User reviews

Cyrano de Bergerac is one of the most representative characters of French theater and he has been the subject of many screen adaptations. Here, this is Jean-Paul Rappeneau's turn to transpose in pictures Edmond Rostand's famous play. With the help of his scriptwriter Jean-Claude Carrière, this is a faithful and especially modernized version that he offers us. Rappeneau and Carrière have deleted difficult or old-fashioned verses and they have even written necessary verses for understanding. In short, a substantial work has been made and it is better this way because the result is very convincing. It enables to make the movie easier to follow and dialogs, partly constitute the success of the movie.

As for the directing, it's very tempting to make a comparison with another movie: "Molière" (1978). Both stand out by a witty, vivid and sometimes poetic directing full of liberty and movements that does everything to avoid filmed stage production and succeeds in it. And of course, the movie enjoys a performance of a high quality. Beginning with Gérard Depardieu whose performance is absolutely convincing and he will remain an unforgettable Cyrano de Bergerac. He is very well followed by the whole of the distribution.

At last, it was a surprise to see this movie gain a triumph (11 French cinema awards in 1991 and a huge commercial success). Ultimately, a smart and subtle movie... but not Rappeneau's best movie. His finest achievement was to come five years later with "le hussard sur le toit" (1995).

This fine French film (with rhyming subtitles provided by Anthony Burgess) stars Gérard Depardieu in perhaps his best performance, as Cyrano, the romantic adventurer who pens ghost letters and creates conversation for his friend to the woman he secretly loves. A play which crackles with energy and wit as well as being truly touching, this fine version excels all expectations.

Anne Brochet is a fine Roxane, never sure of the truth until it is too late, while Vincent Perez is colourless (or just overshadowed by Depardieu?) as Christian. Pick of the many great scenes in this - the duel early on where Cyrano rattles off descriptions of his over-large nose while sword-fighting; the scene under the balcony where Roxane first reacts to the poetic words of the lover-fighter; and the scene in the garden near the end, where the pretence on all sides comes to a head.

This film draws out the heart of the play and makes it sing with true relevance once more. Highly recommended and proves the towering talent of Depardieu when in the language of his native country - fine actor he may be but never as effective in English.

WARNING - YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS FILM

This is the ONE film that made Gérard Depardieu a world-wide superstar. Although he was a star in the french cinema for years, Gérard Depardieu was an un-heard-of unknown in the United States prior to the success, and critical acclaim of this french language film. This film also won 2 Academy awards in 1990(best foriegn film, and best costume). If you have ever seen this film then you know that this was the role that Gérard Depardieu was born to play. After seeing this I cannot imagine another actor in the world playing this role but Gérard Depardieu. This movie will make you laugh, and it will make you cry. You cannot help but to experience all of Cyrano's passions and his lust for life, as well as his heartache for never getting Roxanne to fall in love with him,and his anger and embarassment he feels about his self-contiousness about his large nose. As the film moves foward you grow to love the Cyrano de Bergerac charactor as you experience his emotions with him.There is some good battle scenes and some action scenes and even some killing(but what little bloodshed is done in this film -is done with good taste and relavence to the story instead of a bunch of meaningless killing like as seen in other films in this genre). This is about as well done as any film will ever get. I give it 5 out of 5 stars, a perfect film- A masterpiece

I saw the first adaptation of Edmond Rostand's novel, the 1950 version with José Ferrer. Despite Ferrer's good acting, it had some things going against it. First it was in English, and the thing is that the whole play is written in verses that rhyme. Of course, you just cannot do that in English. Second, Rostand's story was seriously altered.

Now, with this version we finally get the real Cyrano de Bergerac, a man whose nose is as great as his courage and skill at sword play, his talent at writing beautiful love poetry, and his will to resist all temptation to become the servant of higher powers. We get to follow his adventures, to feel his wonderful love for beautiful Roxane, his attempt to win her love in ways that nobody would ever consider, and his struggle to keep the freedom of his spirit.

I admired the acting, the direction, the lighting, and the costumes. There is so much in this movie to applaud. But the best of it all is that it keeps so close to the original text. I read the play and I just couldn't believe how good this adaptation is. Watch this movie if you have the heart of both a lion and of a lover, and you can appreciate excellent French poetry.

The subtitles in this movie are done so well, one almost forgets the movie was done in French. The words seem to glide effortlessly off of Gerard Depardieu's tongue, as if only he were meant to speak them. It almost makes you jealous of Cirano's eloquence. Even those with no appreciation of poetry whatsoever can still find this movie entertaining. The action is enthralling; the cinematography, endearing; the movie, entertaining. A must see film if you enjoy poetry, romance, humor, action, suspense, period pieces, aesthetically pleasing images, theatre, French, English, other languages, large noses, good movies, or any combination of the above. In short, rent it, buy it or steal it. Just make sure you watch it. And don't blame me if you get caught stealing it.

