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Le Hussard sur le toit (1995)

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3 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out Film Guide

1832. Provence is gripped by cholera. Angelo (Martinez), a hussar, flees Austrian assassins determined to stamp out exiled Italian revolutionaries. Although he attempts to help victims with know-how garnered from a doctor, he's almost lynched as a suspected water-poisoner. To cap it all, he meets mysterious Pauline de Théus (Binoche), a woman so brave and loyal that she's prepared to travel the ravaged land alone in search of her husband. The entranced Angelo insists on delaying his return to Italy to accompany her on the quest. But is there hope? Rappeneau's follow-up to Cyrano de Bergerac is a sumptuous costumer adapted from another literary favourite (one of Jean Giono's 'Hussar' novels). He avoids the static pictorialism that afflicts most heritage movies by focusing on dynamic action and using a speedy, kinetic camera and cutting style. Sadly, however, this runs the risk of turning what is clearly intended to be a serious romance into a lusty romp. Binoche's customary gravitas lends the proceedings some emotional depth, while Martinez makes for a handsome, energetic hero. The Provençal villages and landscapes look good (as usual), but in the end there's not enough development, thematic or otherwise, to sustain interest.

Author: GA

Time Out Film Guide

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User reviews of this film

stagnetto said...

Posted on Oct 31 2009 23:02 Thought that this was beautifully filmed with fantastic scenery and great horses (as I am into horses). The two characters portrayed a very pure and believable love story. I really enjoyed this film and hardly noticed that it was quite a bit longer than most films. It also makes you realise that the bird flu is nothing compared to what those poor people were going through then.

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Paul said...

Posted on Jul 10 2009 18:56 Agree with the poster: Not a "lusty romp" at all. Instead, a well-paced, well-acted study of two honorable people thrown together under horrific conditions and whose mutual respect and admiration for one another grows into love. The settings are beautiful and filmed imaginatively. But the subtle work of these two fine performers as they portray the internal struggles of upbringing, duty, honor and love is what makes this film the newest addition to my Top-20 List.

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patricia, brighton said...

Posted on Apr 30 2008 00:43 This is a fast-moving, riveting adventure film showing a time when pestilence spread like wildfire and the panic that ensued when people lived from day to day,expecting death at any time. The two central characters of Pauline (Juliette Binoche) and Angelo (Olivier Martinez) transfix as strong, principled characters with determination to fight for their own causes in spite of the mayhem going on around them. It is not a typical love story as she has a husband she is devoted to and is desperately trying to find, but their life-altering experiences travelling together makes them face their strong bond and gradual love for one another. It is a stirring, breathtaking film with strong performances from Binoche and Martinez. It most certainly does not turn into a "lusty romp" (as per above review) and is brilliantly judged and moving. Certainly in my top ten films.

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