D'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers: an adaptation that has dog!

You all know the novel entitled The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas senior. But do you know the manga version, adapted to the cinema moreover? This is Toni Garcia's successful challenge with D'Artagan and the Three Musketeers ! It must be said that it is a real pleasure to discover the time of an animated film the essential stories of literature. And what could be better than the adaptation of one of the most famous and appreciated French novels? If it has known many film versions, cartoons, comics and others, the novel The Three Musketeers arrives for the very first time in France in an animal version and it must be admitted that it is a beautiful adaptation. Indeed, the narrative captivates the viewer from beginning to end. This 3D feature film is directed by the Spanish Toni Garcia (of which it is the first film), and adapted from an animated series of the 80s. Indeed, D'Artagnan and The Three Musketeers, Spanish-Japanese animated series, was broadcast in France from September 1984, on TF1, first in the show "Vitamine" then in the very mythical "Club Dorothée". The cartoon was then rebroadcast on France 3 in the youth programand "Amuse 3". For the anecdote, in the animated series of the 80s, it is Gérard Hernandez (Raymond in Scènes de ménage who dubbed D'Artagnan). So is it necessary to be presented with the more than known story of the novel? Let's do it quickly to put the context in context… D'Artagnan, a young Gascon proud of his origins, takes the road towards Paris with a letter from his father. This letter is intended to bring him into the Musketeers, led by Mr. de Tréville and protector of King Louis XIII. But before becoming a full-fledged musketeer, many obstacles will stand in his way. In Le Mans, the young D'Artagnan will have to confront the rivals of the Musketeers, the guards of Cardinal Richelieu led by the dark and mysterious Rochefort. Then, once he arrives in the capital, he will have to impose himself and link up with the Musketeers Athos, Portos and Aramis who take him under their wing, before being charged by the beautiful Constance to thwart a plot against Queen Anne and to know many other adventures … So you will have understood it. This is an action-adventure story tinged with humor and romance. Initially, D'Artagnan and The Three Musketeers is a novel that is both complete and varied in its different atmospheres. And the least we can say is that we find this element in the animated film thanks to a certain sense of rhythm and a very good use of the characters. An impetuous young hero and initially not very respectful of his elders, D'Artagnan is the kind of character we like to follow. Indeed, everyone can recognize themselves in him. He is a character who has a lot to learn and is bound to evolve in a considerable way. This further exacerbates his exemplary determination. Around D'Artagnan gravitate colorful characters and just as interesting as him. We even note that these protagonists are at the origin of stereotypes that we still find today. Indeed, we find Athos, Porthos and Aramis as protective big brothers each with their own personality, Rochefort plays the role of the mysterious rival, Cardinal Richelieu as a formidable enemy, Constance, she, embodies the object of the pure love of the hero … And let's not forget Milady, the charming spy, the King and Queen finding himself at the heart of a plot and the (very) charismatic Duke of Buckingham. An essential point to note: this is the first time that D'Artagnan and his companions are all animals: D'Artagnan a beagle, Athos a German shepherd, Porthos a St. Bernard, Aramis, an English springer, Planchet a bear and Apple a mouse. And this animal version has a completely (w)ouf effect: It has the gift of arousing interest in young and old! Everyone is at the rendezvous in this animated film signed Garcia. Only one small regret: some themes are less highlighted. This is particularly the case of the romance around D'Artagnan and Constance which remains basic. But in any case, the sense of rhythm is present in this adaptation cartoon version. The director has managed to follow with clarity and without dropping in speed the first outlines of the original story. All the important stages of this fabulous work are there and are well respected. The atmospheres are varied and the whole excites us completely. And this little music signed Jean-Jacques Debout that takes us as an ode to life in the adventures of our faithful musketeers and his companions. We can say that the challenge is met for Toni Garcia. On the drawing side, we can say that these are particularly effective. Indeed, the characters are mastered and expressive. Add to that the 3D effect and our friends even seem to come to life as they are well done. On the decor side, the few sword fights – although very short – are sufficiently present and quite detailed. The whole completely immerses the viewer in the many twists and turns that D'Artagnan and his companions will experience. Finally, we can consider that the result is frankly successful. D'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers looks at itself and with pleasure as the twists are well managed throughout the cartoon. The graphic touch is classic but very effective. The different riches of the novel are all present, so much so that we want to (re)throw ourselves on the original work of Alexandre Dumas! https://youtu.be/tK83W0pDiSs