Overview
A tale of love and political intrigue set against the backdrop of war-torn France.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- passionate
- melancholic
- stately
- period drama night
- romantic evening
What critics said
Critics broadly praised Tavernier’s elegant modernization of the source novel, striking period presentation, and strong ensemble performances, while some found the emotions and battles overly restrained.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Marie’s arranged marriage, aristocratic alliances, court politics, and religious conflict structure the drama in sixteenth-century France.
Marie’s love for Henri de Guise is thwarted by her father’s political marriage arrangement with Philippe de Montpensier.
The film is repeatedly praised for its beauty, costumes, and superbly mounted presentation of aristocratic sixteenth-century France.
Count de Chabannes rejects the brutalities of warfare and becomes Marie’s guardian after abandoning military service.
Films like The Princess of Montpensier, and why
A Royal Affair
lavish historical romance shaped by aristocratic intrigue, forbidden desire, and political violence
The Duchess
French period melodrama pairing courtly romance with elaborate costumes, social constraint, and emotional rivalry
The Age of Innocence
intense historical romance centered on desire, duty, and a woman constrained by aristocratic power
Dangerous Liaisons
stylish period romance where personal passion collides with dynastic politics and social expectation
Movie Details
- Director
- Bertrand Tavernier
- Release Date
- 2010-11-03
- Runtime
- 139 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (278)
Cast
- Mélanie Thierry
- Lambert Wilson
- Gaspard Ulliel
- Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet
- Raphaël Personnaz
- Michel Vuillermoz
- Philippe Magnan
- Florence Thomassin
- Christine Brücher
- Evelina Meghnagi
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Philo, AMC+ Amazon Channel, France Channel Amazon Channel
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Princess of Montpensier about?
- A headstrong noblewoman navigates forbidden love, arranged marriage, and religious war amid the dangerous splendor of Renaissance France.
- What is The Princess of Montpensier like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Princess of Montpensier as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Princess of Montpensier violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in The Princess of Montpensier as moderate.
- What did critics think of The Princess of Montpensier?
- Critics broadly praised Tavernier’s elegant modernization of the source novel, striking period presentation, and strong ensemble performances, while some found the emotions and battles overly restrained.
- Which films are like The Princess of Montpensier?
- Films with a similar feel include A Royal Affair, The Duchess, The Age of Innocence, and Dangerous Liaisons.
- How long is The Princess of Montpensier?
- The Princess of Montpensier runs 139 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Princess of Montpensier?
- In United States, The Princess of Montpensier streams on Philo, AMC+ Amazon Channel, France Channel Amazon Channel.
