On Guard

Critics Consensus

A spirited, old-fashioned swashbuckler.

87%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 31

78%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 1,191
User image

Watch it now

Movie Info

Its Anglicised title, On Guard!, offers a clue to the subject of this swashbuckling film from French New Wave pioneer Philippe de Broca. Set in the 17th century, Daniel Auteuil stars as an ace swordsman caught up in the rivalry between aristocrats Fabrice Luchini and Vincent Perez, saddled with a baby he must guard with his life to ensure that an inheritance goes to the right rather than the mighty. Breathtaking swordplay scenes that even Errol Flynn would bow to and enough plot twists and turns to spin the head of the Count of Monte Cristo, the film is joyous entertainment but endowed with a sense of morality and spirit that only someone of de Broca's experience can deliver.

Cast

Daniel Auteuil
as Legardere
Fabrice Luchini
as Gonzague
Vincent Perez (III)
as Nevers
Marie Gillain
as Aurore
Philippe Noiret
as Philippe d'Orleans
Yann Collette
as Peyrolles
Jean-François Stévenin
as Cocardasse
Didier Pain
as Passepoil
Claire Nebout
as Blanche
Charlie Nelson
Jacques Sereys
Renato Scarpa
Ludovica Thingi
Sacha Bourdo
Margot Marguerite
Jean Antolinos
Urbain Cancelier
Simon Doniol-Valcroze
Xavier Doumen
Etienne Draber
Gerard Gros
Francois Levental
Jean Le Rouzic
Thierry Nenez
Jacques Villa
Carla Chaleil-Salmon
Lisa Leroy-Laugier
Louise Koubi
Giula Demont
Eleonore Godeau
Alice Godeau
Laura Asoini
Ayrton Grimaud
View All

Critic Reviews for On Guard

All Critics (31) | Top Critics (15) | Fresh (27) | Rotten (4)

View All Critic Reviews (31)

Audience Reviews for On Guard

  • Nov 26, 2010
    outlandish but loads of fun. the kind of film i thought they didn't make anymore: swashbuckling in grand style!
    Stella D Super Reviewer
  • Nov 26, 2010
    As someone who doesn't make enough effort to track down the movies he'd really like to see, and who rarely troubles to watch anything a second time, the fact that I've now seen <I>Le Bossu</I> three times - having actively hunted for it on two of those three occasions(!) - must mean that I'm rather fond of it. Yes, some of the plot developments take a little swallowing, the love story is kind of kinky and the film never quite recovers from the loss of Vincent Perez, but it's romantic to a fault, the period recreation is exquisite, the performances are delightful and there's literally an exciting twist or turn every five or so minutes. What I admire most about <I>Le Bossu</I>, however, is that it's a textbook example of that seemingly effortless French lightness of touch which Hollywood invariably translates into indigestible stodge. Daniel Auteuil is wonderful here.
    Stephen M Super Reviewer
  • Apr 22, 2009
    Fun to watch & nothing more
    Arash X Super Reviewer
See all Audience reviews

On Guard Quotes

There are no approved quotes yet for this movie.

News & Features