Our take
Each time a classic gets adapted, there’s always the question as to why it should be told again. After all, we’ve already heard it before. The huge-nosed Cyrano loves Roxane, but he gets to express his love through the face and signature of the handsome Christian, who’s happy to use Cyrano’s wit in turn. In today’s world, that’s historical catfishing. However, there’s something compelling about the way this 90’s French adaptation embraces its story. Perhaps it’s the lead performance from Gérard Depardieu, or perhaps it’s the expensive production, but much like its protagonist, the film is unapologetic about what it wants but prioritizes what is necessary. Cyrano de Bergerac gets us swept up in the same feeling, just with a different sort of panache.
What it won
Oscars
1 win
Golden Globes
1 win · 3 noms
DGA
1 nom
Nat. Board of Review
1 win
NYFCC
1 nom
The story
Famed swordsman and poet Cyrano de Bergerac is in love with his cousin Roxane. He has never expressed his love for her as he his large nose undermines his self-confidence. Then he finds a way to express his love to her, indirectly.
Elsewhere
"Toubia fights hard and gets in some solid scenes that could’ve been worked out on another director’s remix. “Rosario” is worth seeing for her and is otherwise mired in pretty good problems to have."
— Alison Foreman
Famed swordsman and poet Cyrano de Bergerac is in love with his cousin Roxane. He has never expressed his love for her as he his large nose undermines his self-confidence. Then he finds a way to express his love to her, indirectly.
Who picked it
Isabella Endrinal is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. She's now free from the corporate night shift. Previous articles have been published in outlets such as NANG Magazine. She's currently catching up on some classic films… if she isn't coping with the fact that the Haikyu anime will end soon.
