The Horseman on the Roof DVD Review

"THE HORSEMAN ON THE ROOF" reviews

DVD

THE HORSEMAN ON THE ROOF

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2006-03-10 16:32:20

Provider

DVD Review

The director of the French classic Cyrano De Bergerac brings us another lush and beautifully rendered historical drama starring Juliette Binoche and Oliver Martinez.

It is the early 19th century and an Italian Hussar, Angelo rides through the French countryside as agents of the Austrian Empire randomly arrest and execute exiled Italian citizens they believe to be dissidents or rebels. As he rides through a beautiful, yet cholera-stricken landscape to warn his compatriots of the impending danger, the local villagers are still unaware of the epidemic's rise and suspicious of new faces. Chased in a small town he seeks refuge on a roof and in a house where he meets Pauline. The two embark on a search for her lost husband, Angelo vowing to protect her. As their quest continues they struggle to hide their deepening feelings.

This is a fantastic swashbuckling-style romantic epic, and the culmination of a whole host of rich and wonderful period pieces to come out of France during the '90s. Made in 1995, it was the most expensive French film ever at the time and followed in the footsteps of Jean De Florette, Manon des Sources, Le Reine Margot and Cyrano. Martinez isn't a complete natural, but in a film like this you want a gallant hero and he certainly has the face, physique and attitude to fulfil. In any case, it's Binoche's performance that outshines everyone else on screen. She completely envelops the role of Pauline and, like a slowly unwinding loose thread on a jumper, teasingly reveals more and more of her character as events overtake the couple.

This is a passionate and a thoughtful film that's beautiful to watch. It's also a rollicking good tale set in sturdy, historically realistic and enchanting setting.

The extras for this DVD are limited to just an interview with Director Rappeneau.