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The Duchess of Langeais

Original title: Ne touchez pas la hache
  • 2007
  • Unrated
  • 2h 17m
IMDb RATING
6.5/10
1.5K
YOUR RATING
Jeanne Balibar and Guillaume Depardieu in The Duchess of Langeais (2007)
Period DramaDramaMusicRomance

In Majorca, in 1823, a French general, Armand de Montriveau, overhears a cloistered nun singing in a chapel; he insists on speaking to her. She is Antoinette, for five years he has searched ... Read allIn Majorca, in 1823, a French general, Armand de Montriveau, overhears a cloistered nun singing in a chapel; he insists on speaking to her. She is Antoinette, for five years he has searched for her. Flash back to their meeting in Paris, he recently returned from Africa, she marri... Read allIn Majorca, in 1823, a French general, Armand de Montriveau, overhears a cloistered nun singing in a chapel; he insists on speaking to her. She is Antoinette, for five years he has searched for her. Flash back to their meeting in Paris, he recently returned from Africa, she married and part of the highest society. She flirts with him, and soon he's captivated. His beh... Read all

  • Director
    • Jacques Rivette
  • Writers
    • Pascal Bonitzer
    • Christine Laurent
    • Honoré de Balzac
  • Stars
    • Jeanne Balibar
    • Guillaume Depardieu
    • Bulle Ogier
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.5/10
    1.5K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Jacques Rivette
    • Writers
      • Pascal Bonitzer
      • Christine Laurent
      • Honoré de Balzac
    • Stars
      • Jeanne Balibar
      • Guillaume Depardieu
      • Bulle Ogier
    • 17User reviews
    • 66Critic reviews
    • 74Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 5 nominations total

    Photos10

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    Top cast26

    Edit
    Jeanne Balibar
    Jeanne Balibar
    • Antoinette de Langeais
    Guillaume Depardieu
    Guillaume Depardieu
    • Armand de Montriveau
    Bulle Ogier
    Bulle Ogier
    • Princesse de Blamont-Chauvry
    Michel Piccoli
    Michel Piccoli
    • Vidame de Pamiers
    Anne Cantineau
    • Clara de Sérizy
    Marc Barbé
    Marc Barbé
    • Marquis de Ronquerolles
    Thomas Durand
    • De Marsay
    Nicolas Bouchaud
    Nicolas Bouchaud
    • De Trailles
    Mathias Jung
    • Julien
    Julie Judd
    • Lisette
    Victoria Zinny
    Victoria Zinny
    • La mère supérieure
    Remo Girone
    Remo Girone
    • Le confesseur au couvent
    Beppe Chierici
    Beppe Chierici
    • L'alcade
    Paul Chevillard
    • Duc de Navarreins
    Barbet Schroeder
    Barbet Schroeder
    • Duc de Grandlieu
    Birgit Ludwig
    • Diane de Maufrigneuse
    Denis Freyd
    • Abbé Gondrand
    Claude Delaugerre
    • Auguste
    • Director
      • Jacques Rivette
    • Writers
      • Pascal Bonitzer
      • Christine Laurent
      • Honoré de Balzac
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The film keeps the original title of Balzac's novel from March 1834.
    • Goofs
      When Armand is reading the final letter of the Duchess, a wall socket is visible.
    • Connections
      References La belle noiseuse (1991)
    • Soundtracks
      Fleuve du Tage
      Poésie J. H. Demeun; musique B. Pollet

      Performed by Julien Bezias, Marie-Judith de Bucy, Jean-Yves Gratius, Gildas Guillon, Rosalie Hartog, Eric Lebrun, Marie-Ange Leurent, Christophe Minck, Sophie Rochon and Romain Senac

    User reviews17

    Featured review
    8/10

    Oh, How We Tease

    Set in the earlier part of the 19th century in Europe, this story is about a war hero General and the duchess of the title. They carry on an affair which in this film is more words as promises than words as actions. I like the fact that the film begins far from where the film is mainly set, years later. Antoinette, played by Ms. Balibar, is a pretty lady, and their affair is carried out over time. The duchess, however, is married, which of course complicates matters. The film may be a little too long to get to its conclusion, but it is well acted and somewhat absorbing. I would recommend it to anyone who likes these kind of period pieces, if not anyone who craves action mostly. It held my interest though, as I said, it would have been better if they shaved twenty minutes off of it. You may like it.
    • crossbow0106
    • Mar 8, 2008
    • Permalink

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    FAQ19

    • How long is The Duchess of Langeais?Powered by Alexa
    • Is this a remake of "Wicked Duchess" (1942), which had fabulous dialogue by Jean Giraudoux?
    • For the answer read the info at the imdb link below

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 28, 2007 (France)
    • Countries of origin
      • France
      • Italy
    • Official site
      • Les Films du Losange (France)
    • Languages
      • French
      • Spanish
    • Also known as
      • Don't Touch the Axe
    • Filming locations
      • Tremiti Islands, Foggia, Apulia, Italy(island and convent)
    • Production companies
      • Pierre Grise Productions
      • Cinemaundici
      • Arte France Cinéma
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $282,749
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $22,251
      • Feb 24, 2008
    • Gross worldwide
      • $982,795
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 17 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby SR
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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