Traumatized by the cruel defeat of the French against the Prussians in the war of 1870, Clément Lacaze (Roschdy Zem, imposing), fencing master working in the fencing circle led by the journalist Eugène Tavernier (Guillaume Gallienne, nuanced), holds horror of violence. Following a fatal duel, he will have to resolve to confront the bellicose Colonel Louis Berchère (Vincent Perez, impetuous) more than once.
In the meantime, Lacaze will take as his student Marie-Rose Astié de Malseyre (Doria Tillier, haughty and fiery), feminist journalist and founder of a women’s fencing league, who wishes to face Ferdinand Massat (Damien Bonnard, sanguine) in a duel, editor-in-chief of Little Journalafter the latter had publicly flouted his honor.
What would have been A matter of honor without the conquering presence of Doria Tillier in the role of a pioneer of female emancipation? Neglected by History, Marie-Rose Astié de Malseyre would certainly have deserved her own biographical drama as this woman of multiple talents devoted her life to stirring the cage of patriarchy.
By wanting to revive on screen the golden age of duels, a time when politicians did not hesitate to confront journalists with foil in hand, Vincent Perez (Angel skin, Alone in Berlin) and Karine Silla (A butterfly kiss, From Almond Trees to Almond Trees), co-writer, had the good idea of recalling the struggle of women. And this is certainly the most interesting aspect of this story of revenge and virility taking place in a tormented atmosphere, where the most ardent guardians of tradition take a dim view of the slightest sign of progress.
It is, however, regrettable that the screenwriters wanted to create a romance between the activist for the wearing of pants by women and Lacaze, a monolithic character created from scratch. Why is it absolutely necessary to take this route as soon as a piece of petticoat appears? Already the first duelA matter of honor is about the heart of an insignificant little girl who is fought over by a naive young man and an old handsome man…
Besides the pleasure of seeing the star of Fanfan La Tulipe (2003), by Philippe de Broca, handling weapons with as much grace and aplomb, we must admit that Vincent Perez, who took pleasure in creating parallels with our time, did his homework well. Elegant and lively, its staging highlights the talent of the actors. Benefiting from breathtaking duels skillfully choreographed by Michel Carliez (Cyrano de Bergeracby Jean-Paul Rappeneau), the twilight light of Lucie Baudinaud and a sober and tasteful artistic direction, A matter of honor proves to be an honorable tribute to the nobility of people of heart and word.
Indoors
Drama
A matter of honor
Vincent Perez
Roschdy Zem, Doria Tillier, Guillaume Gallienne, Damien Bonnard
1h40