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The Rise of Louis XIV

Play trailer The Rise of Louis XIV G 1966 1h 40m Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 8 Reviews 70% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
This docudrama by Roberto Rossellini focuses on French king Louis XIV (Jean-Marie Patte). When the powerful de facto leader, Cardinal Mazarin (Silvagni), dies, youthful Louis seizes control of the country. Before long, the flamboyant ruler clashes with indulgent nobleman Nicolas Fouquet (Pierre Barrat) and lays out his plan to consolidate his power. Working closely with finance minister Jean-Baptiste Colbert (Raymond Jourdan), Louis XIV establishes a reign that continues for decades.

Critics Reviews

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Richard Brody New Yorker Rossellini deftly and briskly turns ideas into action... Nov 21, 2020 Full Review Fernando F. Croce Slant Magazine Despite accusations of academic dryness, Louis XIV can be an almost overwhelmingly physical picture. Rated: 4/4 Jan 12, 2009 Full Review Paul Schrader Los Angeles Free Press Rossellini has created a monument to Louis in a film which stands as great as Versailles in architecture. Jun 30, 2020 Full Review A.S. Hamrah n+1 Rossellini's moving camera keeps it lively even as he criticizes the kind of spectacle Louis uses to rule, the kind movies make of history. Nov 29, 2018 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews The complex power study is a picture of clarity. Rated: A Jun 28, 2010 Full Review Christopher Long Movie Metropolis ... history writ small, a layering of subtle (and sometimes grueling) details that accumulate a mysterious gestalt power. The final product is a masterpiece, one of Rossellinis greatest achievements. Rated: 9/10 Jul 25, 2009 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member rossellini revolutionizes history Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/09/23 Full Review Audience Member It only really offers luscious set design and costume design, otherwise it's dull and frigid. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member I get it, I get it... but can you make it NOT as boring? Well, I have something to compare it to and Russians do t better. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review Audience Member One of the most astounding films I've ever seen. Cinematic beauty Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member One of Roberto Rossellini's made-for-TV dramas of the 1970's, a fascinating historical drama. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member A marvelous film by Rosselini that shows how a rightfully terrified young man went on the become the symbol for ABSOLUTE MONARCH. And of course France's bloated bureaucracy today is a legacy of Louis XIV. Rosselini should also have made a film about the British merchants who founded Hong Kong, which even under China seems to have no government at all. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Rise of Louis XIV

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis This docudrama by Roberto Rossellini focuses on French king Louis XIV (Jean-Marie Patte). When the powerful de facto leader, Cardinal Mazarin (Silvagni), dies, youthful Louis seizes control of the country. Before long, the flamboyant ruler clashes with indulgent nobleman Nicolas Fouquet (Pierre Barrat) and lays out his plan to consolidate his power. Working closely with finance minister Jean-Baptiste Colbert (Raymond Jourdan), Louis XIV establishes a reign that continues for decades.
Director
Roberto Rossellini
Rating
G
Genre
Biography
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 40m