Jeanne du Barry (2023) User Reviews

Accurate, well Produced historical drama

[cotta002-318-865119 · 7/10 · 30 September 2023]

This movie was enjoyable to watch.

The narrator element blended well in telling the story of King Louis Xv mistress.

The rules of the Versailles court seem so extreme nowadays but the movie depicts everything in detail along with the costumes and dialogue it makes a very good historical drama.

Johnny Depp's French is good and he delivers his lines modestly which makes it more realistic.

Sometimes movie makers tend to embellish the historical facts, this one doesn't and the intertwined relationships between the king, his daughters and his mistress are well documented and these play out in this movie.

Depp's performance was very good. It was nice to see him play an historical character, I think it was a challenge he was up for and in my opinion he nailed it.

Visually great, but with problematic writing and casting

[johannes2000-1 · 6/10 · 12 October 2023]

This movie has great visual beauty: costumes and settings are breathtaking and the cinematography is impressive. But I did have some mixed feelings when leaving the theater. This was partly due to the writing, that felt at times a bit lazy, with superficial dialogues and some abrupt jumps in time, that they tried to overcome by a voice-over filling-in several chronologic blanks (talk about lazy!).

Johnny Depp is convincing as Louis XV, his somewhat mumbling and understated way of acting suits the character fine and his French diction is impeccable. The king's mischievous sisters are at many times hilarious, and I was impressed by Benjamin Lavernhe as the king's trusted valet, his part is one of the few more multilayered ones, and he moved me to tears when at the end he had to say goodbye to his dying master. But the parts of Jeanne's beloved stepson Adolphe, as well as that of Louis's beloved third daughter, stay way too sketchy (both having hardly one line to speak) to make the supposedly enormous impact that their loss had on Jeanne and Louis relatable.

My biggest problem however was Maïwenn. She is also the director and one of the writers, and apparently couldn't resist the challenge of also taking on the major and pivotal part of Jeanne. Jeanne DuBarry was 24 years old when she, as a young and ravishing beauty, caught the eye of King Louis. Well, Maïwenn can hardly be called a beauty; besides, she was already past 45 at the time of shooting, and clearly looked her age. In her sumptuous costumes she may make a royal impression, but it's hard to swallow that the king specifically chose her out of that endless line of much more attractive and younger women.

In short: not really bad, with great visual beauty (and by the way an equally impressive score!), but unfortunately neither really good.

A piece of joy in a lake of disappointments.

[Jairosauch · 8/10 · 24 February 2024]

This movie caught my interest when I heard it was going to be in French, and when I found out Mr. Johnny Deep was going to be in it. Not that I have a clue about french but when a movie has an historical event as a base or theme for the story, one assumes it has to be represented in its proper way, with the proper language and cast, and as for my part as an audience go through it making an effort to try and understand it, with the help of subtitles if necessary. It offers me a new and unique way of enjoying cinema, discovering different cultures, perspectives, stories... Another example of it would be also the German production; "All Quite In The Western Front". It's quite an exceptional kind of cinema, and I also understand is not for everyone...

But that's why I love Me. Johnny Deep so much, he is not afraid to explore and play with range and curiosity, ultimately delivering the most outrageous and fantastic characters. In this movie he does not seem to do much, but still he represents his character beautifully. Surprisingly he gets well complemented by Miss Maïwenn, who delivers a fantastic performance on and off-screen, a superb effort from her in my opinion. "Jeanne du Barry" is a refreshing and beautiful piece of art, not determined by modern standards and true to its production style. A beautiful movie.

delightful

[Kirpianuscus · 23 September 2023]

The main kick to see it is represented, no doubts, by Johnny Depp. Who, indeed, is a magnificent Louis XV. But the authentic gift is Pierre Richard in a surprising skin of duke of Richelieu or beautiful portraits of Dauphin and Marie Antoinette. , near the inspired portrait of La Borde proposed by Benjamin Lavernhe. A beautiful film for what you expect to define the beauty in a film about XVIII century. But little more that.

