In this 18th-century-set swashbuckler, aristocrat Fabrice Luchini schemes against cousin Vincent Perez and brings about his downfall with collateral damage; the latter’s best friend Daniel Auteuil bides his time, lying low for 20 years until he unsheathes a sword of vengeance. A late-career hit, the film brought de Broca a César nomination—one of nine the picture was up for, with Christian Gasc’s costume design winning.

In French with English subtitles