This was one of the favourite films of my grandma and it really is an enjoyable film. At times it feels obsolete, but that isn't a bad thing. Fanfan isn't a typical hero, but in a way he is charming.

Pretty funny, though the wordplay doesn't quite translate and it seems hesitant to take the absurdity all the way through. Nonetheless it's enjoyable swashbuckling with plenty of amusing moments and great swordfights.

Fanfan is kind of a dick. The character is meant to be a lovable scamp but I just didn't like him at all. The baudy humor is supposed to be funny simply by virtue of being baudy. The story may appeal to diehard swashbuckler fans, I thought it was all a bit old hat. The third act brings a few delights: a well-choreographed sword fight at the convent, an excitingly shot stagecoach chase, and a climax with Duck Soup-esque lunacy. But it was too little, too late for this dud.