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Synopsis: A
swashbuckling adventure/romance, which puts a colorful and ironic edge to
Christian-Jacque's 1952 French cult classic. Fanfan La Tulipe is the personification of
the French hero, a chronic jokester, ladies man and free spirit who refuses to surrender
to a forced marriage and instead finds himself persuaded to enlist in Louis XV's regiment
of Aquitaine by the enchanting Adeline, played by Penelope Cruz. The character of Fanfan
La Tulipe has evolved through the times into playing a central role in the French national
identity, originating from the tale of a French soldier who triumphed against the British
in 1745, and later evolving into a character in numerous songs and plays who made fun of
his superiors and somehow always got away with it through his wit and a quick draw.
*****
 Click pad for Production Notes
& Photos
Reviews:
Figaroscope:
"To step into the shoes of the legendary Gerard Philipe was no small matter, but Vincent
Perez succeeds with much ease and grace... When Fanfan appears, the film becomes
merry, charming, light and animated. Vincent is the perfect hero of cape and sword, as he
was in Le Bossu."
La Voix du Nord:
"The principal assets of this entertainment are two picturesque characters - Vincent
Perez and Didier Bourdon. Vincent, with his imposing smile, is a proud
swashbuckler and impetuous stuntman doing brilliant and very physical
choreographies."
Le Parisien:
"Fanfan the Tulipe is enchanting with a mixture of humor and action... Vincent
Perez was the ideal choice to succeed his mythical elder. His
communicative energy and agility are pleasant
from beginning to end."
La-peniche.com:
“Vincent Perez succeeds in creating a character that is engaging and
seductive.”
Premiere (US):
"Perez does indeed have charm—he's athletic and quick on his
feet and engages in some fancy swordplay."
Variety:
"A likably ingenuous Vincent Perez cutting a relaxed figure in
period duds... Perez is no stranger to sword-and-breeches roles (On Guard!, Queen
Margot) and handles the title role with almost no doubling and a measure of
geniality. He's surrounded with a large, mostly reliable cast."
Monsieur Cinema:
"Vincent Perez offers the character of Fanfan his ardour and his
energy... He does the majority of his stunts himself and seems to take a real pleasure in
the action (as he did in Le Bossu) and in the comedy."
Le Nouvel Observateur:
"A credit to the film, Vincent Perez, with his beautiful work in Le
Bossu, is perfect in cape-and-sword roles. He is one of those rare French actors who
can move."
Le Matin:
The Swiss actor has all the candor, beauty, good humor and communicative
spirit of Fanfan."
Hollywood Reporter:
"As Fanfan, Perez has the right idea in his lighthearted, athletic
approach."
Channel 4 Film:
"Perez, ebullient and saucy, is certainly virile enough for the role
and gives it everything he has."
6bears.com:
"Perez, very physical and belmondesque."
Cineguide:
"Vincent Perez magnificently becomes the legendary character Fanfan."
Dvdcritiques.com:
"The rate/rhythm is constant, pleasant and one is not bored following the
peregrinations of a Vincent Perez, at ease in the role."
Archebdo.com:
"Vincent Perez, at ease in the role of cape and sword, could reach
the stardom of Gerard Depardieu or Daniel Auteuil."
Napster70.com:
"Vincent Perez plays a very good Fanfan, full of energy."
Planete.qc.ca:
"The role goes on like a glove for Vincent Perez, whose radiant
smile illuminates the screen."
*****
 "I saw this
film when I was a little boy...I regard this version as a homage to the cinema."
"The idea of playing Fanfan seemed immediately natural, as if I
had always dreamed of it."
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