Film notes and reviews » 2012/13 season » The Princess of Montpensier, October 2012

The Princess of Montpensier, October 2012

France 2010. Director: Bertrand Tavernier.

Certificate 15

Directed by the 70 year old master Bernard Tavernier, this film tells the story of a 17th century beauty who is forced into a dynastic marriage whilst being in love with a dashing cousin she grew up with.

Tavernier addresses French and European politics, religion, warfare, gender issues and of course, male honour, as is customary in these historical sagas. Lambert Wilson again takes the main acting plaudits as the cerebral Comte de Chavannes, following his lead role in Of Gods and Men.

The male actors dominate so that the beautiful Princess appears to become part of the lavish sets. The serious treatment of the effect of religious fanaticism prevents this from being a romp with swords.

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