On Guard

On Guard

Year: 1997

Runtime: 128 mins

Language: French

Director: Philippe de Broca

DramaActionAdventureEpic heroesEpic history and literature

Set in 17th‑century France under Louis XIII, a loyal friend, the Duke of Nevers, is murdered by a treacherous relative. Henri de Lagardère, a master swordsman, swears revenge while guarding the duke’s orphaned heir, risking his life to keep the child safe from further danger.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen On Guard yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – On Guard (1997)

Explore the full timeline and setting of On Guard (1997). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 18th century (around 1700–1716)

The story opens in 1700 and follows events sixteen years later, placing the main action in the early 1700s during a fragile royal-regency era. The period is defined by courtly intrigue, sudden duels, and shifting loyalties among powerful families. It also references emerging financial schemes of the era via the Mississippi Company.

Location

Nevers, France

Nevers is a historic city on the Loire river and a backdrop for noble plots and duels. In the film, the aristocratic atmosphere drives the intrigue around the Nevers lineage and Blanche’s secret child. The setting anchors the power struggles and Gonzague's ambitions as the hunt for an heir unfolds.

🏰 Historic city 🇫🇷 France 🗺️ Central France

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:14

Main Characters – On Guard (1997)

Meet the key characters of On Guard (1997), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lagardère (Daniel Auteuil)

A skilled swordsman and loyal protector who becomes the guardian of Nevers' heir. He trains in the Nevers Attack and uses cunning to outpace Gonzague’s men, while shepherding Aurore through danger.

⚔️ Swordsman 🛡️ Protector 🧭 Loyal Ally

Duke Philippe de Nevers (Vincent Perez)

The noble heir whose bond with Lagardère and his secret marriage set the stakes high. He teaches the Nevers Attack and is murdered by Gonzague, catalyzing the quest for revenge.

👑 Noble ⚔️ Warrior 💔 Tragedy

Duke Philippe d'Orléans (Philippe Noiret)

The Regent of France who presides over court intrigue and political maneuvering related to Blanche’s estate and Gonzague’s ambitions.

👑 Regent 🏛️ Power 🎭 Intrigue

Blanche de Caylus (Claire Nebout)

Mother of the child believed dead, later revealed to be Aurore. She navigates the peril around the child's survival and remains connected to the estate's fate.

👑 Noble 💔 Maternal

Aurore de Nevers (Marie Gillain)

The rightful heir who grows up with Lagardère and learns the Nevers Attack. Her identity is central to the conflict, and she ultimately champions Lagardère’s plan.

👑 Heir 🗡️ Fighter

Count Gonzague (Fabrice Luchini)

The calculating antagonist who murders Nevers and plots to seize the inheritance. His brutality and scheming drive the escalating feud.

🧠 Villain 💼 Manipulator

Cocardasse (Jean-François Stévenin)

Loyal ally who supports Lagardère in his quest, highlighting the camaraderie and networks used to outwit enemies.

🤝 Ally 🗡️ Swordmaster

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:14

Major Themes – On Guard (1997)

Explore the central themes of On Guard (1997), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗡️ Revenge

Lagardère dedicates himself to avenging Nevers and safeguarding the heir. The pursuit of justice drives battles, betrayals, and the ultimate clash with Gonzague. Personal vengeance intertwines with political goals as the truth slowly unfolds.

🎭 Disguise

Disguise and misdirection shape the narrative, from Lagardère’s hunchback disguise to hidden parentage. Characters mask motives to stay ahead of enemies and protect the heir. The masks eventually drop to reveal true identities and shifting loyalties.

👑 Legacy

Inheritance and lineage lie at the story’s heart as Nevers’ heir and Blanche’s child come to the fore. Lagardère engineers political moves and uses fortune to secure Aurore’s future. The ending ties personal vengeance to rightful succession.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:14

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of On Guard

Don't stop at just watching — explore On Guard in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what On Guard is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

On Guard Summary

Read a complete plot summary of On Guard, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

On Guard Summary

On Guard Timeline

Track the full timeline of On Guard with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

On Guard Timeline

On Guard Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of On Guard that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

On Guard Spoiler-Free Summary

More About On Guard

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about On Guard: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About On Guard

Explore More About Movie On Guard

On Guard (1997) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

On Guard (1997) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

On Guard (1997) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow