Back in the 17th century, Charles D’Artagnan (François Civil) travels to Paris to join King Louis XIII’s (Louis Garrel) elite guard, the Musketeers. On the way, D’Artagnan foils a kidnapping attempt on a young woman and also runs afoul of three of the King’s best Musketeers: Arthos (Vincent Cassel), Porthos (Pio Marmaï) and Aramis (Romain Duris). The four are soon entangled in a conspiracy with their nation at stake. 

The Three Musketeers has enjoyed countless cinematic adaptations over the years since the 1844 novel, most memorably the 1993 Disney incarnation and a 2001 effort with kung-fu fighting choreography from Jet Li’s own stunt double, Xin Xiong. 

This effort is truer to the novel’s origins in terms of setting and character. The production is lavish, with earthy bronzes capturing the French environment and our Musketeers’ station. The swashbuckling fight scenes are loose and feverish, capturing D’Artagnan’s youthful zest and headstrong recklessness. Arthos is framed for a murder he can’t honestly say he did not commit, and thus the four must clear his name during a burgeoning war between the Catholics and Protestants.

Part II focuses on the mysterious femme fatale Milady de Winter (Eva Green), who serves as a foil for the Musketeers while on her own assassination mission. Part II dovetails into sporadic side missions, but it does conclude the main story while leaving plenty for future outings. 

Verdict: An excellent, authentic and exciting adaptation rivalling a Hollywood blockbuster. 3.5 stars.

Luke McWilliams, themovieclub.net. Viewed at Palace Electric Cinemas