Yes, folks, the annual Le French Festival is back in town in its 21st edition, as of May 25, and will be here to stay until June 25.

And, Golden Screen Cinemas is continuing its longstanding partnership with Alliance Francaise of Kuala Lumpur to bring French cinematic productions to Malaysian audiences.

This year, 15 French films will be played in selected local cinemas participating in the festival; so, mark your calendars, dear Francophiles.

The festival launch on May 25 saw local audiences treated to a viewing of the French box office hit, “The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan”.

For the uninitiated, “The Three Musketeers” is the name of a famous French novel written by Alexandre Dumas in 1844.

Considered to be a magnum opus of French literature, the book has been adapted for the silver screen dozens of times.

This latest cinematic adaptation by Martin Bourboulon is the first half of a two-part saga, with its sequel already in production.

Like the novel, the film follows D’Artagnan (Francois Civil), an aspiring man from rural Gascony who heads to Paris to enlist in the elite King’s Musketeers.

He is there for less than 24 hours before he offends all three of them, getting into duels with Athos (Vincent Cassel), Porthos (Pio Marmai) and Aramis. (Romain Duris).

Before they start stabbing each other though, the guards of the powerful Cardinal Richelieu (Eric Ruf) arrest them.

Several dead bodies later, the Three Musketeers and D’Artagnan are all buddies with each other; buddies who are about to be thrusted into a web of conspiracy.

You see, Richelieu has plans to exert his control over the country with the help of his spy and assassin, Milady (Eva Green).

With the safety of friends, country and king in danger, it falls upon the Three Musketeers (plus D’Artagnan) to foil these plots at any cost.

However, it must be said that this cinematic adaptation puts its own spin on the story, some of which are rather radical changes.

While this may give the impression it is not a faithful adaptation of the book, these changes are actually understandable and warranted.

For one, a book meant for 19th century readers is unlikely to have the same appeal to the tastes and sensibilities of 21st century moviegoers.

Two, some of the changes also add a level of complexity to the characters, allowing the audience to sympathise with and relate to them.

And third, deviating from the book keeps knowledgeable readers on their toes, as the film might surprise them with some of its decisions.

“The Three Musketeers” can be said to be something of a “Mission: Impossible” film, albeit with more facial hair and questionable hygiene.

There is much political intrigue in this film, as in the novel, but it is written in such a way that the average moviegoer understands what’s going on.

While there are several subplots, they still tie up nicely in the end, with a pretty bow on top.

Endowed with a large budget, the film also has the time and resources to show off how great French cinematography can be.

That said, credit must go to lead actor Civil, whose D’Artagnan is not just the main character of the story but also its heart.

D’Artagnan is young, brash, awkward but charming all at the same time. Little wonder that equally plucky lass Constance Bonacieux (Lyna Khoudri) is quick to notice him.

It is not hard to root for him, given the stakes, but he is just a very likeable hero who wants to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.

Surprisingly enough, some credit also has to go to Louis Garrel, whose portrayal of King Louis XIII adds a lot of nuance to what’s supposed to be a side character.

Ruler of a kingdom on the brink of civil war, one can feel the insecurity and uncertainty that he has even as the most powerful man in the country.

And given how his life is threatened, he has good reason to be worried about keeping everything together. Well, at least he will be keeping his head on, unlike his descendant Louis XVI. Couldn’t ask for more than that, honestly!

For more information on Le French Festival 2023, including the full line-up of events in all states, visit its website or Facebook profile.