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1. The Horseman on the Roof
$21.99 list($19.99)
2. Cyrano De Bergerac
$50.99 $40.01
3. Bon Voyage
$19.99 list($19.95)
4. Cyrano de Bergerac
$19.99 list($19.98)
5. Cyrano De Bergerac
$19.98 $14.59
6. La Vie de Château

1. The Horseman on the Roof
Director: Jean-Paul Rappeneau
list price: $9.99
our price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 6304343418
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 7198
Average Customer Review: 4.14 out of 5 stars
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan

Amazon.com

Olivier Martinez (Unfaithful, The Chambermaid) plays Angelo, an exceptionally gallant, Italian soldier-in-exile hiding out from his Austrian enemies in rural France, where a cholera epidemic is sweeping the countryside. Helped in a tough spot by a countess (Juliette Binoche), Angelo swears his unyielding protection to her as she searches for her missing husband. The nobler virtues hold sway as Martinez suppresses his own deepening love and desire for the lady, an admirable posture that has ironic consequences when the countess herself becomes deathly ill. Jean-Paul Rappeneau, maker of the ornamental but empty Cyrano de Bergerac, directs this adventure-romance to a nice pitch of vitality and high drama. The two leads establish a great chemistry (they became offscreen lovers and parents), like watching a pair of thoroughbreds running in the same race. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (29)

4-0 out of 5 stars A believeable tale only possible outside of Hollywood
This movie was a rare treat to have seen on the big screen. It showcases Oliver Martinez (Angelo Pardi) and Julliette Binoche (Pauline de Theus) in this engaging tale of romance in the cholera epidemic of 1832.

Rather then get into the specifics of the plot which can be seen in the myriad of other reviews, I want to stress how this movie was only made possible due to the supreme casting by Director Jean-Paul Rappeneau and Producer Rene Cleitman. The choice of Mr. Martinez brought this movie to life. Befroe his death in 1970 Giono said that in the belief of Neo-Realism that the actor be a commoner. While not at that level, Martinez portrays an air that other well known actors are unable to feign.

In addition, Julliette Binoche is able to work with him to the point where we are able to actually see Martinez grow throughout the film. All in all a fantastic watch and the upcoming release on DVD will hopefully bring a few more fans of Rappeneau into the mix.

5-0 out of 5 stars It's lack of love scenes was not a minus
This movie is, first of all, something I don't think could ever be made in America. Why? Because America would want more action and more romance and more of everything that this movie has and "fails to deliver".
I've seen some French movies that were poor and this one doesn't fall into that category. Part of what I liked about this movie was it's simplicity and it's honor. Yes, Olivier Martinez does come across as superhuman as everyone around him succumbs to cholera and he wanders unscatched from every death scene, but it made me keep watching, just to see who this man was and where he came from and what he was supposed to be doing.
I liked the fact that the movie portrayed Juliette Binoche and Olivier Martinez's infatuation in such a simple, uncomplicated way. I liked the ending of the movie and how they kept everything open. It was nice to see people on the silver screen facing "real life rejection" as well, which is something few American films fail to portray, if the candy coated glossed over version of the powerful psychological film "Abre Los Ojos" is any example. Tom, I'm willing to just pretend that didn't happen.
Anyway, you should watch this film, if only to sit there and grind your teeth and be frustrated over it. At least you are grinding your teeth over something.

5-0 out of 5 stars Very beautiful
This is one of my favorite foreign movies. I won't reveal anything about the plot, I'll leave it to you. I will say that some parts are slightly predictable though.

The acting is superb. I've always loved Juliette Binoche (Chocolat, The English Patient American movies) and I met Oliver Martnez through this movie. Both portray their roles amazingly and delicately, adding something great to a slightly dull script.

The scenery is absolutely stunning, enough said. This is well worth seeing, if you don't mind subtitles. (I don't at all ^^)

4-0 out of 5 stars Good Old Fashioned Adventure--a la Francaise
Olivier Martinez has been called the French Brad Pitt. How about Juliette Binoche as the French Julia Roberts. Or is that not saying enough in either case?

