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Product Description

Director Jean-Paul Rappeneau and cowriter Jean-Claude Carriere had the brilliant idea of casting France's most lovably vulnerable hunk, the massive Gerard Depardieu, in one of French literature's meatiest roles: the sword-wielding poet Cyrano. Equipped with a massive nose and a heart to match, Depardieu soars as the heart-broken soldier who must lend his words of love to another man to woo the woman he yearns for. Rappeneau spared no expense in taking this Edmond Rostand play into realistic locations for the battle scenes in the second act, making the film as exciting as it is romantic and funny. Depardieu attacks the role in great gulps, consuming all the oxygen in any room he enters. Macho but sensitive, he creates a larger-than-life Cyrano, whose wrenching sadness at the lack of interest from his lady love will have you reaching for the tissues. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

• MOST BEAUTIFUL MOVIE EVER MADE!!!!
  I WAS 13 WHEN THIS MOVIE WAS IN THE THEATER. MY FATHER LOVES FOREIGN FILMS AND TOOK ME TO SEE IT. I WAS AWESTRUCK BY IT'S BEAUTY. I SAW IT THREE TIMES IN THE THEATER AND LOVED IT JUST AS MUCH EVERY TIME. I HAVE IT ON VHS TAPE BUT NOW AM THRILLED THAT I CAN OWN IT ON DVD. IF YOU'VE ONLY SEEN DEPARDIEU IN ENGLISH SPEAKING FILMS, THEN YOU SIMPLY MUST SEE THIS SO YOU CAN FINALLY UNDERSTAND HIS HUGE POPULARITY. YOU WILL NEVER AGAIN WONDER WHY HE'S SO LOVED. THIS MOVIE AND 'PRIDE AND PREJUDICE' STARRING COLIN FIRTH ARE MY 2 FAVORITE MOVIES IN THE WHOLE WORLD AND I AM A BIG MOVIE LOVER....more info
• MOST BEAUTIFUL MOVIE EVER MADE!!!!
  I WAS 13 WHEN THIS MOVIE WAS IN THE THEATER. MY FATHER LOVES FOREIGN FILMS AND TOOK ME TO SEE IT. I WAS AWESTRUCK BY IT'S BEAUTY. I SAW IT THREE TIMES IN THE THEATER AND LOVED IT JUST AS MUCH EVERY TIME. I HAVE IT ON VHS TAPE BUT NOW AM THRILLED THAT I CAN OWN IT ON DVD. IF YOU'VE ONLY SEEN DEPARDIEU IN ENGLISH SPEAKING FILMS, THEN YOU SIMPLY MUST SEE THIS SO YOU CAN FINALLY UNDERSTAND HIS HUGE POPULARITY. YOU WILL NEVER AGAIN WONDER WHY HE'S SO LOVED. THIS MOVIE AND 'PRIDE AND PREJUDICE' STARRING COLIN FIRTH ARE MY 2 FAVORITE MOVIES IN THE WHOLE WORLD AND I AM A BIG MOVIE LOVER....more info
• The finest screen actor of our time (but he's French!)
  There's not really any way this film can be faulted, although it isn't going to appeal to everyone because it's subtitled. The casting is perfect and it's very funny for the first half, although the last scene will make anyone with a heart cry.

  I have this on DVD already - it was released a while ago - but the version currently available isn't in its proper cinematic aspect ratio (although it claims to be on the box) and has dire picture quality. Hopefully this new one is much better, then I can trade in my old one....more info

• Un pur chef-d'oeuvre!
  Il fallait bien un film exceptionnel pour me faire r¨¦diger un commentaire. Celui-ci se distingue sous tous ses aspects.

  Tout d'abord, le texte est demeur¨¦ fid¨¨le ¨¤ l'original d'Edmond Rostand! Contrairement ¨¤ ce qui a ¨¦t¨¦ avanc¨¦, le texte n'est pas identique ¨¤ l'original. Quelques phrases ont ¨¦t¨¦ modifi¨¦es pour accomoder la fluidit¨¦ ou le contexte du film. De plus, certains passages (comme le voyage dans la lune) ont ¨¦t¨¦ ¨¦limin¨¦s, mais ils ne l'ont ¨¦t¨¦ que pour ¨¦viter les longueurs et pr¨¦server le rythme du film. Et c'est tr¨¨s bien ainsi!

  Le film demeure parfaitement fid¨¨le au mot et ¨¤ l'esprit du chef-d'oeuvre de Rostand. Alliant action, aventure, combats de cape et d'¨¦p¨¦e, et humour, il pr¨¦sente ce qui est vraisemblablement la plus belle romance jamais ¨¦crite (apr¨¨s Rom¨¦o et Juliette), avec une virtuose in¨¦gal¨¦e.

