Fan-Fan the Tulip (2003)

If you don't go in expecting too much, this film is a pleasant way to pass some time. It is certainly no great work of art. Didn't see the original so can't comment on that score. Furthermore, don't really speak French (although enough to understand that Italian subtitled version missed large chunks of dialect), so Cruz's reportedly bad accent was lost on me. It is undoubtedly clichéd, lacking in any original ideas or concepts, and has gaping plot holes.However, that said, it has no pretensions of being anything more sophisticated than what it sets out to be. My advice would be to enjoy it for what it's meant to be: fun, swashbuckling, mildly amusing entertainment with two luscious-looking stars. In fact, just watching Perez and Cruz alone make the whole thing worthwhile.

My wife and I watched this movie while on holiday in France last summer. A great deal of the action had been shot on location in Montpazier, one of the prettiest villages in France with carefully preserved houses etc. As a 'thank you' there was an open-air showing of the film in the village square while we were there in June 2003. As it didn't get dark enough until about 22.30 there was time for a drink (or two) beforehand and we all sat in the square, under the stars. The film was a laugh from beginning to end.The most outrageous stunts and swordplay to make Errol Flynn look like an amateur. A special treat, of course, was to see images of the very buildings around us, the church, the market hall, and quite a few of the locals who appeared as extras, pop up on the screen. The whole film was tongue-in-cheek, swashbuckling, D'Artagnan type nonsense. Fencing on rooftops, jumping out of windows, kissing the girls, fighting ten men at once. What more do you want?I'll admit we saw it in ideal circumstances, which bring back happy memories of a glorious summer. But it was entertaining and made for fun. Would I watch it again? Sure! (Especially with a glass of wine!) Michael.

I went to this movie only because I am crazy about France, it's kings and queens. I adore baroque costumes and decorations. But this film was a great disappointment. Dialogues were not funny and lively. Costumes were miserable. Acting was awful. The plot was silly. The action was totally not convincing. Fanfan (the main character) was too arrogant and energetic. Solders and officers were too stupid. The king was too generous. I wanted to leave the cinema long before the end. I try very hard, but I can't remember anything good about this movie. Sorry...

today unfortunately i went to see this film. of course, it was a huge disappointment for me. everything was so ridiculous and nothing was funny. vincent perez was ok but we've seen much better of him in other films. penelope cruz shows once again that her talent of acting is limited. i also think there was something wrong with the screenplay because the movie can't connect with the audience.