This 2003 remake of a popular 1952 French film follows the original's plot quite closely, except that it adds one more villain (a black-clad traitor) for Fanfan to battle at the end, while the role of the army colonel who is also trying to win Adeline's heart is reduced (a change that works pretty well, in my opinion). It also both more satirical and more modernized that the original movie (the fight scenes are more intense, and even include some distinctly post-Matrix-era flips in the air). A handsome production, beautifully photographed with warm colors, this remake is about on a par with the original. Vincent Perez and Penelope Cruz are worthy successors of Gerard Phillipe and Gina Lollobrigida. **1/2 out of 4.
Review of Fanfan