  La sc¨¨ne du balcon est magnifiquement rendue, la tirade du nez est un chef-d'oeuvre d'interpr¨¦tation, et le duel verbal entre Christian et Cyrano est savoureux! Toute sc¨¨ne m¨¦rite mention, mais celle de la fin r¨¦ussit ¨¤ distiller la quintessence du livre, et tirerait une larme d'une pierre.

  Le rythme est entra?nant, les sc¨¨nes d'actions ne s'imposent pas comme superflues, et l'atmosph¨¨re de l'¨¦poque est parfaitement rendue. De plus, le jeu des acteurs est exceptionnel! Il s'agit sans contexte du meilleur r?le ¨¤ vie de G¨¦rard Depardieu, qui a su donner au personnage sa grandeur et son ?panache?, sans toutefois ensevelir le jeu des autres acteurs (tous v¨¦t¨¦rans chevronn¨¦s, faut-il le pr¨¦ciser!).

  Comme preuve de la prouesse des acteurs, il se passe bien une trentaine de minutes avant que l'on ne se rende compte que le dialogue est en fait... d¨¦clam¨¦ en vers, fid¨¨le ¨¤ l'original!

  Quant au DVD, il ne pr¨¦sente pour ainsi dire aucun ?extra?. L'image est irr¨¦prochable, mais le son, quoique tr¨¨s acceptable, aurait b¨¦n¨¦fic¨¦ d'une remasterisation. Cependant, ces quelques menus d¨¦savantages s'estompent devant la qualit¨¦ du film.

  Chaudement recommand¨¦!!...more info

• One of the best movies I've ever seen (& I've seen my share)
  This movie is absolutely fantastic. The plot is exquisite, and will really draw you in. I think Cyrano's story is one we've all lived, the story of someone who is deeply in love with someone but knows deep down inside it could never work out. The acting is wonderful. It seems the main actor, Gerard Depardieu, was born to play Cyrano. He pulls it off masterfully. Just watching him play Cyrano is inspiring. The dialogue in French is very witty. I'm not sure about the translation as I've only seen the original version, but even if it is only remotely close to the original it will still be very entertaining.

  Whether or not you are a French speaker, you owe it to yourself to watch this incredible movie. You will be thinking about it in the following days, even weeks. By the way, this is a great date movie. And taking your date out to see it will show her/him you are interested in more than just the Hollywood been-there-done-that movies :)

  A Must-See....more info

• Love It!
  I love this version of Cyrano. Depardieu is so perfect in the role. He did an outstanding job. And I have to add that the latest version of Cyrano that was on Broadway was good too. Kevin Kline was a killer Cyrano, he really became the character, much the same way Depardieu did too. This Cyrano has a much better Roxanne though, Jennifer Garner should stick to film....more info
• All-time great classic love story
  I can't tell which version is better - this one or the original with Jos¨¦ Ferrer. Roxanne is a little more intelligent in this Depardieu version. On several levels this rates as an all-around Great Film: comedy, love story, tragedy of war, honor among friends, and verbal wit. It's one of the rare DVDs I bought....more info
• A classic
  In this film the story is told with the vigour and intensity it deserves. The actors performances are outstanding, so that you see and hear something new every time you watch. The music is beautiful and one can practicly feel the cool fog in the night and the morning mist, smell the delicous patisserie and sense the omnipresent powerplay between the classes....more info
• An absolute gem
  I saw this movie many years ago, on video tape, and I am so happy that it is finally coming out on DVD.

  Like most of the roles that I have seen Gerard acting in, he puts heart & soul into making the movie come alive. This movie is no different.

  From every perspective (costumes; acting; direction), this movie is a real winner, and one that you will want to add to your own collection....more info

• Brilliant and Profound Film
  This French film (with subtitles) of a play of the 19th century is excellent. It's hard to describe other than it's about love, integrity, courage, not being a "yesman" in opposition to the trickery, murder and bad luck (tragedy) of this fallen world. If one doesn't have courage, the other virtues are impossible. I watch it regularly with my children and let this beautiful and uplifting film wash over us. No teenager should grow up without seeing truly this film and Disney's Pinocchio. I live in Ireland and had to buy it in the U.S. because for some reason the DVD is not available on this side of the pond....more info
• Cyrano de Bergerac
  This movie's set back in ancient times where they knights and women in very elegant gowns. It's about a guy named Cyrano who's seriously in love with a woman named Roxane, but there's one problem, this other man likes her (i forget his name) and she likes him too, also Roxane & Cyrano are cousins. Roxane's totally unaware of Cyrano's feelings for her since he's way too shy to let her know of them and Cyrano is extremely self concious about his nose since it's so big. I won't reveal anymore of the movie to you, it's a good movie, i suggest ya rent it first then decide to buy it or not. They made an english version of this movie too starring Steve Martin- the one where he's got a big nose, I dunno what it's called!...more info
• The best modern version of the perfect love tragedy.
  Gerard Depardieu is the embodiment of Cyrano de Bergerac in every sense of the word. The only only thing more noteworthy than his graceful eloquence is his verbal presentation is his uncanny grace in every other manner. This film is perfectly done with with beautiful color, costume and dialogue. Pay aprticular attention to the opening scene. Depardieu's mastery of the monologue that criticises the play in progress and politics in general is priceless!...more info
• I Take Only My Panache
  This is a movie about honor, unrequited love and the best swordsman in all of France.