It is a film about seduction and loneliness and pleasure and compromises, lost and rivalry, rejection and life as circle but, in same measure, a fine - precise definition, subtle and some eccentric, of life.

Charming and provocative, not only for music, costumes or atmosphere but for fair reflection of fundamental truths.

In short, just delightful and a great Johnny Depp work.

Costumes/Setting Stole the Show

[tdwillis-26273 · 6/10 · 19 September 2023]

Have always enjoyed movies about this fascinating time period, and never get too anal about historical accuracy. What's most important for me, as a movie buff is that the creators get the "heart" and the "atmosphere" of it across with the tools available. (Actors, camera,music,setting,costumes, dialogue and a solid story) The positives for me: There were some gorgeous costumes, hair, make up and settings which all seemed to be historically correct and if they weren't it didn't matter. The score was ok. Nothing of it stood out neither exceptional or terrible. The subtitles, often, were not clear in translation and that may of knocked my enjoyment of the movie somewhat. ( I watch subtitled movies frequently, and this is NOT usually a big issue) Seems like a fascinating story with some full characters but the story did not hit me as emotionally hard as I would of liked. It just didn't feel intimate enough for me.

There was some solid acting, but again, it was a story that didn't flesh out the characters enough for my tastes.

It was ok.

Jeanne du Barry

[CinemaSerf · 6/10 · 24 April 2024]

Very much in the vein of the recent "Versailles" and "Marie Antoinette" serialisations, this rather opulent drama shows us a little of the excesses and ridiculousness of court life in 18th century France. This time, it's Jeanne Bécu (Maïwenn) who is the shrewd young woman who quickly learns how to use her "charms" to get on in life. Eventually, she is noticed by the ambitious Count du Barry (Melvil Poupaud) who is friends with the Duc de Richelieu (Pierre Richard) who happens to be a procurer of fun for King Louis XV (Johnny Depp). Nervously introduced, she pours a little scorn on the silliness of court protocol and provides him with quite a refreshingly honest companion. Of course, his daughters immediately take offence and the arrival of Marie Antoinette (Pauline Pullman) to marry the Dauphin (Diego Le Fur) ensures battle lines are quickly drawn. The now married Countess du Barry cannot remain at court if she is constantly shunned by the Dauphine, so a bit of well costumed political intrigue ensues as the King and his mistress struggle to find a little recognition for her and happiness for them both. I found there to be quite an effective chemistry between Depp and Maïwenn, especially during the protracted malarkey that was his morning levée, and I loved the absurd wigs on his disproving daughter Princess Adélaïde (India Hair), who led a troupe of her entitled and unpleasant sisters like ducklings along behind her. It's a gorgeous film to watch, the beauty and grandeur of his palatial home and the whole aesthetic really works well at delivering a grand environment for the plotter and the sycophant. Depp doesn't really have too much to do here and the writing isn't the best though. At times it renders it little better than a very well produced, expensive, pantomime and I could have done with just a little more character development of both the principals here. That said, it's a classy and stylish piece of cinema that looks very impressive on big screen.

La Du Barry was a dame.

[ulicknormanowen · 7/10 · 13 September 2023]

The film stops when Jeanne is sent to a convent after the death of the king :and however her life was not over ,by long shot , and deserved more than a bit of voiceover ;her attitude during the revolution,(she was favorable to the change,being herself from the people ) ;her flight to England ,her.careless return to Paris -to recover her jewels -,her desperate attempt to save her head by giving them all to the republic ,and her hope to get a reprieve even en route to the guillotine ;but eventually her common origins went against her for she betrayed her class.

I did not expect much from Maiwen whose movies such as "polisse" and "pardonnez-moi", are an acquired taste .But I've got to make amends ;her "Barry " ,which should have been called "La du Barry et le roi" , takes time to take off and is marred by too much of voice over in its first quarter , but hits its stride afterwards and is much more satisfying than Sofia Coppola's "Marie-Antoinette " .

