This 2003 remake of a popular 1952 French film follows the original's plot quite closely, except that it adds one more villain (a black-clad traitor) for Fanfan to battle at the end, while the role of the army colonel who is also trying to win Adeline's heart is reduced (a change that works pretty well, in my opinion). It also both more satirical and more modernized that the original movie (the fight scenes are more intense, and even include some distinctly post-Matrix-era flips in the air). A handsome production, beautifully photographed with warm colors, this remake is about on a par with the original. Vincent Perez and Penelope Cruz are worthy successors of Gerard Phillipe and Gina Lollobrigida. **1/2 out of 4.
Plot summary
In this 2003 remake of the classic 1952 French film, Fanfan la Tulipe is a swashbuckling lover who is tricked into joining the army of King Louis XV by Adeline La Franchise, who tells Fanfan that by doing so, he will eventually marry one of the king's daughters.
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Acceptable remake
Flan – Flan (dvd)
I can't say that this movie is a failure but it didn't catch me.
Yet, everything was set for a great moment:
- exceptional cast with special mentions for mr Bourdon (a very naive King of France) and ms Cruz, whose dedication is unique (speak french phonetically, not right but in a funny way). - superb live locations in real old-times towns - excellent wardrobe for a historical movie in Old Regime - a director offering energy & rhythm in his works
But, the result is soporific.
Maybe because it's a remake and there never the same creative impulse as in an original work (you already know where you come from & where you aim) ? Hardly, the first movie is dated from the 50's and not much in the new generation can make a comparison.
the deepest setback comes truly from the script: there's no passion in the story or the dialogs, so the pictures can be perfect but they are void of humanity... Wanting things to be too polished can bring to lose the shining.. Here's a example....
great swashbuckler
This new version of a favorite classic was a great swashbuckler - lots of romance, lots of adventure and excitement galore. Vincent Perez was handsome and energetic... a perfect romantic hero. Penelope Cruz was beautiful and feisty - a perfect romantic heroine. The crowd in the cinema was especially enthusiastic when we went -some viewers we know went to see it several times. The period costumes were wonderful, and certainly the equal of earlier versions. The photography was also well done - the French countryside has never looked so wonderful! Knowledge of French is definitely helpful, as the jokes might be lost on those who don't truly understand the language.
Loved it so much I bought it!