Everyone knows the story of Cyrano, the unrequited romantic who charms his sweetheart under the guise of another man. The French play by Rostand is skillfully rendered to the screen by director Jean-Paul Rappeneau and most reliably by Gérard Depardieu in the title role, who laments his visage in the most unflattering manner - "My nose, Sir, is enormous!" One has to admire both Cyrano's critical self assessment along with his fortitude in placing himself at the service of Christian de Neuvillette (Vincent Perez),even if it means helping his protégé win the heart of the woman he himself loves.

Not knowing the entire story of the play, I was surprised somewhat by the amount of action and physical violence throughout, as the swordplay involved evokes many of those swashbuckler films of the Forties and Fifties. Cyrano taking on a hundred men at once is more the stuff of modern day action heroes like Schwarzenneger or Stallone. But the story works to enhance Cyrano's reputation as both a hero and a poet, if only Roxane (Anne Brochet) could see him for the person he really was.

The only thing I didn't quite understand was why Cyrano became a target for murder at the end of the story, taking place some fourteen years after the Battle at Arras. Yet even near death, Cyrano maintains the secrecy he had harbored the entire time he provided his protégé with the words to win the Lady Roxane. It's with some measure of recompense that Roxane sees beyond the subterfuge of Cyrano's deceit and admits that she indeed does love him, thus enabling the bard to die most eloquently. Shakespeare himself might have been jealous.

I love films of all kinds, and since liking Gerard Depardieu and being familiar with Rostand's classic play, I knew it was going to be good. But I wasn't expecting it to be this brilliant, I can't think of a film recently that struck me with how beautiful and poignant it was as much as Cyrano De Bergerac did.

There were three major assets that really blew me over. One was how beautifully translated and subtitled it had been, I have not seen subtitles or dialogue this lyrical or poetic in a while. Two was how Cyrano De Bergerac was made. The costume design and scenery are truly sumptuous, as is the cinematography.

Gerard Depardieu's performance is truly exceptional and I don't think he has been better, though Jean De Florette comes close. Depardieu is passionate, witty and very moving. The support cast with Anne Brochet and Vincent Perez particularly notable do a fine job matching him.

Cyrano De Bergerac's story is one that is timeless, and for those who haven't yet seen it, it is most likely to emotionally resonate with you like it did with me. The music is both rousing and quietly understated too.

Overall, I have nothing bad to say about Cyrano De Bergerac, it is the very definition of beauty and poetry on film, complete with an exceptional lead performance. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Cyrano de Bergerac (Gérard Depardieu) is the sharp-tongued large-nosed swashbuckling leader of the guards Cadets de Gascogne. He has unrequited love with his cousin Roxane (Anne Brochet). However, she's infatuated with the handsome new recruit Christian de Neuvillette (Vincent Pérez). Christian is tongue-tied and asks for the help of Cyrano. Cyrano writes romantic letters for Christian to give to Roxane. She falls more in love with Christian. Arrogant nobleman Comte de Guiche (Jacques Weber) is also vying for Roxane and orders the Cadets de Gascogne to fight against the Spaniards. Roxane hurriedly marries Christian. Cyrano risks his life everyday to send letters to Roxane while fighting on the front.

The only missing element from Depardieu's Cyrano de Bergerac is some disdain from other women. He's too confident. He's very much the bully early on. Heck he kills a guy even if it's not all his fault. It's not until he has the meeting with Roxane that the other side of him is revealed. The movie gets much better from then on. Depardieu is able to be more complicated. The movie is generally done on a grand scale. The battle is big and the love story is grand tragedy. Although the ending is a little too melodramatic for modern tastes and way too long.