Well, whatever your opinions of the actors in general, they are perfectly cast in this corker of a romantic adventure. Perfect chemistry between the two stars adds to what already a good, old fashioned high spirited adventure film. They don't make 'em like this anymore--either in this country or in France.

In fact, when you think of current French cinema, you tend to come up with charming, but self-consciously post-modern works like AMELIE or L'AUBERGE ESPAGNOLE. That kind of nod-and-a-wink filmmaking has its place, and I have nothing but affection for those films, but there's something about good old school stroytelling that can be utterly enthralling. You're actually allowed to get caught up in the tale and to forget that you're in a cinema (or your living room) watching images on film (or videotape or DVD or whatever). What a concept!

I am unfamiliar with most of director Rappeneau's work--although I have heard good things about his version of CYRANO and the celebrated ZAZIE DANS LE METRO. He certainly has a flair for historical romance, so I am now eager to see his treatment of the Edmond de Rostand classic. Or almost anything else he's done for that matter. He appears to have a great visual sense (or knows enough to seek out cinematographers who do). It's hard to think of a more beautifully shot film.

Like most films, HORSEMAN ON THE ROOF is not for everyone. But for lovers of foreign films in general--and of real romantic adventure in particular--this film delivers the goods.

2-0 out of 5 stars Horseman could have been a contender
Horseman on the Roof is a beautifully filmed movie. The acting is good; the script, not so good; the choleric, two-minute transformations from healthy to "Dawn of the Dead" puplesque, ridiculous. The plot is rather predictable and mundane. I'm a big fan of foreign films, including the French ones. Overall, this one disappointingly misses the mark. There are, however, several action scenes that are quite good and the cinematography is outstanding. ... Read more


2. Cyrano De Bergerac
Director: Jean-Paul Rappeneau
list price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 6302176778
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 22499
Average Customer Review: 4.77 out of 5 stars
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan

Reviews (56)

5-0 out of 5 stars Gerard Depardieu stunning as Cyrano
I've always deeply loved the character of Cyrano de Bergerac and was already familiar with Edmond Rostand's play before I watched this wonderful movie. This superb version directed by Jean-Paul Rappeneau brings to the screen the story of Cyrano's unrequited love for his lovely cousin Roxane with all its tragedy and depth. In a certain way one could say that with Cyrano another version of the Beauty and the Beast story is played out, but a truly great one.

Gerard Depardieu is one of my favourite actors and he absolutely rises to the challenge of playing Cyrano's character. Which is an eerie sensation for the viewer, because Depardieu completely becomes Cyrano! He brilliantly portrays the complexity and many facets of this character thus giving us an unforgettable cinematic experience. I also loved Anne Brochet's witty and tender performance as Roxane, the lady of Cyrano's heart. Further an excellent supporting cast here as well.

A truly fast paced, excellent, poignant movie, with great costumes and a beautiful music score. Directed with intelligence, filled with many unforgettable scenes and sparkling wit.

But first and foremost of all, it's Gerard Depardieu's superlative performance which carries this version of Cyrano for me!

4-0 out of 5 stars The definitve version of the Edmond Rostand play.
Cyrano De Bergerac has been performed countless times on film and stage, but no actor brings the character to life more so than Gerard Depardieu. All the things I loved about the play since I read it in junior high, have been transformed into movie magic. Cyrano is a heroic tale of a man who has been cursed with a large nose, but blessed with the wit and sensitivity of a poet. More importantly though, its a love story. A story about a 17th century Gascony cadet, who cherishes words and wit, excells to be the best at everything, and strikes fear into the hearts of men who dare stare at his nose. He is in love with his cousin Roxanne, who to has a great love for words and wit. However, she is in love with another cadet named Christian, who is handsome, also in love with Roxanne, yet tongue-tied. Cyrano, feeling fate is against him, decides to help Christian become a mighty hero of romance. With Cyrano's words Roxanne falls deeper in love with Christian. So in love that she forgets how handsome he is and now loves him for his soul. Cyrano, knowing this, and Christian also knowing that Cyrano is madly in love with Roxanne, decides to tell all to Roxanne. But again fate denies Cyrano the chance, for Christian dies during a siege by the Spanish army. With Christian dead how can Roxanne believe Cyrano? Roxanne goes into mouring and not until 14 years later, she finally realizes that it was Cyrano's words and soul that captivated her. She passionatley confesses her love to him, but alas fate mocks Cyrano again for death is but a moment away. The film is acted with such grace, that you feel the characters words in your heart. Filmed in beautifull 17th century French settings with great attention to detail and a score that would make John Williams envy. Its easy to see why this version is the definitive version of the famous play. It would be a 5 star DVD if it were not for the lack of special features.

