It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

This film is one of the most expensive films ever made in France but it was worthwhile. Even with such a huge budget, Jean-Paul Rappeneau is controling very well this epic film. Moreover, it shows numerous qualities which proves Rappeneau's confidence towards his film, for example: the beauty of the landscapes, the performance of the two main actors: Olivier Martinez who is very at ease in his role of soldier and Juliette Binoche who is ravishing and brave too, the briskly rhythm of the film itself and the quality of the screenplay which is sometimes ironic .I didn't read the novel by Jean Giono but I suppose that the film is very faithful to the novel. I noticed one thing in this film which is weird: very famous French actors have got only a little role: Gérard Depardieu who performs a policeman, Jean Yanne who is a hawker and François Cluzet who is a doctor. As a conclusion: an epic film which is worth to be seen

This lavish spectacle includes panoramic mountain views, stunningly beautiful Juliette Binoche, studly handsome Olivier Martinez, energetic sword fights, dashing horses, touching love, feeble attempts of cholera control, aristocratic restraint, flawless acting, and even decent subtitles... ...Now really, what else could one want in a film?!! This is a terrific film, with a refreshing French style (not the usual Hollywood format). Nearly all the IMDB comments below are positive, and this film won (or was nominated for) several awards. Unless you are averse to non-English films, I suggest you run down and rent this video now. It is a gem.

In brief, I love this film because it is as close to perfection as a movie can be. If you are not too daunted by subtitles (in French) then you will find an original tale, superbly acted by both the leading characters and entire supporting cast. It will keep you on the edge-of- your-seat. Emotionally it's touching, gripping, packed with exciting swashbuckling action, and crammed full with beautiful photographic scenery or backdrops. Every scene or line spoken is tightly relevant to the story. At no point does this engaging film lose focus or become predictable.The period is set in Central Europe during the 19th Century, where Europe is beset by war and worse, disease. People are more wary of strangers, or mad with fright, should they be murdered or fall victim to the rampaging cholera. One crazed or inspired thing happens after another throughout the captivating story. However, there's a fine balance between the hectic frenzy and the subtle quieter moments, as an unspoken love develops between the honourable dashing young nobleman Colonel and his new companion, the confident aristocrat married woman (Juliette Binoche), in search of her lost husband. The manner by which he chances upon her to begin with is unique and amusing. Juliette Binoche and Olivier Martinez should have deservedly walked away with Oscars, as should everyone involved for script, cinematography, music, costumes and direction! To summarise, one of the best made films you or I will ever have the privilege see.

"Horseman on the Roof" is a stylish and romanticized saga of a chivalrous Italian freedom fighter's odyssey with a French gentry wife amid a 19th century southern European cholera epidemic. Though this restrained love story and adventure film deserves high marks on all levels, rich, lush scenic beauty and award winning cinematography are its hallmark.