MOVIE REVIEW – Picking up where the previous installment left off, the young and daring swordsman D’Artagnan finds his beloved Constance kidnapped just as she uncovers the faces of those plotting against the king. Meanwhile, Milady de Winter, portrayed by Eva Green, celebrates her unlikely return after a fall from a steep cliff, defying all logic. Though not as fast-paced as its predecessor, the sequel still promises captivating entertainment.

Alexandre Dumas’ work is an adventure novel that knows no bounds. The second part, The Three Musketeers: Milady, is a thrilling continuation that dresses the classic source material in narrative splendor. Like the first, the sequel premiered in France and, while it didn’t reach the viewership records of its predecessor, it rightly commands audience attention.

In the midst of religious tensions, a dashing young swordsman tries to saves his damsel in distress

The action and intrigue transport us to 1627, a time when tensions between Catholics and Protestants were, to put it mildly, high. Dumas’ novel has always placed these often bloody religious tensions at its core, though previous film adaptations have largely overlooked this aspect – thankfully, the creators have now brought it into focus. Alongside Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, D’Artagnan shines as a sharp-witted and skilled swordsman, quick to draw his sword in the king’s service without hesitation. This time, however, the story places greater emphasis on D’Artagnan’s quest to find Constance than on the brotherly shenanigans of the comrades-in-arms.

Louis Garrel’s unique portrayal of King Louis XIII was a gem in the first film. He returns, though we could stand to hear more from him. Perhaps this will be addressed in the third installment, as hinted at by the open ending of part two – although reuniting this stellar French cast will be no small feat.

Eva Green shines again

Undoubtedly, Eva Green captures the audience’s attention, enchanting and seducing as Milady, while also delivering the nuanced character portrayal we’ve come to expect from this remarkable actress, who is half French (daughter of Marlene Jobert, a French actress of the 70s and 80s) and half English. Milady, seemingly a spy for Cardinal Richelieu, fills the screen with sophisticated, sensual schemes, cunning, and cruelty.

Unresolved issues between her and Athos climax in a dramatically staged duel in a burning castle. Each time her fate seems sealed, Milady outsmarts the French male society. In England, the Duke of Buckingham falls for a cunning trick, bringing a heart-wrenching twist to the narrative.

This story has been adapted for the screen countless times, from the silent film era to television, in multiple languages, primarily French or English. (And let’s try to forget the 2009 feature cartoon Barbie and The Three Musketeers, where her cat aspires to be a musketeer.)

As with the first part, this production showcases the many splendid locations France has to boast, perfect for period films – nearly every scene was shot on location – and demonstrates French technical prowess with a combined budget of 72 million euros for both films.

We are looking forward to more modern Dumas adaptations!

A French critic has dubbed this current trend “Dumaxploitation,” under which Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, co-directed by the screenwriters of Milady, has finished shooting, starring Pierre Niney in the title role, due out next year in French cinemas, hopefully making its way to us as well.

The film has only two minor points of regret: this installment features slightly less action and swordplay, and lacks dramatically astonishing scenes akin to the assassination attempt on the king seen previously. Nonetheless, action is not absent from this episode, and the director’s realistic approach delivers true excitement and spectacle in the sword-fighting scenes. The other minor issue is that the cleverly chosen lead trio (Vincent Cassel, Romain Duris, and Pio Marmaï) are again relegated to side plots, although Cassel’s Athos is given significant personal stakes in the main narrative. Almost as thrilling as those magnificent hats.

However, these are but minor nuances, and if you were a fan of the first part, D’Artagnan, Milady will not disappoint. If you haven’t seen D’Artagnan yet, prepare for one of last year’s best cinematic experiences and then head to the cinema for the sequel!

-Gergely Herpai (BadSector)-