5-0 out of 5 stars Magnifique!
This film was absolutely brilliant; it was beautifully shot, superbly cast, and the acting . . . suffice it to say that if you've only seen Depardieu in garbage like Green Card, you've no idea how gifted this man is. He is amazing, and the final scene is just something that has to be seen; it can't be described. For my money, you can never get too much Vincent Perez (again, stick to his French films), and Jean-Claude Petit's score is breathtaking; it's available on CD, but only as an import.

5-0 out of 5 stars "my elegance is interior"
Sumptuous and poetic, this is a fabulous telling of Edmond Rostand's blank verse play, adapted for the screen by director Jean-Paul Rappeneau, with English subtitles by Anthony Burgess that are superb; This is not only a great film to watch, but a great one to read.
Gerard Depardieu is perfect as Cyrano. One of the most versatile actors alive, here he gives a many-layered, robust performance, with lots of sword fights, lots of wit, and lots of heart.
A winner of numerous international awards, "Cyrano" was a lavish production by French filmmaking standards, and we get authentic looking costumes and sets depicting 17th century Paris (the theater, with its chandeliers full of candles, is an amazing re-creation), cinematography that is a visual delight by Pierre Lhomme, and a lovely score by Jean-Claude Petit.

Roxane, played by the stunning Anne Brochet, is in love with Christian's form and Cyrano's soul, so typical of women throughout the ages, ever yearning for "the perfect man", both sensitive poet, as well as impetuous lover; she goads Christian into speaking and writing his love for her, and does not realize it is Cyrano who is responding. Vincent Perez is excellent as Christian...this part was what put him on the cinematic map, which he cemented two years later as the romantic lead in the extraordinary "Indochine", another film that should not be missed.
This is a film that has many marvelous aspects, but two that tower over everything, the language, and Depardieu. Total running time is 2 hours and 17 minutes.

2-0 out of 5 stars Disappointment in long-awaited release.
I'd been waiting years for this to be released on DVD, it's a fabulous movie, my absolute favorite adaptation of the original play - however, MGM messed up.

This edition is a matted letterbox, which means that it's actually a 4:3 TV image with the full image reduced to fit on the screen of a traditional TV screen and has black mattes on the top and bottom.

However, it should have been presented in anamorphic widescreen - which gives the same presentation on a 4:3 TV but also fits a widescreen television set.

As it is, it will not display properly on a widescreen tv - the image is either stretched out (so that everyone and everything is flat) or is enlarged beyond the border of the tv screen - thus cutting off the subtitles! My wide television has 6 separate display formats but I cannot format a full image on my screen that is not warped or severely cropped. Extremely disappointing.

I'm hoping for a new true anamorphic widescreen edition to be released eventually, but at least I have the film for now. ... Read more


3. Bon Voyage
Director: Jean-Paul Rappeneau
list price: $50.99
our price: $50.99
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: B0002F6AHK
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 38359
Average Customer Review: 3.88 out of 5 stars
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan

Reviews (8)

5-0 out of 5 stars entertaining movie
this is one of the best movies i've seen so far this year. i hope ebert & roeper don't forget about it. has some of the best cinematography i've seen in a movie in a while. this is a really funny well-made movie.

5-0 out of 5 stars enjoyed it
i was pleasantly surprised when i saw this film. it's a world war 2 comedy\drama in french that really entertains its audience. one of the better films i've seen so far this year. i hope ebert & roeper don't forget it.