  It is set in Rennaissance France and concerns the love that Cyrano de Bergerac holds for the lovely Roxanne, and the love she bears for Christian, a soldier in his troupe. Roxanne asks Cyrano to help her begin a relationship with Christian, and out of love Cyrano promises to speak to Christian, who enlists Cyrano's aid to woo Roxanne. Cyrano helps Christian by writing beautiful letters. The lovers tale plays out, even as they are surrounded by intrigue, threat of war, and some great swashbuckling action.

  Edmond Rostand wrote an incredible tale of honor and this version starring Gerard Depardieu is one of the best presentations of the tale I've seen. Depardieu makes the tragic/heroic character of Cyrano so real that you feel you've lived the story by the end....more info

• classic french litterature movie adataption
  One of the most famous characters of the french litterature, played by gerard depardieu, in an other movie adaptation. Great acting, beautiful recreation of the historical setting. Yet, Depardieu's supporting cast fails to live up to the other characters' true potential. Poor english subtitles....more info
• French epic/comedie?
  This story is an old french tale about a man with a large nose who's wit and physical prowess win him friends and more importantly, enemies, at every turn. Cyrano, our leading nasal hero, is man of exceeding flair and intelligence but despite these exemplary traits, he is also a man of few words who's bluntness and unflattering directness ultimately keep him from leading a boring life. As fate would have it, Cyrano is deeply in love with his cousin - the beautiful Roxane. She, however, does not realize his passion for her since Cyrano can not bring himself to divulge his true feelings to her; Roxane is enamored of, at first, physical beauty - she, instead, becomes quite enthralled with a "handsome" young soldier named Christian who is placed under Cyrano's command. The crux of this story revolves around this triangle as Roxane implores her cousin, Cyrano, to help her win Christian's affections. This tale further weaves itself as both Cyrano and Christian are ordered to help wage war against the Spanish - Roxane forces Cyrano to promise that he will protect young Christian. For the rest, I suggest viewing of this movie or reading of the book by E. Rostand. The movie itself is beautifully shot - cinematography is excellent in the countryside and the period design is quite alluring. Great movie based on a great story. I highly recommend this to those who truly enjoy and appreciate cinema. This movie was made in french but subtitles are available. (Subtitles are very useful during a key fencing battle by Cyrano)...more info
• Cyrano = Depardieu = Magnificent
  
