The Princess of Montpensier (2010)
"La princesse de Montpensier" (original title)

Bertrand Tavernier is in top form with this gripping, superbly mounted drama set against the savage Catholic/Protestant wars that ripped France apart in the 16th century. Based on a novella... See full summary »

Director:

Bertrand Tavernier

Writers:

Jean Cosmos, Madame de La Fayette (short story),

Stars:

Mélanie Thierry, Lambert Wilson, Gaspard Ulliel

2 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mélanie Thierry	...	Marie de Montpensier
Lambert Wilson	...	François de Chabannes
Gaspard Ulliel	...	Henri de Guise
Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet	...	Philippe de Montpensier
Raphaël Personnaz	...	Duc d'Anjou
Michel Vuillermoz	...	Duc de Montpensier
Philippe Magnan	...	Marquis de Mézières
Florence Thomassin	...	Marquise de Mézières
Christine Brücher	...	Duchesse de Montpensier
Evelina Meghnagi	...	Catherine de Médicis
Judith Chemla	...	Catherine de Guise
César Domboy	...	Mayenne
Jean-Pol Dubois	...	Cardinal de Lorraine
Charles Petit	...	Nicolas
Joséphine de La Baume	...	Suivante Marie

Storyline

Bertrand Tavernier is in top form with this gripping, superbly mounted drama set against the savage Catholic/Protestant wars that ripped France apart in the 16th century. Based on a novella by the celebrated Madame de Lafayette, the action centers on the love of Marie de Mezières for her dashing cousin Henri de Guise, thwarted when her father's political ambitions force her into marriage with the well-connected Philippe de Montpensier, who she has never met. When Philippe is called away to fight, she is left in the care of Count Chabannes, an aging nobleman with a disdain for warfare, and soon becomes exposed to the sexual and political intrigues of court.

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Plot Keywords:

16th century | love | religious war | blood bath | reference to princess de cleves | 

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Taglines:

Passion Destroys Everything

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Genres:

Action | Drama | History | Romance

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Details

Official Sites:

IFC Films [us] StudioCanal [fr]

Country:

France Germany

Language:

French

Release Date:

3 November 2010 (France)

Also Known As:

The Princess of Montpensier

Filming Locations:

Angers, Maine-et-Loire, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$23,456 (USA) (15 April 2011)

Gross:

$340,917 (USA) (24 June 2011)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paradis Films, StudioCanal, France 2 Cinéma

Technical Specs

Runtime:

139 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in Ebert Presents: At the Movies: Episode #1.14 (2011)

User Reviews

I loved it. Gorgeous visuals worth the price of admission

I'm a sucker for period pieces and this one delivered on all the parts that I love. Great costumes and art direction. Breathtaking scenery complete with castles set among hills ablaze in autumn colors. And oh, the fabrics!!! French is always beautiful to listen to, but this film was simply music to the ears. Gorgeous use of language. Thundering horses, clashing swords, unrequited love. Shamelessly romantic while showing how tough life was. War was miserable. No escape from the rain and cold. Women's lives sucked, even if rich. Catherine de'Medici was superb. The acting was good enough for the characters to be convincing which is what I care about. I was transported. That's what I want. Lots of films about Tudor England which is same time period, but few about Catholics and Huguenots. I'd see it again.