Set during Seven years war , an European war between France : king Louis XV and Austria : Maria Teresa and intervention of various countries as England and Prussia . A peasant and swordsman called Fanfan: Vincent Perez escapes un unwanted marriage by joining the army of Louis XV,Regiment D'Aquitaine . Later on , he meets Adelina who is a fortune teller who speaks him about his important future . After being promised by Adelina Franchise , Penelope Cruz , she promised him a glorious career in the French army , an illustrious future and a royal marriage to king's daughter . And Fanfan attempts to make the promised faith of his true . As Fanfan refuses to forget his dream and decides to fullfill his destiny of the fake prediction.This stirring flick packs thrills , emotion , fencing , swashbuckling with bounds , leaps and jumping through windows . An amusing and funny satire of swashbucklers and historical love story movies, including a light criticism of the aristocracy , war , the mighty and the military . The picture relies heavily on the continuous pursuists , chases , swordplay and excessive and non much-sense fast-movement . It contains an evocative and appropriate musical score by Alexandre Azaria as well as a colorful cinematograhy by Gerard Simon .Lavishly produced by the prestigious Luc Besson and his production company called Eurocorp .The motion picture was professional but regularly directed by Gerard Krawczyk .He is an artisan who has made a few and usually successful films such as Taxi 2, 3, 4 , Wasabi , The red inn, Heroines and I hate actors .This one results to be a remake of the classic French 1955 film and made in its particular style, including fantastic adventures , adequate 18th setting with impressive castles and breathtaking battles , adding a cast of thousands of extras . Handsome and good-looking Vincent Perez delivers a likeable performance as the brave swordsman who becomes involved into twisted intrigues located both , military headquaters and royal court . Penelope Cruz gives a sympathetic interpretation as Adeline Franchise who tells Fanfan's fate , as she predicted he will get fame , fortune and glory ; as he will eventually marry one of the king's daughters .Support cast is pretty well such as : Didier Bourdon , Michael Muller and Helene Fougerolles as Madame Pompadour ,Louis XV's lover .Other fims based on this story with writings from Rene Fallet and Rene Weeler are the followings : Silent vintage movie 1925 by Rene Lerance ; and the classic 1955 by Christian Jaque by Gerard Philipe, Genenieve Page and Gina Lollobrigida

I would like to inform first that I didn't see the original movie so I cannot compare this one to it. The movie starts out very good. It's very funny. The characters, especially Fan Fan and Adeline, are well chosen. Lightings and Colors are above average. Scenery is at least par. There are something to make me laugh or at least smile in every few minutes. The points of all the jokes are easily taken, even though I have to read subtitles all the time.The second half of the film, however begin to go down. Romance, though is expected to be as it is, lacks built-up. When the movie needs to get serious on adventures (or at least in director's opinion), it could not deliver thrills it needs to deliver. With the comedy element's gone and no satisfying actions/adventures/thrills/etc, the second half could be considered a failure.In short, this movie is a little bit beyond average. I enjoyed watching it. It doesn't have solid story, or throughout-the-movie comedy. However, it is the one nobody would regret seeing (unless you are critics).

Behind this film we see the French Touch of Luc Besson, the producer. It is not a great film, but you'll spend a good time. Penelope Cruz is beautiful as usual and Vincent Perez is wonderful. He is climbing up the stairs, and this film will help him over the seas. FANFAN is one of these new french films, like LEON, THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLVES,THE FIFTH ELEMENT. It is like an Hollywood film with an Hollywood star (Penelope Cruz, Mark Dacascos, Bruce Willis), It is pleasant like an Hollywood movie, and you are not more cleaver after seeing these. So it shows that Hollywood is not the only place to makes movies (very good or very bad) in the world, and that directors are not obliged to show many times american banner in their movies and, of course, that heroes sometimes live anywhere but between NY and LA.

Well well well, first impression: the room was quite empty for an opening day! That does not sound great for the Box Office...And the movie: Let's say it's entertaining. For Sure. But that's all! Vincent Perez (Fanfan) is too annoying playing the naive guy. Penelope Cruz.. annoying speaking french with such an accent "Fangfang" Hopefully the supporting actors are great! Didier Bourdon is a Wonderfull Roi Soleil... and the actor who plays "de la Goule" is WON-DER-FULL!!So in fact: let's say: 1* on 4 If you have 8 euros in your pocket for nothing..otherwise..wait to see it on TV.