As this story opens, we watch a group of what appears cavalry hussars from the past. Two men are going to engage in a duel because of an offense was taken by one of the swordsmen. The combat ends as one of the men is wounded in the arm. Suddenly, without a warning, we are taken to the present as we watch a Parisian pianist tutoring a younger man in an intricate piece. What is really going on? Where does all go? Well, we soon find out. The pianist is Mathieu, a notable concert and recording artist who is in the process of making a separation from Jeanne, his wife, who also happens to be his agent. The excuse given to their little son is that papa is performing in Japan. Mathieu takes refuge at his mother Claire's house where his brother Paul shares it with her. Paul is a man that has not much to show for himself. He works in a factory where he makes a modest living. Their mother Claire is suffering from a form of cancer and is bedridden. The mystery of the old hussars we saw at the start of the story is solved. Paul belongs to a strange group, a sort of club where men reenact the glory days of the Napoleonic era. Mathieu, unwillingly is drawn into the group by Paul.Little prepares Mathieu, or the viewer for what is in store. At a banquet where all the men, and their women, come together at a stately place, to celebrate their loyalty to Napoleon, the Emperor. Mathieu manages to offend a man, Capt. Deprees, who takes it seriously wanting to teach the offender a lesson in courage and integrity in a duel that serves as the venue for reparation. Director Denis Dercourt, whose "The Page Turner" impressed us when it first came out, gives his audience a different kind of film as he mixes the glory days of the Empire with present day reverence for an era of splendor in France. It is a film whose suspense keeps the viewer guessing in how will this tale end. Mr. Dercourt's love for classical music as in that other earlier film, shows in the selections that are prominently heard in the film. Vincent Perez makes an enigmatic Mathieu, although one never clearly understands what might have been the cause of his "existential crisis" that his wife mentions. Mr. Perez gives a nuanced performance, equally matched by Jeremy Renier, another excellent actor that is always welcome into anything he plays. Anne Marivin plays Jeanne, Mathieu's wife and Aurelien Recoing appears as Capt. Deprees.Wonderful cinematography by Remy Chevrin works well in both present day action as well as those candlelit interiors that reenact a bygone era. The film by Denis Dercourt is recommended to audiences looking for entertainment as well as an intriguing premise.

Just saw this one at the Göteborg International Filmfestival. It was my opening film, and considering the talent, I expected something quality, and I got it. Vincent Perez plays a concert pianist, Mathieu, who takes a break from his good, but perhaps complicated life, to offer support to his brother Paul (Jeremie Renier), who lives with their very sick mother. Paul is into reenacting historical battles from the Napoleonic era, and Mathieu is sucked into this fantasy world, to stand by his brother. It turns out that the fantasy is more real than he had bargained for, and things get serious when people are easily offended, while playing the game. I'm not about to give the whole story away, but besides the interesting plot and excellent acting, there is also beautiful piano music and fantastic dueling scenes at dawn with great light. So go see, I'm glad I did!