A Truly Frustrating Watch

The novel starts out as a comedy, Dumas explicitly compares D'artangan to Don Quixote, and most of the scenes in the first half of the novel are intended to be humorous, most of the characters are buffoonish, and their fight scenes are ridiculous. That is how it is portrayed in the novel, the first half of the novel is basically a farce. The tone of the movie is consistent with the tone of the book.

Then, after they recover the necklace from Buckingham, the story gradually gets darker and more serious, and it becomes a tragedy. This too is accurately reflected in the second film The Four Musketeers which tells the story of the second half of the novel and which is thus a much darker and more somber movie.

I agree completely with Autoexecbatman. I also want to add a little bit of information.

If you have ever wielded an accurate replica of a 16th to 17th century rapier, then you should already know that the duel sequences are much more realistic than most. Rapiers are heavy swords (2 1/2 to 3 pounds or so) and long (34 to 40 inches). Wielding one puts an enormous load on the wrist.

In addition, there are several different methods of dueling. The most common is dagger and rapier, with the rapier in the sword hand and a dagger from 12 to 18 inches long in the off hand. Some fight with a cloak, a hat, or even a second rapier in the off hand. The least used is with nothing in the off hand. The object in the off hand or the hand itself is used to deflect thrusts. The use of anything else, a fist, a booted foot, both feet, etc. are all allowed and encouraged, though proper technique is touted as being the most efficacious.

Clothing in a swordsman is supposed to fit ill. Loose hangings and billowy folds makes it more difficult for an opponent to strike a precious body part.

Wearing tight fitting custom leather tunics is a good way to get stabbed through a vital organ.

The best diplomat I know is a fully charged phaser bank.

You have no taste.

This remains the best version of The Three Musketeers on screen.