The true story of Charette, played by Hugo Becker in the film

Wednesday November 27, 2024 at 9:20 p.m., C8 broadcasts Win or Diean ambitious historical fresco narrating the destiny of François Athanase Charette de la Contrie, more simply known as Charette. This is the very first feature film produced by the company Le Puy du Fou Films., created in 2021. Win or Die is largely inspired by the show The Last Panachewhich visitors to Puy du Fou, the famous Vendée amusement park created by Philippe de Villiers, can admire since 2016.

Charette, major figure in the Vendée War

Win or Die therefore narrates the extraordinary destiny of Charette, born in 1763, in Couffé, in the department of Loire-Atlantique in a family of penniless country gentlemen of minor nobility. After taking part in the American War of Independence, then fighting on several seas around the world, the young man suddenly ended his career as a naval officer when the French Revolution came. Disgusted by the indiscipline on French ships, Charette resigned and took early retirement. He returns home to the manor of Fonteclose, near Challans, where he is bored for three long years before his destiny as a fighting man catches up with him. When the Vendée War broke out, he took the lead in the Vendée insurrection, leading his men against the Republican army. For three years, Charette fought with panache before being captured by General Travot. He was finally shot on March 29, 1796, in Nantes, at the age of 32.

Hugo Becker a “really wet shirt” for his role

To embody the man whom many Vendée residents consider to be a true hero, Vincent Mottez and Paul Mignot, the two co-directors of Win or Die chose Hugo Becker, a well-known face, especially among fans of TV series. Indeed, after having played in Chefs, Black Baron or even Osmosisthe actor also played one of the main roles in I promise you on TF1, alongside Camille Lou. He also played Henry II in fiction Diana of Poitiers, broadcast in November 2022 on France 2, facing the immense Isabelle Adjani. An experience that was very useful to him on the set of Win or die, as he was able to put the basics of fencing and horse riding he had learned to use for the role. “With Win or Die, it was great because we were able to go further with riding and fighting, and I was able to do all the stunts. Which is a real pleasure for me“, he confides in the press kit for the film. An investment that Vincent Mottez did not fail to underline. “Hugo Becker underwent intense training in horse riding and fencing, with the Puy du Fou stuntmenexplains the co-director. He really wet his shirt to perform his galloping and fighting scenes himself. He prepared and involved a lot. He is very demanding of himself and attentive to every detail.”.