Modern rendition about the gallant poet and Gascon swordsman with an enormous nose , as good as the classic starred by José Ferrer as the swordsman who has a prominent probiscis . This French film of Edmond Rostand's classic play was highly successful and desevedly so . Nice version of Edmond Rostand's play about romantic as well as grotesque-looking of the peculiar poet and braggart Cyrano Bergerac (much of the credit goes to Gerard Depardieu who fills the character of the swaggering chevalier and provides his most sensitive and believable acting) whose unsighly nose prevents him from confessing his love for his cousin Roxanne . Cyrano fears to reveal his love to the beautiful Roxanne (luminously portrayed by Anne Brochet) because the feels his huge nose makes him unattractive . Cyrano bears the pain of his devotion Roxanne ; however , attempting to help his lover contender . So , he serves as a surrogate lover by encouraging another man's attention to her . As , he supports the good-looking but tongue-tied Christian (Vincent Perez) to romance her . As Cyrano expresses his own feelings by helping handsome fellow soldier woo Roxanne instead . And , finally , declarating his love to the gorgeous Roxanne . Meanwhile , there is developed a bloody war between the French and Spanish Armies and in which the two lovers take part with tragic consequences . The most fabulous hero of all time, with the most famous nose in history! He fought because of it! . He loved in spite of it! He lived to immortalize it! Fabulous Hero! Famous Nose!The Most Loved of All Love Stories!... he was the three musketeers in one, and one lover in a million!

This is a prestigious retelling around playwright Edmond Rostand's known story of a giant-nose yet poetic cavalier . It contains everything : drama , wit , fencing , unrequired love and a lot of swashbuckling action . The actors' movements , gestures , expresions and delivery of lines seem almost choreographed . Everything has been fleshed out to its full potential ,the entire scale of the piece , too , is augmented , so that adequate outdoors , spectacular fencing and impressive battles with countless extras . The cultural text , cut , reworked , being wonderfully played and still in Alexandrine verse , it exudes all the the grace and pace of a deftly orchestrated rondo. Settings are competently designed to show the environment and piece period with several scenes that are poignant in the extreme . The balcony love scene is competent and wittly made , like are the scenes in which Cyrano fences a lot of contenders . And language attempting to capture the intricate sense and rhymes of the original dialogue written by Edmond Rostand . This is a multi-awarded movie for its cast , costumes, production design , music and photography . Gerard Depardieu gives an extraordinary acting as the large-nosed Musketeer who finds himself too ugly to be loved . Gerard brings to exhilarating life Rostand's well-loved play , delivering a portentous acting as the braggart whose unsightly nose prevents him from confessing his love for his cousin Roxane , marvelously played by Anne Brochet . Much of the credit goes to Depardieu who is magnificent as the 17th Century Gascon swordsman and braggart . Being based on Edmond Rostand play and prestigious novelist Anthony Burguess carried out the adequate translation of the play . Even the subtitles are not the ordinary irritating necessary , and they are also magnificently written , not surprising as they were worked .

It displays an evocative and adequate cinematography Pierre Lhomme , as the camera throughout swoops at moments of ebullience and intimate scenes . As well as an atmospheric and appropriate musical score by Jean Claude Petit , as the musical sense of meaning reinforced by rhythm extends throughout . This lavish French production was well made by Jean Paul Rappenau who never puts a foot wrong .Rappenau's film-making demonstrates an unshowy confidence in itself and giving a pretty good flick . Rappenau's shooting gives an interesting as well as enjoyable material , perfectly played and competently made . Rating : 7.5/10 . Better than average . Essential and indispensable watching .

Other adaptations about this famous play are the following ones : Cyrano Bergerac 1925 silent recounting by Augusto Genina with Pierre Magner and Ferrari . The classic Hollywood vintage Cyrano by Michael Gordon with José Ferrer , Mala Powers , William Prince . Ferrer became successful and really famous for this role , which won him a deseved Academy Award . Cyrano Bergerac 1950 , a nice recounting well played by Derek Jacobi , Sinead Cusack , this is a Royal Shakespeare Company Production , being translated and adapted by Anthony Burgess . 1987 , titled Roxanne directed by Fred Schepesi , this is a marvellous adaptation for the modern age , a contemporary comic take on Rostand's Cyrano with a romantic triangle between a a big-nosed , small town fire chief , a shy fireman and the lovely astronomer they both love , being performed by Steve Martin, Daryl Hannah and Rick Rossovich . And this one results to be the best : Cyrano Bergerac 1990 by Jean Paul Rappenau with Gerard Depardieu , Anne Brochet , Vincent Perez and Jacques Wever