Although the choice of the principals is weird but finally works, it's the supporting cast who is the most convincing: Louis the Fifteenth's daughters ,three of whom were horrible shrews -one of them ,according to certain historians ,would be responsible for "let them eat cake"( cake replaced by "croutes de pâté "( bits of pie )) falsely attributed to Marie -Antoinette -And it's a good thing to have the latter portrayed by a German actress and to let her utter "Wenn essen wir?"(when shall we eat?"). The depiction of a court in decay , under the powder ,the wigs ,the blusher and the greasepaint rings true :anyway ,since the Sun King ,the nobles were simple actors who attended the monarch's rise , Louis the Fifteenth' great -grand-father had muzzled this arrogant aristocracy who rebelled in the Fronde days.

The hatred Marie -Antoinette would feel for this riff raff dame would know no bounds ;the famous sentence "il y a bien du monde aujourd'hui à Versailles "(there's a lot of people today in V.)is heard and it's the only words the future queen would say to "the creature"! Actually all the court despised a woman who did not belong to their world ;only Louise ,the good sister,feels for her.

All in all ,not a masterpiece ,but an estimable evocation of the beginning of the end of the Ancien regime.l.

AMAZING!!!

[MrsKat38 · 10/10 · 17 May 2023]

Well I can say that this movie is not a bore as it has been previously advertised as. We all know where those reviews are coming from. I'm sorry but critic reviews don't bother me and won't change my mind about a movie. They are narrow minded people.

Anyway, I think this movie is great. Of course, it is a movie from a different era and if you don't like those type of movies then it won't be your thing. But if you give it a chance you may like it too just like I did.

JD did very well. I was quite impressed with the way he portrayed king Louis. He may not have has alot of lines but he made up for that with body language and if you know JD and his body language then you know what I mean. Let's just say they made a great choice giving the part to JD nobody could have done a better job.

As for meiwenn she was also quite good. I was also very impressed with her portrayal of Jeanne du Barry.

Her and JD worked very well together.

I really hope we will see another movie with them two together in the future.

Just an average biography/historical movie

[funnycommentor · 6/10 · 24 July 2023]

First of all, I have to admit I'm not a fan of those kind of movies and I wasn't planning to watch that movie. Eventually, I decided to watch it, because I would like to watch something different than the movies I'm used to. The plot of the movie was really interesting and it was kinda innovative. The storyline was very well written and everything was well-explained. The characters were very interesting, well-developed and some of them were really likeable. The 1700's were portrayed really well, especially the outfits. The opening scene was very promising and I really liked it. The ending scene was kinda predictable, but it was very intense and tragic. Overall, it was an average movie, kinda boring sometimes, but I definitely enjoyed it.

Constructed

[gekkepoppetje · 5/10 · 20 September 2023]

The movie is truly beautifully designed and is filled with magnificent shots of Versailles. The locations and costumes have been carefully chosen and are a feast for the eyes. The story and the dialogues are entertaining enough to keep you engaged. Johnny Depp makes for a fantastic French king.

The film is directed by Maïwenn, who also plays the lead role. I can understand that a woman wants to play the role of Madame Du Barry (and she acts very well) but I don't see Madame Du Barry; I see Maïwenn. Her beauty is exaggerated. She has a coarse face with a huge mouth and a large set of teeth that give her a somewhat masculine look. I find her charming and likable, but I can't find the subtle, enchanting Madame Du Barry from the stories.

Although Maïwenn plays a character role, it's never explored and it's never really clear how her ambitions relate to her love for the king. Their love lacks intimacy and becomes somewhat understandable only towards the very end. But then it is too late for drama. The only drama in the movie comes from Benjamin Lavernhe. That man deserves a leading role.

Wow love it!!!!

[AshleyMichell85 · 10/10 · 17 May 2023]

Wow this movie is just BEAUTIFUL.

