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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 71% 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 The New Yorker Nov 21, 2020
Rossellini deftly and briskly turns ideas into action... Go to Full Review Fernando F. Croce Slant Magazine Jan 12, 2009
4/4
Despite accusations of academic dryness, Louis XIV can be an almost overwhelmingly physical picture. Go to Full Review Paul Schrader Los Angeles Free Press Jun 30, 2020
Rossellini has created a monument to Louis in a film which stands as great as Versailles in architecture. Go to Full Review A.S. Hamrah n+1 Nov 29, 2018
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. Go to Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Jun 28, 2010
A
The complex power study is a picture of clarity. Go to Full Review Christopher Long Movie Metropolis Jul 25, 2009
9/10
... 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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Alec B @Alec97 Apr 8, 2025 The dry, almost academic pace is a huge asset. Certain moments land better because you aren't expecting them. There's also a beautiful attention to detail and historical accuracy that's incredibly refreshing. See more Mar 2, 2014 rossellini revolutionizes history See more Mar 10, 2013 It only really offers luscious set design and costume design, otherwise it's dull and frigid. See more Dec 3, 2012 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. See more Sep 18, 2012 One of the most astounding films I've ever seen. Cinematic beauty See more May 28, 2012 One of Roberto Rossellini's made-for-TV dramas of the 1970's, a fascinating historical drama. See more Read all reviews
The Rise of Louis XIV

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Cast & Crew

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Roberto Rossellini

Director

Jean-Marie Patte

King Louis XIV

Raymond Jourdan

Jean Baptiste Colbert

César Silvagni

Cardinal Mazarin

Katharina Renn

Anne d'Autriche

Dominique Vincent

Madame Du Plessis

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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
Release Date (TV)
Aug 18, 1970
Runtime
1h 40m
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