If you are a hopelessly romantic guy like me, you will love this movie. :) It is very poetic and moving. The english sub-titles forces you to really pay attention to the words, which are the best part of the movie. French IS the language of love, so they say. I bet your girlfriend will like it too! (In case you don't have a girlfriend, you can watch it and think of yourself as a diamond in the rough, romantic, poetic and underappreciated, just Cyrano. :p

No, no, my dearest love... I don't love you!

I was just a teenager when I first saw this film. I really didn't know what to expect of a French movie with unknown actors (at least to me by then), with a story I didn't previously know and with the only reference of some Cesar awards. After all, it was an european movie, it was French, it was based in a classic book and with a romantic theme. But something attracted me.

I was shocked.

Actually it was the first movie I ever went to see to the cinema more than once. I purchased it on VHS as soon as I could, and I am getting it on DVD now that it's available in Spain. After all this time, I know by heart almost every scene of the movie, and it keeps on bringing tears to my eyes in the final scenes, no matter how many times I've seen it.

The movie has so many things so nicely put together, it's almost impossible not to be hooked on some of them.

To begin with, I was very surprised with the fact that the whole movie is spoken in verse. I think it was the first time I had ever seen something like that, and it is probably also the last since I can't remember any other movie like this! I don't know how well it was done in English, but I can say it was translated into Spanish awesomely. I can only wonder how beautiful it is in the original French version. Everything is so musically coherent and adequate, that you really enjoy watching the movie spoken in verse. I loved it.

Then there is the absolutely magnificent performance by Gerard Depardieu. He perfectly resembles at every moment the personality of the eager and sometimes naive but at the same time extremely intelligent, romantic, desperate and vulnerable Cyrano. His physical look, his facial expressions, his voice... everything makes him the perfect Cyrano de Bergerac. You really share his suffering and at the same time you admire its strong personality and determination. He makes Cyrano an admirable man, an enjoyable human being. Wonderful.

Apart from that, there is many more things in this movie that make it absolutely enjoyable. The humor. The sets and props, all the environments created. The music. And the story is an absolute classic that many people will feel related to; the struggle of a man than, even though not physically gifted, wants to live and love with no limits... to the person who is not ready to correspond him. Maybe it's the reason why it was so touching for me when I was a teenager, and maybe that's why it still brings tears to my eyes even today :)

All in all, a beautiful romantic tale with great sets and performances and that will touch almost anyone's hearts. My favourite movie of all time, and definetly a classic.

Saw this in high school, remembered that it was not as entertaining as the black and 1959 black and white version. But, it was still a nice adaptation of the novel, about the charismatic swordsman-poet, who helps another guy woo the woman he loves.

It's has humor, drama, and tearful moments where appropriate and is decent acted.

Grade C+

The film that made me realise that it's OK for guys to cry. Cyrano, as played so convincingly by Depardieu, is a great rollicking hero, not the foppish aristocrat of previous productions. Indeed, it is his larger than life robustness that makes his futile, towering defiance at the resolution so poignant; the ignoble end of a hero is a classic theme, right from Beowulf, through John Wayne's "The Shootist", to 2000's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"

The lyricism in the English translation of Cyrano is commendable, the filmmaking technically sound, the sets and choreography well presented. Depardieu's portrayal of the legendary swordsman as a bullish brawler rather than a delicate fencer is an interesting take, and I find it works.

The downside is that the character of Roxanne is so utterly insipid and moronic that you wonder why Cyrano is so taken with her. The tragedy of this Cyrano isn't that his love is unrequited, but that it's so misplaced. An interesting contrast is with "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", which replaces the Roxanne character with a peer for the hero, a "companion battleship" as Henry Higgins would say. This makes for an even more heartwrenching story, and makes you realise that Cyrano could have been even better if Depardieu's superb performance had been tempered just a little in favour of a Roxanne who was more worthy of his regard.

If the only elephants one has seen have been the Asian kind, an African bull elephant is another kind of thing again, as is Gérard Depardieu. -Sorry, what about him made me think of elephants? Perhaps the way he barges and bellows his way through the role. I was worried now and then that some of the other characters might break. His ability to stay alive is also pretty elephantine. I don't think I've seen a longer death scene outside of Wagner. Fatally wounded in one part of Paris, the hero staggers to another part, staggers around a large garden long enough to say goodbye to the rest of the cast, pauses, ruminates, wanders somewhere else, collapses to the ground - but he's still not quite done for yet ...

