Epic retelling of the Dumas tale, like they don’t make ‘em any more. Full of huge sets, colourful locations and exciting derring-do. The epic sword-fights, often involving multiple combatants, are beautifully choreographed and masterfully shot in single takes with a roving camera that puts you in the heart of the action. Plot and characterisation take a while to settle down – sometimes it seems there’s too much going on – but you’ll be increasingly drawn to the drama, with time even for some unexpectedly intimate moments later on. It’s no spoiler to say that it ends on a cliffhanger… and watch for a further surprise during the end-credits… Bring on Parte Deux.
FILM & REVIEW Does the world need another musketeer’s movie - on the basis of this yes it does. Having grown up on the beloved Dick Lester films with its razor sharp wit….this is a more sombre , subdued version but still very good. It generally follows the story of the book with palace intrigue with Richelieu , the Duke of Buckingham and the Queens necklace with a couple of minor tweaks. Cassell’s Athos gets framed for murder and there is an assassination attempt on the King but overall it’s the much loved story with Civil as the dashing D’artangnan with Koudri as a much fiestier Constance and Eva Green playing M’ilady with considerable relish. It looks tremendous (although are a few too many night scenes where it’s hard to work out what is going on) and Porthos and Aremis have very small parts - hopefully they will get more screen time when the second part comes out later this year - 4/5
Seen so many three musketeers films over the years but this was easily the best. Being in French (subtitles) was essential. The action is shot with great pace and excitement. There are no corny bits. The grime of the times comes through. Presented as ‘part one’ I relish the ‘part two sequel’. Again as with these blu ray films do try and watch on the best sound system you can as the sound is quite something especially in the latter cathedral marriage scenes.