The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan

The first half of Alexandre Dumas's oft-filmed novel is exhilaratingly brought to life for this vivid swashbuckler featuring a charismatic European cast. François Civil stars as D'Artagnan, the resolute Gascony native who crosses swords with - and later joins - Athos (Vincent Cassel), Aramis (Romain Duris) and Porthos (Pio Marmaï), the musketeers loyal to King Louis XIII (Louis Garrel). Courtly intrigue, involving the scheming Cardinal Richelieu (Eric Ruf) and the mysterious Milady de Winter (Eva Green), drives the plot, as Athos is falsely accused of murder and sentenced to death. Old-fashioned in all the best ways, the film boasts briskly staged action, with the actors - particularly the limber Cassel - revelling in the showy swordfights. Director Martin Bourboulon (Eiffel) demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship across the board, using period-perfect costumes and locations to spectacular effect. With Phantom Thread star Vicky Krieps bringing yet more star power as Queen Anne, this is an ensemble rich with talent that brings this historical classic vividly alive.