The 19th century never ceases to inspire screenwriters, and in Une Affaire d'Honneur, a story set in the year 1887 takes place in the world of dueling to the death. The film is due in cinemas on December 27, and in the meantime, a first trailer is available.
And Vincent Perez has surrounded himself well for his new feature film. Roschdy Zem plays the lead role in this cloak-and-dagger film, alongside Doria Tillier, Guillaume Gallienne and Damien Bonnard.
Paris 1887. In those days, dueling was the only way to defend one's honor. Clément Lacaze, a charismatic fencing master, finds himself caught up in a spiral of destructive violence. He meets Marie-Rose Astié, a feminist ahead of her time, and decides to teach her the complex art of dueling. They face provocations and join forces to defend their respective honor.
Our verdict
It's a shame thatUne Affaire d'Honneuris being released just a few weeks after Les Trois Mousquetaires, because even though it deals with a very different subject, it could be overshadowed by another cloak-and-dagger film of far greater ambition. But let's face it, Vincent Perez's film is rare enough on the French landscape to merit our attention. As well as showcasing some very fine swordplay, the young filmmaker is also interested in the administrative side of dueling, which was illegal but widespread in the late 19th century, the era depicted in the film. The screenplay is adapted from a true story.
There's a lot to learn from Une Affaire d'Honneur, but the dichotomy between the violence of the duel and its preparation, regulation and administration is disturbing. Roschdy Zem plays Clément Lacaze, the "world's greatest blade", who enables Marie-Rose Astié (Doria Tillier) to become the first woman to fight a sword duel. A highly fascinating subject, served up by a superb cast. It's a pity that the direction is a little too classic, because even if the film will appeal to a wide audience, it lacks a little something to carry you away.
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