4-0 out of 5 stars Screwball romance worried by the rumble of approaching Nazis
An early, typical scene in "Bon Voyage" takes place in a Parisian jail in June, 1940.

A public defender has been called up for military service but tells his client it's no biggie, he'll be back on the case in three weeks.

"Not even Hitler wants war," the lawyer says. "He'll make peace. You'll see."

Ahh, nothing like the sound of famous last words, which happens to be one of this movie's many specialties.

But at least the onset of World War II helps the client, Frederic (Gregori Derangere), escape from prison. Fred's a hapless but occasionally dashing writer who's been falsely accused of murder, thanks to his ex, the silky, crystal-eyed gold-digger Viviane (Isabelle Adjani). Viviane hitchhikes from one sugar daddy to the next and has fled to Bordeaux with a cabinet minister (Gerard Depardieu), and with Frederic not far behind.

Once they reach the city, which is in chaos, they become entangled in a plot involving a rickety physicist, his endlessly resourceful assistant, an amiable ex-con, a shady reporter and several bottles of heavy water that absolutely, positively must not fall into the hands of the Germans.

Despite an obvious debt to "The Third Man," "Casablanca" and Tintin comics, "Bon Voyage" is actually more like a vintage screwball comedy that grows increasingly worried by the rumble of approaching Nazis. At times, the movie has maybe a few too many spies, politicians and scientists running in and out of the plot, but that's also part of its charm, especially when the heroes rise above their own concerns and work toward a greater good.

The movie was directed by Jean-Paul Rappeneau, whose previous film was 1995's fantastic "The Horseman on the Roof." That, too, was a love story set against the sprawling backdrop of war, with characters leaping from one tense situation right into another. "Bon Voyage" operates in more of a minor key but still offers a nostalgic ode to movies, and wars, that were seen in black and white.

3-0 out of 5 stars Mildly amusing
The story features a large cast of intriguing characters representing multiple walks of life in France before and during the occupation, whose lives intersect in sometimes comical, and sometimes lethal ways.

The film's recipe tosses together a film starlet, an aspiring novelist, a government minister, a sexual predator, a band of thieves, an elderly nuclear physicist, his young and beautiful assistant, and a traitor who is spying for the Germans. Each of these characters brings a different story plot, resulting in a mix that touches on romance, comedy, intrigue, politics, suspence, and farce.

The result contains some mildly amusing scenes and some mildly suspenseful scenes. The film maintains an entertaining, driving pace, simply because so much is happening. The actors are consistently delightful, and their characters intriguing. However, I found it difficult to care much for any character, as the film did not spend enough time with any one of them for us to learn what drove them. It seemed as though the director intended them to be cardboard cutouts set in a toy theater.

The production quality is outstanding, with gorgeous period sets, costumes and lighting.

3-0 out of 5 stars Resistance
It is a distinct pleasure to see Isabelle Adjani and Gerard Depardieu in a romantic film once again in which neither is forced to chase an Ex around the world or discover America. All they have to do here is look good and be themselves: which is quite a lot if you are Adjani (looking radiant) and Depardieu (looking slim and handsome in his rugged way).
Unfortunately they are stuck in Jean-Paul Rappeneau's "Bon Voyage," a beautiful though mindless enterprise, if there ever was one.
Beautiful and mindless is ok if it is well written and well thought out neither of which "Bon Voyage" is. (think "Two Week's Notice," "The Banger Sisters" or "The Matrix Reloaded" for that matter)
The film is set in the 1940's German occupied France and the design is flawless but ultimately "Bon Voyage" is a big, beautifully wrapped gift with a giant satin bow that when opened up and examined reveals nothing of substance. In fact it reveals nothing at all. ... Read more


4. Cyrano de Bergerac
Director: Jean-Paul Rappeneau
list price: $19.95
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 079289975X
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 61042
Average Customer Review: 4.77 out of 5 stars
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan

Amazon.com

Director Jean-Paul Rappeneau and cowriter Jean-Claude Carriere had the brilliant idea of casting France's most lovably vulnerable hunk, the massive Gerard Depardieu, in one of French literature's meatiest roles: the sword-wielding poet Cyrano. Equipped with a massive nose and a heart to match, Depardieu soars as the heart-broken soldier who must lend his words of love to another man to woo the woman he yearns for. Rappeneau spared no expense in taking this Edmond Rostand play into realistic locations for the battle scenes in the second act, making the film as exciting as it is romantic and funny. Depardieu attacks the role in great gulps, consuming all the oxygen in any room he enters. Macho but sensitive, he creates a larger-than-life Cyrano, whose wrenching sadness at the lack of interest from his lady love will have you reaching for the tissues. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (56)

5-0 out of 5 stars Gerard Depardieu stunning as Cyrano
I've always deeply loved the character of Cyrano de Bergerac and was already familiar with Edmond Rostand's play before I watched this wonderful movie. This superb version directed by Jean-Paul Rappeneau brings to the screen the story of Cyrano's unrequited love for his lovely cousin Roxane with all its tragedy and depth. In a certain way one could say that with Cyrano another version of the Beauty and the Beast story is played out, but a truly great one.

Gerard Depardieu is one of my favourite actors and he absolutely rises to the challenge of playing Cyrano's character. Which is an eerie sensation for the viewer, because Depardieu completely becomes Cyrano! He brilliantly portrays the complexity and many facets of this character thus giving us an unforgettable cinematic experience. I also loved Anne Brochet's witty and tender performance as Roxane, the lady of Cyrano's heart. Further an excellent supporting cast here as well.

A truly fast paced, excellent, poignant movie, with great costumes and a beautiful music score. Directed with intelligence, filled with many unforgettable scenes and sparkling wit.

But first and foremost of all, it's Gerard Depardieu's superlative performance which carries this version of Cyrano for me!

4-0 out of 5 stars The definitve version of the Edmond Rostand play.
Cyrano De Bergerac has been performed countless times on film and stage, but no actor brings the character to life more so than Gerard Depardieu. All the things I loved about the play since I read it in junior high, have been transformed into movie magic. Cyrano is a heroic tale of a man who has been cursed with a large nose, but blessed with the wit and sensitivity of a poet. More importantly though, its a love story. A story about a 17th century Gascony cadet, who cherishes words and wit, excells to be the best at everything, and strikes fear into the hearts of men who dare stare at his nose. He is in love with his cousin Roxanne, who to has a great love for words and wit. However, she is in love with another cadet named Christian, who is handsome, also in love with Roxanne, yet tongue-tied. Cyrano, feeling fate is against him, decides to help Christian become a mighty hero of romance. With Cyrano's words Roxanne falls deeper in love with Christian. So in love that she forgets how handsome he is and now loves him for his soul. Cyrano, knowing this, and Christian also knowing that Cyrano is madly in love with Roxanne, decides to tell all to Roxanne. But again fate denies Cyrano the chance, for Christian dies during a siege by the Spanish army. With Christian dead how can Roxanne believe Cyrano? Roxanne goes into mouring and not until 14 years later, she finally realizes that it was Cyrano's words and soul that captivated her. She passionatley confesses her love to him, but alas fate mocks Cyrano again for death is but a moment away. The film is acted with such grace, that you feel the characters words in your heart. Filmed in beautifull 17th century French settings with great attention to detail and a score that would make John Williams envy. Its easy to see why this version is the definitive version of the famous play. It would be a 5 star DVD if it were not for the lack of special features.

5-0 out of 5 stars Magnifique!
This film was absolutely brilliant; it was beautifully shot, superbly cast, and the acting . . . suffice it to say that if you've only seen Depardieu in garbage like Green Card, you've no idea how gifted this man is. He is amazing, and the final scene is just something that has to be seen; it can't be described. For my money, you can never get too much Vincent Perez (again, stick to his French films), and Jean-Claude Petit's score is breathtaking; it's available on CD, but only as an import.