I couldn't help but cry. It's beyond amazing. I won't give any spoilers. But I will say that this movie was well worth the wait. If you don't watch then you will be missing out on something truly amazing. Johnny Depp was the perfect choice to portray king Louis XV. He played the part better than I thought that he would. His French was amazing. Johnny and Maïwenn act very well together and you. You can see they have a great connection and chemistry. If you have a chance to see this movie go see it you will love it. If it's not your type of movie then it isn't but give it a real chance and don't listen to anybody else.

From rags to royalty (with reservations)

[steveinadelaide · 7/10 · 18 April 2024]

Jeanne du Barry plunges into the opulent world of 18th-century Versailles, following the remarkable rise of Jeanne Bécu (played by director Maïwenn herself), a woman born into poverty who claws her way up the social ladder to become the last mistress of King Louis XV (Johnny Depp). The film chronicles their unconventional romance amidst the whispers and machinations of a jealous court.

While Jeanne du Barry boasts undeniable strengths, it ultimately settles for a comfortable mediocrity. Maïwenn's portrayal of Jeanne is the film's heart and soul. She imbues the character with a sharp wit and a fierce determination to survive, causing you to admire her improbable journey. However, Depp's Louis XV feels muted. Trapped under layers of powdered wigs and regal attire, his performance lacks the spark needed to truly capture the complexity of a king burdened by ennui.

The historical context, though not deeply explored, provides a fascinating backdrop. We see glimpses of a society teetering on the brink of revolution, where the extravagance of the court clashes with the growing discontent of the people. This juxtaposition adds a touch of weight to the narrative, but the film doesn't fully explore the social commentary it seems to hint at.

Visually, the film is a treat. The production design meticulously recreates the opulent halls of Versailles, with rich fabrics, gilded furniture, and sparkling chandeliers transporting you to another era. The costumes are equally impressive, a dazzling array of silks and satins that bring the characters to life. The camerawork is steady, but doesn't take many risks, relying on traditional shot compositions.

The score is a pleasant mix of classical and orchestral pieces that complement the on-screen action without being overly dramatic. The editing is efficient, ensuring a smooth and brisk pace. The dialogue, however, can be uneven at times. While some scenes crackle with witty repartee, others fall flat, relying on exposition rather than letting the visuals do the talking.

Jeanne du Barry reminded me, in some ways, of Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette. Both films explore the lives of women who, despite their positions of privilege, are ultimately trapped by societal expectations. However, Marie Antoinette leans into a dreamlike aesthetic and a more melancholic tone, whereas Jeanne du Barry strives for a more grounded historical drama.

Overall, Jeanne du Barry is a visually stunning and entertaining movie that benefits from Mawenn's captivating performance. However, a shallow exploration of its themes and a somewhat underwhelming lead performance from Depp hold it back from greatness. If you're looking for a lavish historical romance with a strong female lead, this is worth watching. But for those seeking a deeper exploration of the characters and their place in history, you may leave with a desire for more.

An extremely dull and lifeless vanity project

[tamasrozsonczi · 2/10 · 4 October 2023]

This was one of the worst movies I've ever seen. If it weren't for Johnny Depp's name on the cast list, nobody would really care about it. It's one of the most soulless pieces of ,,art" I've encountered.

Maiwenn (I've never heard about her before this film) directed and cast herself in the leading role, basically using this real life story as a means to show off her ,,talents". The pacing is bad, Jeanne's story is uninteresting and I personally found Maiwenn too unattractive to take seriously as a woman desired by so many men.

Depp pretty much plays his usual offbeat character even in this ,,serious" movie. His talents are clearly wasted here and I hope he pulls himself together and get involved in some decent projects in the near future.

Avoid.

Came for Depp, stayed for Maïwenn

[valemas · 6/10 · 12 June 2023]

This isn't a very historically accurate movie, nor did I expect it to be. Nowadays I understand biopics are historical fanfictions.

Nonetheless, this movie captures the ambience of late monarchy France in a way that is compelling and immersive.

What I liked most was the humor! I laughed several times from the absurdity the characters were forced to display. Maïwenn managed to be both endearing and slightly detestable, which I also enjoy.

My least favorite part was the glamourification/cutesification of certain very bad practices of the time (cough cough, slavery).

Depp wasn't very good, mostly because his bad french limited his dialogues, even if he did have a convincing air of pompous severity.

Overall, a fun movie with great costumes and a very over the top decor, decent acting, and some good historical anecdotes.

Not good not bad but not a 5

[ossenbergengelsnelli · 7/10 · 4 September 2023]

I liked the film but thought that it had its lengths. The childhood in the monastery didn't need to be that long. I felt that parts of it were definitely needed to provide context but THAT much- just no. The shot were sooooooo amazingly mesmerising and beautiful. Especially where she's running up the stairs, perfection. The costumes had a few mistakes in them but I found it alright to overlook. So if you like historical movies with some drama: it's for you. If you want a silly Rom-com no. Also if you want to have a very accurate movie (costume wise) I'm not sure if you'd like it. But I'd definitely watch it in the theatre. :))

Sublime film!

[ppopescutza · 10/10 · 17 May 2023]

Sublime film, a very beautiful love story beautifully interpreted by Maïwenn and Johnny Depp!!! A very good film with exceptional actors! Very beautiful historical reconstruction but also very beautiful love story. Johnny Depp is once again exceptional, and becomes Louis XV before our eyes. Jeanne Du Barry is the most poignant film of the year. We discover a story filled with emotions. This film reveals the time of Louis XV in a new and breathtaking way. The lighting in the film is magnificent, the framing excellent and the staging inspired. Benjamin Lavernhe (la Borde valet) is amazing with an astounding subtlety of play.

Awfully graded. Amateurish.

[piccinatoenzo · 7/10 · 23 September 2023]

Good academic movie with a French modern twist.

Not going into details here as there are already good objective critics here.

I will focus on the grading. It is "absolument" atrocious.

What is the point of filming film Kodak, which such beautiful decors, costumes and photography to have it butchered by one single person (according to the credits). You can feel all the budget went on the production and some post.

Horrible to watch. Not one single scene has a good grading. It keeps jumping from greenish to purple with non existent shadows or contrast. Which such an amazing photography all through the movie, it is a shame they didn't spend more time on the grading.

I could easily resolve all those issues in a week of correction. Flat result and uncoherent.

A missed opportunity.

Beautiful

[Cris90 · 10/10 · 18 May 2023]

Merci Maiwenn, Johnny Depp and everyone involved in the creation of this film.

In a time when most movies lack content, originality and pure feeling , this movie is exceptionally beautiful.

The cast is perfect, the cinematography is breathtaking, the soundtrack and sets are sublime. I love history and I found the movie very accurate.

I need to say this about Johnny Depp : After watching the movie I can't imagine any other actor in the role of Louis XV . Depp's performance was totally fascinating and convincing! What a great actor!

Jeanne du Barry brought me to tears. I highly recommend this movie!

Johnny Du Barry

[BoBo_Goal32 · 6/10 · 6 October 2023]

On his first appearance, since the well-spoken trial with Amber Hard, Johnny Depp is (Almost) on a leading role and he looks...Tired.

If you seek for an out-of-the-movie context, you can read and understand that its director, writer and leading actress - Maïwenn is one of the Unconventional female character outside the movie canvas.

She has spoken, more than once, against #MeeToo concept and spirit, but her movie prime character is one that uses sex to shine and conquer the world which is ruled by men and doesn't stop until reaching the king's throne.

This is the movie of Jeanne du Barry and Johnny Depp's French accent, but none of the main characters are likeable or interesting, as the story itself. It is a monotonic plot, which you see and most of the time try not to laugh especially when the movie is presenting ridiculous costumes, make up and bizarre rituals of that time.

