On Guard

Set in 17th century France during Louis XIII's reign, a master swordsman named Lagardere becomes entangled in a brutal family feud when the Duke of Nevers is treacherously slain by a powerful adversary. He swears to honor the duke by shielding the duke's heir, the last of his line, from those who would use bloodshed to seize control. Traveling from smoky salons to sunlit chateaux, Lagardere uses wit, speed, and precision to outmaneuver conspirators while keeping the young heir safe. He moves through crowded markets and hidden corridors, gathering rumors and rivals into a web he can manage with care. As loyalties shift and hidden motives surface, he weighs justice against vengeance and does what is necessary to protect an innocent life. This is a tale of honor under pressure, not a simple duel.

Directed by Philippe de Broca, this French adventure On Guard reimagines Paul Feval's Le Bossu with Daniel Auteuil as Lagardere. The period tale pairs brisk action with production design and supporting turns by Fabrice Luchini and Vincent Perez, with swordplay.

The Bossu feel sits in a late 90s wave of stylish swordplay, echoing classic French swashbucklers with a modern polish. Its duel sequences and court intrigue nod to genre staples, giving the film a lasting pull for fans of period adventures and showing strong production design.

Critics noted the film's polished look and strong performances, though some found the plot at times conventional. Core themes center on loyalty under pressure, justice versus vengeance, and the costs of power. Viewers who crave brisk pacing and visual flair will likely respond.

Box office details are not widely published for this title and worldwide gross figures are not readily available. The budget was 30 million dollars, and the film featured a globally recognizable cast led by Auteuil, Luchini, Perez and Gillain.