This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Who's up for some 16th-century French palace intrigue and religious strife?
Veteran director Bertrand Tavernier (" 'Round Midnight") spices up the mix with some sexual tension in the lovely form of noblewoman Marie de Mezières (Mélanie Thierry), married off for political advantage to the Prince of Montpensier (Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet).
But Marie also draws the advances of her rakish cousin (Gaspard Ulliel) and a womanizing duke (Raphaël Personnaz), as well as the attentions of the prince's wise adviser, the Comte de Chabannes (Lambert Wilson, the lead monk in "Of Gods and Men").
The narrative rambles at times, and it's difficult to keep track of all the players. But Tavernier lavishes much care to create the period look, from bloody battles on horseback and bodice-heavy costumes, for a visually rich experience. HHhj
The Princess of Montpensier
Opens Friday, June 10, at the Broadway Centre Cinemas; not rated, but probably R for some sexuality; in French with subtitles; 139 minutes.