented here in its seventh filmed incarnation, directed by French New Wave titan Philippe de Broca (That Man from Rio).

Daniel Auteuil plays Legardere, a callow swordsman who becomes friend to and bodyguard of the Duke of Nevers (Vincent Perez). When the latter is assassinated by his scheming cousin, Gonzague (Fabrice Luchini), Nevers's daughter, Aurore (Marie Gillain), is left in the care of Legardere, who raises her within the protective camouflage of a traveling troupe of actors. Years later, back in Paris, Legardere exacts a complicated retribution under Gonzague's nose, determined to give Aurore the life and inheritance she deserves.

Nominated for 8 Cesar Awards, including Best Actor (Daniel Auteuil), Best Actress (Marie Gillain) and Best Film. Nominated for Best Film not in the English Language at the BAFTA Awards

"A big, gorgeous, sprawling swashbuckler that delivers its diversions in grand, uncomplicated fashion." - Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle