Ridicule

R

Released Nov 22, 1996

1 hr. 42 min.

Drama

List

80%

20 Reviews

Tomatometer

84%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Moved by the difficulties faced by peasants living in the mosquito-ridden swamplands near Lyon, aristocratic engineer Marquis Grégoire Ponceludon de Malavoy (Charles Berling) devises a plan to drain the boggy land. But to gain an audience with King Louis XVI (Urbain Cancelier) in Versailles, he learns he must impress the royal court with his verbal wit. Drawn into a world of ever-shifting alliances where words are used as weapons, the Marquis begins to lose sight of his noble intentions.

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Scuba S

It's neat, has funny dialogue and scenes mired with symbolism, all while keeping the plot simple and understandable.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/14/23

Full Review

Thomas M

Best international movie ever made!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/25/22

Full Review

william d

I give the film makers some points for coming up with a truly original story, but I just don't think it was good enough to recommend.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Its a bit of a backhanded complement to say this is my favorite Charles Berling movie where his annoying acting style actually fits his character and brings an uncharacteristic sympathy; Judith Godreche is lovely although the movie cover art belies her rather non-glamorous role. Fanny Ardant is note perfect as is Jean Rochfort

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Boring. Overrated. Total waste of time.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/10/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The opening scene is unforgettable! To this day...at thought, the visual returns with great drama.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

Full Review

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Patrice Leconte

Director

Charles Berling

Le Marquis Grégoire Ponceludon de Malavoy

Jean Rochefort

Le Marquis de Bellegarde

Fanny Ardant

Madame de Blayac

Judith Godrèche

Mathilde de Bellegarde

Bernard Giraudeau

L'Abbée de Vilecourt

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71%

58%

Restoration

50%

42%

Albino Alligator

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Lisa Schwarzbaum

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: B

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Marjorie Baumgarten

Austin Chronicle

Rated: 3/5

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Susan Stark

Detroit News

Rated: 3/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Michael Dwyer

Irish Times

One of the sturdiest, most entertaining French films of recent years...

Feb 19, 2019

Full Review

Malcolm Johnson

Hartford Courant

Despite its elaborate costumes and wigs and its comedy-of- manners verbal games, ``Ridicule'' exhibits passion as well as style.

May 14, 2018

Full Review

Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

Beautifully dark, funny and nasty.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 5, 2005

Full Review

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Synopsis

Moved by the difficulties faced by peasants living in the mosquito-ridden swamplands near Lyon, aristocratic engineer Marquis Grégoire Ponceludon de Malavoy (Charles Berling) devises a plan to drain the boggy land. But to gain an audience with King Louis XVI (Urbain Cancelier) in Versailles, he learns he must impress the royal court with his verbal wit. Drawn into a world of ever-shifting alliances where words are used as weapons, the Marquis begins to lose sight of his noble intentions.

Director: Patrice Leconte
Screenwriter: Rémi Waterhouse, Michel Fessler, Eric Vicaut
Distributor: Miramax Zoë, Miramax Films, Miramax Home Entertainment [us]
Production Co: Miramax
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: French (Canada)
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 22, 1996, Original
Release Date (DVD): Jan 13, 2004
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.5M
Sound Mix: Surround