So, the hero gives us a bit of a headache and is at best ridiculous (at worst, dislikeable). Is that really so bad? Is it enough to ruin a story with some poetry in it, so beautifully shot?

Yes.

Famed swordsman and poet Cyrano de Bergerac is in love with his cousin Roxane. She is unaware of this and does not feel the same way about him. He has never expressed his love for her as he his large nose undermines his self-confidence. Then he finds a way to express his love to her, without her knowing the thoughts are coming from him.

Reasonably interesting in plot yet long-winded in script and dull in execution. Just about every action or thought requires an unbearably long monologue. Something that would usually be summed up in a sentence takes several. This makes the movie seem interminable.

Then you have the romantic machinations, most of which feel like machinations just for machinations sake. Overly drawn out and melodramatic.

Can't fault Gerard Depardieu's performance in the lead role though. He makes the most of the very wordy, dramatic script, absolutely chewing the scenery (in a good way).

Overall, this will appeal to those who like sappy romantic dramas but for those, like me, who don't this is pretty dull.

Gérard Depardieu became famous with Cyrano, and Cyrano de Bergerac knew its master with Depardieu.

This classic piece of French literature is based on real events (largely adapted), and while it is a stage play, the skill of transposing the play to the silver screen is a feat!

The film resorts to skillful cutting of the text (now public domain - check Gutemberg), which sounds easy, but is not, because it flows so naturally and needs to be cut surgically, word for word.

At the same time, all that is missing from the script by Edmond Rostand is inspired by generations of stage performance. The miracle then is making the script in French likable to audiences who do not understand French, as Edmond Rostand can be compared to George Bernard Shaw, Shakespeare and Samuel Beckett.

The genius of Gérard Depardieu and the beauty of the sets, the quality and care for detail all push to bring this beautiful film within reach of non French audiences. In that respect the sword duel scene at the beginning is memorable and worth playing twice on DVD!

One thing though, the finale scene I found awkward but Edmond Rostand created it so the director had no choice.

All I have to say is wow! I think it's safe to say that these French don't mess around when it comes to acting. Gérard Depardieu was absolutely brilliant as Cyrano himself and it was such a refreshing pace from the garbage I've seen recently. This was definitely one of the most brilliant performances in late film history. Yes the acting was theatrical but that was the only real way to carry it out...it would've stunk if they modernized it just for the cameras, I'm sure other versions have done this and that's why you don't hear too much about them. I thought it was funny that Vincent Perez was such a proper performer in this and then they made him Eric Draven in "The Crow" sequel which was far from good. Just everything about this movie was well done and while it was very romantic it didn't do it in a mushy kind of way that'd turn off guys that aren't really big on that stuff such as myself. There was some decent swashbuckling but it's not one you'd choose for the action itself per say. Just watching this made me really want to read the book because the script was simply genius and nothing less.

The poetic lines sounded like silk feels and I highly recommend this to any couples out there that are looking for a little revitalization!

Final Gesture:

Movies: It's long but I think I'd make it through just to give it due credit.

DVD Purchase: The idea is gnawing away at the back of my mind.

Rental: YES!

Very rarely, you come across a foreign-language film that is so masterfully directed, acted and translated that by the end, you forget you're reading the subtitles. This is such a movie. The story of Cyrano de Bergerac--soldier, scholar, nonconformist and poet, with a beautiful soul and freakish face--is one that should resonate with anyone who has ever yearned for love, but feared rejection too much to take the risk. It's a movie that should be seen by every awkward teenager, every hopeless romantic, and every stubborn soul that refuses to conform.

This film is a very good adaptation of the play of Edmond Rostand which is well known in the French speaking countries (some of us had to read the play in the French literature or some other had to learn some verses for the diction class). Cyrano is an important film in the carer of Gérard Depardieu: an actor who has participated in a lot of films but many people remember his performance in this film. But this film was also important for young French actors and actresses such as Anne Brochet, Jacques Weber, Vincent Perez.Pierre Maguelon and Josiane Stoléru. In conclusion this is a very good and pleasant comedy.

I love films of all kinds, and since liking Gerard Depardieu and being familiar with Rostand's classic play, I knew it was going to be good. But I wasn't expecting it to be this brilliant, I can't think of a film recently that struck me with how beautiful and poignant it was as much as Cyrano De Bergerac did.

There were three major assets that really blew me over. One was how beautifully translated and subtitled it had been, I have not seen subtitles or dialogue this lyrical or poetic in a while. Two was how Cyrano De Bergerac was made. The costume design and scenery are truly sumptuous, as is the cinematography.