  This is a wonderful adaptation of the French masterpiece by Rostand, strikingly performed and beautifully filmed. Gerard Depardieu as Cyrano is magnificent. Those watching the movie reading English subtitles are in for a real treat: written by Anthony Burgess, the script is poetic and brilliant. One must always wonder about Roxanne (played by Anne Brochet), who falls in love with the words of love and only circumstantially with the man she thought had uttered them. Is she worthy of the great love and sacrifice offered her by Cyrano, who only reveals the truth to her on the day he's dying, 14 years after the death of the man she thought she loved? His dying soliloquy is masterful, this man who "lived for all and dies unknown," taking with him only his panache. Depardieu is not made to look the freak with a huge nose, which is only mildly extended, and that's a plus. Everything about this production works marvelously, and it's by far the best Cyrano on screen. Steve Martin's modern version, ROXANNE, is also very good, but is much different in outlook and approach. Both are definitely worth a watch....more info
• A great French film for the whole family
  Cyrano has its romantic side, but unlike many French films, this one is safe for the whole family. The tragic romance of Cyrano and Roxanne is beautifully played out, with marvelous poetic pacing and the soaring spirit of Cyrano undaunted by any of his failures. I love the part when Cyrano says he's practically lived Don Quixote. Great film for guys and girls....more info
• Depardieu c'est Cyrano de Bergerac (Depardieu is Cyrano)
  The question is: when is this great film going to be released on DVD Zone 1? How much longer do we have to be waiting?
  I don't consider myself an expert on literature, but the execution, the performance, the scenario of the film c'est formidable et exceptionel, Depardieu was the right choice for this role I can't imagine another actor doing Cyrano. I truly enjoyed it, I read the book when I was kid, after the movie I read it again, but in French. Cyrano touches each and everyone of us. Cyrano's view of life and its implications are the ones of a philosopher, of a judge. I saw myself in Cyrano. Glory is not always for those who truly deserve it, the scene of the baker talking about that writer that stole his merits, Cyrano under the tree being himself to Roxanne, but in disguise. I think that we could honestly state that most of humanity's lives are summarized there, in these two scenes, comme Cyrano dit a Roxanne: cette nuit au jardin toute ma vie etait la, after that, Cyrano simply died....
  Adieu. Et quand aurons-nous "Cyrano" disponible en DVD Zone 1?...more info
• A Fantastic Film for the Imagination
  Written as a play in the late 19th century, _Cyrano de Bergerac_ explores themes of love, bravery, literature, and fantasy. This rendering of the play places Cyrano in a much more heroic light than he often appears. For example, in _Return of the Musketeers_, Cyrano is shown as a buffoon who drinks heavily and babbles about going to the moon in his hot air balloon. In this film, Depardieu boldly and believably brings this dichotomous character to life. Cyrano is publicly outspoken but privately shy and introspective. Some Americans (including myself) generally give Depardieu poor reviews in his English-speaking films, but the dialogue (in French with subtitles) comes alive on his native tongue. The subtitles are well-written, and even the French verse is rendered carefully in English verse. _Cyrano_ is a celebration of the power of imagination, and its power to take the ordinary up to the level of extraordinary. Men will cheer his boldness; women will swoon at his mastery of romantic language. This is a movie that adolescents and adults will greatly enjoy. To see a very good comic version of this play, see _Roxanne_ with Steve Martin....more info
• Sentimental, but also captivating
  Depardieu is a brute in life, but a sublime actor. His interpretation of Cyrano is faultless. A wonderful film....more info
• A great French film for the whole family
  Cyrano has its romantic side, but unlike many French films, this one is safe for the whole family. The tragic romance of Cyrano and Roxanne is beautifully played out, with marvelous poetic pacing and the soaring spirit of Cyrano undaunted by any of his failures. I love the part when Cyrano says he's practically lived Don Quixote. Great film for guys and girls....more info
• Love It!
  I love this version of Cyrano. Depardieu is so perfect in the role. He did an outstanding job. And I have to add that the latest version of Cyrano that was on Broadway was good too. Kevin Kline was a killer Cyrano, he really became the character, much the same way Depardieu did too. This Cyrano has a much better Roxanne though, Jennifer Garner should stick to film....more info
• Sublime
  It doesn't get any better than this!!! A "period piece" with panache! In case you wonder why French-speaking women love Gerard Depardieu so much, buy/rent Cyrano and you will know. He is such an amazing actor, he'll make you believe words in rhymes that were written over a century ago! The fact that the supporting cast is up to the challenge (particularly Anne Brochet and Vincent Perez) makes it even more appealing. Also, the set is magnificent (let's face it: no cardboard creation can match real locations) and the music serves the plot perfectly. Sheer pleasure... I cannot think of a bad thing to say about Cyrano....more info
• classic french litterature movie adataption
  One of the most famous characters of the french litterature, played by gerard depardieu, in an other movie adaptation. Great acting, beautiful recreation of the historical setting. Yet, Depardieu's supporting cast fails to live up to the other characters' true potential. Poor english subtitles....more info
• The most romantic love story ever written
  This rendition of Cyrano is absolutely superb. The poetry is beautiful, the acting is amazing, and the story is immensely moving. This is by far the most romantic and tragic love story ever written - far better than Romeo and Juliet. And even though Steve Martin's Roxanne was cute and amusing, it doesn't do the story justice. This is the version that you must have!

  Note: Beware of the Korean version of this DVD. While it plays on US machines, they have massacred the English translation. If you have it, you need to replace it with this version....more info

• Restore your respect for Depardieu ...
  and watch Cyrano de Bergerac. I was a French major in university, and am not a fan of any of the "classics" in any language. But this film made me run out and read the play -- in French -- three times. I did a special senior project on the film and the written play ... Depardieu's training in stage plays comes through strong in this movie, and so does his passion as well as the passion of the author who wrote the original play. Depardieu's massive energy in this role as Cyrano serves only to accentuate the beautiful words he uses to express his love for Roxanne. Beautifully acted, beautifully filmed, you'll never see Depardieu the same again....more info
• I love Gerald Depardieu
  I loved this movie the first time I saw it; to listen to Gerald Depardieu speak french is wonderful. The script is great; adventure, humor, and romance. You really feel for the characters and are sad to see it end. A must see :o)...more info