The era was so different and every cloth kind, hair / wig arrangement or any gesture had a significant meaning. It almost seems as if the royal Versailles palace with its residents didn't have anything to do except looking how other are dressed and behaved.

And of course.... ceremonies and a lot of them. Why am I talking about all of these? Because out of almost two hours of the movie, this is what I felt Maïwenn is mainly dealing and not the rise and rise of her main character.

I must learn that Historical dramas and myself must stop seeing each other or else this grumps will repeat themselves once again.

Does not provoke single emotion

[violetaivanovic · 1/10 · 16 September 2023]

I love historical dramas but this one was one big disappointment.

Movie that lacks any depth, you don't get to see how the connection between characters develops, how they fall in love, what is happening between them, it's just somehow there. I didn't care at all about any of the characters, very shallow and bland. I watched to experience love story but that's really not what happened, there was nothing to experience really except some childish giggling and empty words that were not backed up by anything. Part that should be sad was not sad at all to me, I just saw emptiness.

Would not watch again and would not recommend to anyone.

Maïwenn and Johhny Depp duet is sublime!

[Lelya2010 · 10/10 · 21 May 2023]

Jeanne du Barry, a historic drama, is very visual: lavish costumes, luxurious interiors of Versailles.

But it is all nothing with comparison to the talent of Maïwenn, Johnny Depp and the rest of film actors! Their chemistry was amazing. So much said without words: expressive looks complete dialogues without any efforts. Maïwenn and Johnny Depp's acting was so good in last scenes I shed tears. The standing ovation they received at Cannes festival was absolutely justified! I was almost clapping in the end. This film revived the spirit of old good film making which relied only on actors talent and good story, not CGI! Merci beaucoup, Maïwenn, pour un tel bijou!

I will definitely watch it again! It is that good!

the bored king meets the ambitious courtesan and they fall in love

[dromasca · 6/10 · 16 December 2023]

'Jeanne du Barry', the film that opened this year's 2023 Cannes Festival (without being in competition) is at the same time an author's film and a historical blockbuster. Maïwenn - once a child actor, then, at 16, the wife of Luc Besson and the mother of his child - is now, at 47, an accomplished and confident actress and filmmaker. In 'Jeanne du Barry' she is the film director, co-writer and lead actress. This was one of the most expensive (internationally financed) French films of recent years. The generous budget made it possible to make a historical film with fabulous costumes and numerous extras, filmed in part at Versailles where most of the story takes place, but also the hiring of Johnny Depp as lead actor. The outcome? Not quite up to the ambitions.

Jeanne du Barry was a real historical figure from the 18th century. A woman of modest origins, she had the chance to receive some education financed by the nobleman who employed her mother. When her youth and beauty became threatening in the eyes of the mistress of the house, mother and young daughter were thrown on the streets and ended up in Paris. The young woman chooses, according to her words in the film, between a life of poverty and a life of vice the second alternative and becomes a courtesan and the mistress of a noble with access to the court of King Louis XV. According to the custom of the time, she is introduced to the court, and again according to the custom of the time, she attracts the attention of the king and becomes his mistress. Temperament and boldness, among other qualities, made Jeanne more than a mistress, a favorite (maîtresse-en-titre) of the king, which was a higher rank, almost an official position in the complicated and corrupt hierarchy of the French royal court. The nobility and the king's family (especially his daughters) do not take kindly to this ascension, but for a time at least, the bond between the two overcomes the hostilities of those around them.