Gerard Depardieu's performance is truly exceptional and I don't think he has been better, though Jean De Florette comes close. Depardieu is passionate, witty and very moving. The support cast with Anne Brochet and Vincent Perez particularly notable do a fine job matching him.

Cyrano De Bergerac's story is one that is timeless, and for those who haven't yet seen it, it is most likely to emotionally resonate with you like it did with me. The music is both rousing and quietly understated too.

Overall, I have nothing bad to say about Cyrano De Bergerac, it is the very definition of beauty and poetry on film, complete with an exceptional lead performance. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Anthony Burgess' rhyming couplets following Rostand's play have their own charm, but as subtitles, they appear forced... I wonder if non-English speakers feel the same about translations of Shakespeare... The other problem, for me, is that Rappeneau doesn't get close enough to his characters (particularly Cyrano) to make them count, emotionally. Looks great. Doubtless the best 'echt' Cyrano, but an opportunity missed.

How can one even begin to describe the greatness of this film? Forget that it is subtitled; this soon becomes immaterial as the translation is perfect, or that a couple of very minor scenes from the play were omitted, it is impossible to think of a greater example of cinematography than was achieved here.

Gerard Depardieu; in his first internationally acclaimed role, gives an early inkling of the talent that he would later display in, "The Man in the Iron Mask". At times he is comic, haughty, tragic & noble.

Cyrano ceases to be a dramatic creation & becomes a real human being with whom we can empathise & be brought, almost, to the point of tears at the point of his death. Depardieu creates a man very much of his time; never mind Edmund Rostand's writing it is Depardieu who brings the character described as every actor's dream to life. He is believable, noble & generates sympathy in the viewer.

Anne Brochet's Roxanne is beautiful. It is clear from early on that she is an intellectual (described as "precieuse") but shallow, who we see developing as the story evolves.

Vincent Perez is convincing as Christain: handsome & with fairly base objectives, but developing through association with Cyrano & honourable.

Even Jacques Weber portrays De Guiche in such a way that we can accept his, later, friendship with Cyrano & never truly induces the feelings of hatred that so many villains evoke in the viewer.

The colours & lighting in the film are exceptional; a sign of the care that were invested in making it as historically accurate as possible, with soft, muted shades replacing the garish colours that have flawed so many depictions of the period, whilst it soon becomes evident that Rapineau wanted to ensure that the word epic would be truly applicable to this production.

As a piece of romantic fiction this film cannot be bettered & would be ideal for those wanting to settle down for an evening with someone really special. Whatever you do see this film.

Gérard Depardieu made a splash in French cinema in the 1970s, and in the ensuing two decades, he rose the ranks to become the nation's most beloved star. With all his talent and range, it's no wonder he was chosen to play the title role in Cyrano de Bergerac. Released the same year as Green Card, Gérard used the 1990s to show American audiences what he could do, earning an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Edmond Rostand's tragic hero.

Thanks to Steve Martin, we all know the story of the large-nosed Cyrano. While Gérard takes on the leading role, Ann Brochet plays his love interest, Roxane, and Vincent Perez plays his shy friend, Christian. If all you've seen is the 1987 modern remake, and you really love the comic charm, you should probably call it a day. The real story is a touch more dramatic, although Gérard's character is very charming and witty. Steve Martin's famous monologue rattling off twenty insults about his nose is a direct retelling from the original play. You'll be treated to watching Gérard rattling off similar insults-at least according to the English subtitles-while fencing the man who originally insulted him.

Still, with all Gérard's charm and lovable lightness, the movie is a drama. As a seasoned dramatic actor, he handles those scenes just as effortlessly as he handles the cute ones. If you're a fan of his, you're going to want to see this classic, one of the last he made before the infamous, inaccurate Time magazine scandal dampened his popularity in the United States just in time for the Academy Awards. If you know anything about the film industry, it's sickeningly predictable how well timed the article was, and it's just as upsetting that no one came to his defense and explained the correct situation until Paul Chutkow's biography four years later.

There are many versions of Cyrano de Bergerac, and so far, I've seen five of them. If you're loyal to a particular actor (Jose Ferrer, Steve Martin, Kevin Kline) you might want to start with his version. I'm loyal to one of my favorite celebrity boyfriends, Gérard Depardieu, so it's understandable I started with his.

I would prefer to watch it as a play. You need to do more than that when you are adapting it to a movie. I couldnt get the idea well and couldnt feel that theatre style. Maybe after watching "la la land" my expectation became a bit high.