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Vatel

Some men are too noble to live among aristocracy.

2000 · 2h 5m · PG-13 Drama, History, Romance
Directed by Roland Joffé

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Overview

In 1671, with war brewing with Holland, a penniless prince invites Louis XIV to three days of festivities at a chateau in Chantilly. The prince wants a commission as a general, so the extravagances are to impress the king. In charge of all is the steward, Vatel, a man of honor, talent, and low birth. The prince is craven in his longing for stature: no task is too menial or dishonorable for him to give Vatel. While Vatel tries to sustain dignity, he finds himself attracted to Anne de Montausier, the king's newest mistress. In Vatel, she finds someone who's authentic, living out his principles within the casual cruelties of court politics. Can the two of them escape unscathed?

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
31%
Tomatometer
Rotten

It's too turgid with its own upholstered pomp.

Peter Rainer, New York Magazine/Vulture
Rotten

This putrid dish marks a new low for director Roland Joffe.

Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Rotten

It's just deadly, deadly dull.

Paul Tatara, CNN.com
Rotten

A costume drama with far more costumes than drama.

Elvis Mitchell, New York Times
Fresh

A landmark in world cinema not merely for sheer grandeur but also attention to dense authenticity.

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

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