The relationship between the king and Jeanne begins as an assumption of a feudal right that meets feminine ambition and the desire for ascent and social recognition, to transform over time into something else. Was it a true love story? Screenwriter, director and actress Maïwenn does everything to convince us that it is. And yet something doesn't work on screen, despite all the excellent acting performances of the two protagonists. Perhaps because Maïwenn, despite her intense performance, fails to convince that she is worthy of a king? Audacity is not enough and how much can a king be amused by his mistress's little antics at first, and how much can he tolerate hysterical deviations from court protocol later? In addition, at 47 she plays the role of a woman between 25 and 30 years old. Johnny Depp seems to be the one who is forced to wear the corset of his role, but he is saved by his own magnetism and the way he manages to express his feelings with a glance or a movement of his lips. Two more interpretations seemed special to me. Benjamin Lavernhe plays La Borde, the king's faithful valet, a key character in the story. I had not seen Pierre Richard for a long time and it was a joy to see him again in the role of the Duc de Richelieu. The cinematography is lavish, providing some memorable filming angles. The court of Louis XV is reconstructed in detail, but it seems as isolated as a baroque opera stage from the world outside, where we know that the revolt of the masses was brewing. The revolution in culture and ideas that was happening at the same time is only suggested by some deviations from protocol or changes in court fashion. When towards the end the love story between the king and Jeanne slips into melodrama, it does not squeezes many tears, which is proof that it wasn't very convincing.

"She spoke to me."

[chand-suhas · 4/10 · 12 October 2023]

Jeanne is born to a monk and a cook, illegitimately which kind of seals her fate by getting deemed as a low-born. Growing up, she loves to read and understands how the world works. Ambitious Jeanne becomes a courtesan and eventually becomes the King's favorite mistress. In search of love and respect, she gets it through King Louis XV amidst strong denial from others to accept her. The film focuses on her love affair with the King and her time with him.

Again, not that familiar with the real story, this starts of as a biography of Jeanne but gets lost immediately by limiting itself around the love story and it is the kind of love story which had no spark. It simply never worked right from why a King would fall for her or how their love grew deep over the years as he stands by her throughout. Adding to that Johnny Depp as King Louis XV really underplays his character to such an extent that not only the character but even he appears bored out on screen. With close to 2hrs runtime, it simply drags along with a dull narrative.

What actually works is the whole set up of that era and the costumes. It was definitely lavishly shot and the cinematography is spendid. The writing however doesn't raise above the soap opera level as barring the non-working love story, everything else is half baked, be it her relationship with Adolphe and Zamor. Much of the emotions get narrated and it undermines the drama. The story slightly picks up with the arrival of the future queen and her rivalry with Jeanne but for the build up, it doesn't lead to anywhere. Overall, it ends up as a dull affair with no memorable performances.

I watched for Depp but Maïwenn stole the show.

[bohemiankitchen · 9/10 · 29 June 2023]

The backdrop of Versailles was magnificent enough but Maïwenn's portrayal of Madame du Barry was captivating. I honestly watched the film to see Johnny Depp's great comeback and his portrayal of King Louis XV was absolutely fine. His emotiveness added a complex element to the character that hasn't been portrayed in past films I've seen, but Maïwenn... oh! Maïwenn! Her Jeanne was captivating.

Loved the costumes, the sets and the way the story was played. The chemistry between Depp and Maïwenn was awkward in a very intentional way. That's not a criticism, they felt l lovers in a world where that kind of emotion wasn't allowed. Their chemistry portrayed that beautifully. It's well worth a watch, especially if you enjoy period pieces.

8.5/10 - my second favorite Maïwenn film.

Beware: Johnny Depp has only got a small supporting role.

[imseeg · 5/10 · 28 September 2023]

I was hoping to see a new Johnny Depp movie, but none of that. I had to wait over half an hour before he even entered into this story and even then he only had short appearances, mostly silent because Johnny Depp (ofcourse) is terrible at French.

Not any good then? Not so fast. It's a beautiful looking French period piece, with wonderful sets (lots of gorgeous castles) and beautiful wardrobes. It really looks the part.

But... the leading actress isnt captivating and her average acting performance is the reason I wouldnt want to recommend it.

The direction and storyline build up are not solid either, because this story about this fancy lady is lacking spark and punch. I got kinda bored to be honest.

Just another beautiful looking, but kinda dull French period piece, with only a SMALL supporting role by Johnny Depp.