5-0 out of 5 stars "my elegance is interior"
Sumptuous and poetic, this is a fabulous telling of Edmond Rostand's blank verse play, adapted for the screen by director Jean-Paul Rappeneau, with English subtitles by Anthony Burgess that are superb; This is not only a great film to watch, but a great one to read.
Gerard Depardieu is perfect as Cyrano. One of the most versatile actors alive, here he gives a many-layered, robust performance, with lots of sword fights, lots of wit, and lots of heart.
A winner of numerous international awards, "Cyrano" was a lavish production by French filmmaking standards, and we get authentic looking costumes and sets depicting 17th century Paris (the theater, with its chandeliers full of candles, is an amazing re-creation), cinematography that is a visual delight by Pierre Lhomme, and a lovely score by Jean-Claude Petit.

Roxane, played by the stunning Anne Brochet, is in love with Christian's form and Cyrano's soul, so typical of women throughout the ages, ever yearning for "the perfect man", both sensitive poet, as well as impetuous lover; she goads Christian into speaking and writing his love for her, and does not realize it is Cyrano who is responding. Vincent Perez is excellent as Christian...this part was what put him on the cinematic map, which he cemented two years later as the romantic lead in the extraordinary "Indochine", another film that should not be missed.
This is a film that has many marvelous aspects, but two that tower over everything, the language, and Depardieu. Total running time is 2 hours and 17 minutes.

2-0 out of 5 stars Disappointment in long-awaited release.
I'd been waiting years for this to be released on DVD, it's a fabulous movie, my absolute favorite adaptation of the original play - however, MGM messed up.

This edition is a matted letterbox, which means that it's actually a 4:3 TV image with the full image reduced to fit on the screen of a traditional TV screen and has black mattes on the top and bottom.

However, it should have been presented in anamorphic widescreen - which gives the same presentation on a 4:3 TV but also fits a widescreen television set.

As it is, it will not display properly on a widescreen tv - the image is either stretched out (so that everyone and everything is flat) or is enlarged beyond the border of the tv screen - thus cutting off the subtitles! My wide television has 6 separate display formats but I cannot format a full image on my screen that is not warped or severely cropped. Extremely disappointing.

I'm hoping for a new true anamorphic widescreen edition to be released eventually, but at least I have the film for now. ... Read more


5. Cyrano De Bergerac
Director: Jean-Paul Rappeneau
list price: $19.98
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 6305812004
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 16567
Average Customer Review: 4.77 out of 5 stars
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan

Reviews (56)

5-0 out of 5 stars Gerard Depardieu stunning as Cyrano
I've always deeply loved the character of Cyrano de Bergerac and was already familiar with Edmond Rostand's play before I watched this wonderful movie. This superb version directed by Jean-Paul Rappeneau brings to the screen the story of Cyrano's unrequited love for his lovely cousin Roxane with all its tragedy and depth. In a certain way one could say that with Cyrano another version of the Beauty and the Beast story is played out, but a truly great one.

Gerard Depardieu is one of my favourite actors and he absolutely rises to the challenge of playing Cyrano's character. Which is an eerie sensation for the viewer, because Depardieu completely becomes Cyrano! He brilliantly portrays the complexity and many facets of this character thus giving us an unforgettable cinematic experience. I also loved Anne Brochet's witty and tender performance as Roxane, the lady of Cyrano's heart. Further an excellent supporting cast here as well.

A truly fast paced, excellent, poignant movie, with great costumes and a beautiful music score. Directed with intelligence, filled with many unforgettable scenes and sparkling wit.

But first and foremost of all, it's Gerard Depardieu's superlative performance which carries this version of Cyrano for me!

