Young, headstrong D'Artgnan leaves his rural roots and heads to Paris to become a musketeer. Attacked and left for dead, he recovers and in looking for those that attacked him falls foul of 3 musketeers Porthos, Aramis and Athos, who all challenge him to a duel for his insolence. However, instead he helps them in a fight of their own and becomes their firm friend, falls in love and becomes embroiled in an adventure to stop the evil Cardinal Richelieu growing his power base at court, starting with a betrayal of the queen.
Given that the story is French, it is a bit strange that there hasn't been a French version for over 60 years, but enjoyably this has put that right. We are rather used to our Three Musketeer stories being rather light hearted pieces of derring do and usually bordering on straight comedy eg the glorious Richard Lester versions from the seventies. This version - part 2 is to follow - is far more serious and rather more determined to stay loyal to the book and its tone. It is noticeably more serious and darker than previous adaptations, albeit flecked with bits of humour, but this shouldn't put you off. There is of course a strong story here which here has yielded many exciting and well staged set pieces set amongst some glorious French backdrops. Enjoyably, but more serious than usual piece of swashbuckling.
Given that the story is French, it is a bit strange that there hasn't been a French version for over 60 years, but enjoyably this has put that right. We are rather used to our Three Musketeer stories being rather light hearted pieces of derring do and usually bordering on straight comedy eg the glorious Richard Lester versions from the seventies. This version - part 2 is to follow - is far more serious and rather more determined to stay loyal to the book and its tone. It is noticeably more serious and darker than previous adaptations, albeit flecked with bits of humour, but this shouldn't put you off. There is of course a strong story here which here has yielded many exciting and well staged set pieces set amongst some glorious French backdrops. Enjoyably, but more serious than usual piece of swashbuckling.