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Poster for On Guard

On Guard

Seen it?

1997 | 128 min | Adventure, Action, Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (88% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office loss and almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for action fans. If you loved The Mask of Zorro or The Count of Monte Cristo, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Exciting.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 8 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

France, 17th century, during the reign of Louis XIII. When a dear friend, the Duke of Nevers, is treacherously assassinated by a powerful relative, a skilled swordsman, the noble Henri de Lagardère, seeks his rightful vengeance as he tries to protect the innocent life of the duke's last heir.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    88% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.7 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 1 BAFTA.

  • Box office & staying powerWeak

    $15 million worldwide on a $30 million budget

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 7K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Philippe de Broca

  • Daniel AuteuilLagardère
  • Fabrice LuchiniCount Gonzague
  • Vincent PerezDuke of Nevers
  • Marie GillainAurore de Nevers
  • Yann CollettePeyrolles
  • Jean-François StéveninCocardasse
  • Didier PainPassepoil
  • Claire NeboutBlanche de Caylus
  • Philippe NoiretDuke Philippe d'Orléans
  • Charlie NelsonEsope