The Horseman on the Roof
Olivier Martinez plays Angelo, an exceptionally gallant, Italian soldier-in-exile hiding out from his Austrian enemies in rural France -- just when a cholera epidemic is sweeping the countryside. Helped out by a comely countess (Juliette Binoche), Angelo swears his unyielding protection to her as she searches for her missing husband. Binoche and Martinez really spark (they soon became off-screen lovers and parents).
Member Reviews
Excellent - MovieProf
This film still ranks among my favourite of the French cinema. In the style of "Queen Margot," it's a sprawling historical epic and stars one of France's best actresses, Juliete Binoche. Olivier Martinez as the horseman is also quite good. The award-winning cinematography of southern France is particularly strong.Lovely - Paparina
This is a lovely film. It is at once, poignant, sad, evocative and yet educational. Juliette Binoche is wonderful--as always. If you like romantic dramas then this film is for you. I would highly recommend this film to anyone who is wanting to curl up on the couch and enjoy good drama.One of my all-time favorite. - mag-
Horseman on the roof (e.v. of Le Hussard sur le toit) is inspired from the book of the same name by Jean Giono, french writer. But, a rare thing, the movie is easier to appreciate than the book. Of course, many more things happen or are told in the book but the movie, along with making a few welcome changes to the story, has more pace and keeps the drama going forward. Juliette Binoche is lovely as Pauline de Théus and every one of her fan will appreciate her. The landscape is gorgeous (how could it be otherwise, being shot mostly in Provence) and every character Angelo, the main character, meets on the journey is memorable. The ending leaves many questions opened but hey... it's not an american movie with everything settled once and for all, the good winning over the bad and they lived happily ever after, etc...
A movie you will remember for a long time. Also, a good thing about the DVD is that it only contains the french track along with english subtitles so you don't fall to the temptation of watching the dubbed version... it asks a bit more from the viewer but it's so much more authentic...
Member Reviews
Read All...
Excellent - MovieProf
This film still ranks among my favourite of the French cinema. In the style of "Queen Margot," it's a sprawling historical epic and stars one of France's best actresses, Juliete Binoche. Olivier Martinez as the horseman is also quite good. The award-winning ...Lovely - Paparina
This is a lovely film. It is at once, poignant, sad, evocative and yet educational. Juliette Binoche is wonderful--as always. If you like romantic dramas then this film is for you. I would highly recommend this film to anyone who is wanting to curl up on ...One of my all-time favorite. - mag-
Horseman on the roof (e.v. of Le Hussard sur le toit) is inspired from the book of the same name by Jean Giono, french writer. But, a rare thing, the movie is easier to appreciate than the book. Of course, many more things happen or are told in the book but ...