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They are lieutenants when the movie begins and generals of
brigade at its close, but their personalities and fortunes
differ widely as they serve Napoleon Bonaparte.
The intitial duel occurs because D'Hubert informs Feraud
he must face the general for skewering a relative of the mayor
of the town they are billeted in.
After that it's on for young and old every time the pair
meet and the fights themselves are something to behold. They
really are excellently staged and the guys look like they
are going at it full bore.
The superb sound - which counterpoints a sublime flute-dominated
soundtrack with the ringing harshness of blade on blade -
will woo you as much as the beautiful images in front of your
eyes.
The only way for D'Hubert, who fights for duty rather than
for ill feeling, can avoid personal combat is if he stays
away from Feraud, is of a different rank, or the army is at
war.
Unfortunately for him, but luckily for film buffs, that doesn't
happen too often.
Carradine is at his most charming as D'Hubert, although Keitel's
bitter and fiery Feraud is likely to be the character most
remembered. They both are sensational and are backed-up by
a wonderful support cast that includes Tom Conti, Alun Armstrong,
John McEnery, and Diana Quick. Albert Finney does a fine cameo
of Fouche, the arch-survivor, and watch out for Pete Postlethwaite
(who is mentioned in the credits - but I missed during the
viewing).
It is hard to know where to fault this movie - after all
it did win an award at Cannes - other than to say that it
doesn't go for long enough at 96 minutes.
The video transfer is excellent - with superbly toned colours
- although there are a few artefacts.
In a word - stunning.
Conclusion: 90% Extras: 75%.
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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