4-0 out of 5 stars The definitve version of the Edmond Rostand play.
Cyrano De Bergerac has been performed countless times on film and stage, but no actor brings the character to life more so than Gerard Depardieu. All the things I loved about the play since I read it in junior high, have been transformed into movie magic. Cyrano is a heroic tale of a man who has been cursed with a large nose, but blessed with the wit and sensitivity of a poet. More importantly though, its a love story. A story about a 17th century Gascony cadet, who cherishes words and wit, excells to be the best at everything, and strikes fear into the hearts of men who dare stare at his nose. He is in love with his cousin Roxanne, who to has a great love for words and wit. However, she is in love with another cadet named Christian, who is handsome, also in love with Roxanne, yet tongue-tied. Cyrano, feeling fate is against him, decides to help Christian become a mighty hero of romance. With Cyrano's words Roxanne falls deeper in love with Christian. So in love that she forgets how handsome he is and now loves him for his soul. Cyrano, knowing this, and Christian also knowing that Cyrano is madly in love with Roxanne, decides to tell all to Roxanne. But again fate denies Cyrano the chance, for Christian dies during a siege by the Spanish army. With Christian dead how can Roxanne believe Cyrano? Roxanne goes into mouring and not until 14 years later, she finally realizes that it was Cyrano's words and soul that captivated her. She passionatley confesses her love to him, but alas fate mocks Cyrano again for death is but a moment away. The film is acted with such grace, that you feel the characters words in your heart. Filmed in beautifull 17th century French settings with great attention to detail and a score that would make John Williams envy. Its easy to see why this version is the definitive version of the famous play. It would be a 5 star DVD if it were not for the lack of special features.

5-0 out of 5 stars Magnifique!
This film was absolutely brilliant; it was beautifully shot, superbly cast, and the acting . . . suffice it to say that if you've only seen Depardieu in garbage like Green Card, you've no idea how gifted this man is. He is amazing, and the final scene is just something that has to be seen; it can't be described. For my money, you can never get too much Vincent Perez (again, stick to his French films), and Jean-Claude Petit's score is breathtaking; it's available on CD, but only as an import.

5-0 out of 5 stars "my elegance is interior"
Sumptuous and poetic, this is a fabulous telling of Edmond Rostand's blank verse play, adapted for the screen by director Jean-Paul Rappeneau, with English subtitles by Anthony Burgess that are superb; This is not only a great film to watch, but a great one to read.
Gerard Depardieu is perfect as Cyrano. One of the most versatile actors alive, here he gives a many-layered, robust performance, with lots of sword fights, lots of wit, and lots of heart.
A winner of numerous international awards, "Cyrano" was a lavish production by French filmmaking standards, and we get authentic looking costumes and sets depicting 17th century Paris (the theater, with its chandeliers full of candles, is an amazing re-creation), cinematography that is a visual delight by Pierre Lhomme, and a lovely score by Jean-Claude Petit.

Roxane, played by the stunning Anne Brochet, is in love with Christian's form and Cyrano's soul, so typical of women throughout the ages, ever yearning for "the perfect man", both sensitive poet, as well as impetuous lover; she goads Christian into speaking and writing his love for her, and does not realize it is Cyrano who is responding. Vincent Perez is excellent as Christian...this part was what put him on the cinematic map, which he cemented two years later as the romantic lead in the extraordinary "Indochine", another film that should not be missed.
This is a film that has many marvelous aspects, but two that tower over everything, the language, and Depardieu. Total running time is 2 hours and 17 minutes.

2-0 out of 5 stars Disappointment in long-awaited release.
I'd been waiting years for this to be released on DVD, it's a fabulous movie, my absolute favorite adaptation of the original play - however, MGM messed up.

This edition is a matted letterbox, which means that it's actually a 4:3 TV image with the full image reduced to fit on the screen of a traditional TV screen and has black mattes on the top and bottom.

However, it should have been presented in anamorphic widescreen - which gives the same presentation on a 4:3 TV but also fits a widescreen television set.

As it is, it will not display properly on a widescreen tv - the image is either stretched out (so that everyone and everything is flat) or is enlarged beyond the border of the tv screen - thus cutting off the subtitles! My wide television has 6 separate display formats but I cannot format a full image on my screen that is not warped or severely cropped. Extremely disappointing.

I'm hoping for a new true anamorphic widescreen edition to be released eventually, but at least I have the film for now. ... Read more


6. La Vie de Château
Director: Jean-Paul Rappeneau
list price: $19.98
our price: $19.98
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: B00007KK1T
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 43293
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