The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan (2023)

The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan feels special because it treats Dumas not as a dusty classic, but as a living, breathing adventure—muddy boots, flashing steel, and a France that looks and sounds real. Martin Bourboulon stages the action with a muscular clarity that makes every duel and chase feel earned, while the film’s handsome locations and textured production design give the story the weight of history without sacrificing momentum. François Civil brings youthful fire to D’Artagnan, and the seasoned presence of Vincent Cassel and Romain Duris adds grit, charm, and a hint of melancholy, with romance and court intrigue simmering just beneath the swagger. If you want a bright, jokey swashbuckler, this leans more grounded and intense—but if you’re craving a classy, propulsive period thrill ride, it’s an easy yes.

The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan is clearly trying to ground a classic swashbuckler in gritty, political intrigue and treat the characters like real people rather than storybook heroes. That seriousness is also its biggest risk: if you came for charm, banter, sweeping romance, and clean, crowd-pleasing swordplay, the film can feel dour, a bit conventional, and oddly short on fun. The murky lighting and occasionally shaky fight coverage don’t help, and the pacing can make big moments feel less punchy than they should, even with a strong cast on hand. Watch it if you want a sober, modern take on the legend with solid performances and atmosphere; skip it if you want a bright, witty, escapist Musketeers adventure.