OK for kids 16+
Gripping, mature account of Marie Antoinette.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Farewell, My Queen is a French-language historical drama (subtitled in English) about the events in the days leading up to the storming of the Bastille in 1789 -- notably Marie Antoinette's personal relationships with her ladies-in-waiting and special friend. Expect to feel a bit like a voyeur allowed behind the curtains to see a queen undone by the rapid shift in politics and dwelling on the imminent loss of an illicit relationship. There's some nudity (two women are shown naked, one while sleeping), relationships between both opposite- and same-sex couples, a bit of swearing, and deep chasms between social classes.
- Families can talk about Marie Antoinette: Does she seem as flip and wasteful as some historians have made her out to be? Teens: What did you know about her before seeing Farewell, My Queen?
- What keeps Sidonie loyal, given how the queen doesn't exactly feel the same toward her? For that matter, what drives the royal-and-royal-subject dynamic?
- Discuss the affair at the heart of the film. Is it true? Do historians really know? How could you find out more?
The good stuff
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Messages: The class system is clearly in effect, and the power dynamic has very damaging consequences. The ladies-in-waiting in the queen's court are treated somewhat well, but not that well.
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Role models: Sidonie is extremely loyal to her queen -- a feeling that, no surprise, isn't returned with as much fervor. Marie Antoinette is intense, capricious, and capable of both great acts of generosity and selfishness. She was also known for her material excesses, some of which is on display here.
What to watch for
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Violence: The storming of the Bastille plays a role in the story, but it's more discussed than shown.
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Sex: A woman is shown disrobing and stands naked for a short time, her entire body exposed. Another woman is seen asleep naked. Innuendoes and talk of sex. Furtive sexual relationships between both opposite- and same-sex couples.
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Language: Infrequent swearing (in subtitles) includes the word "s--t." A man's anatomy is mentioned.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some period-accurate drinking of wine and liqueur.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
See the Movie BUT Read the Book Too by babyjcook
This was a beautiful film, but I can't help but think that the slander that followed Marie Antoinette from before she became queen to after her execution is still at work here. The book portrays a more human side to the queen ? the movie reinforces the myth of a cruel and cold woman. Read the book and take the movie with a grain of salt.
1
TOTALLY BORING - WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY by rweingard
Undoubtedly everyone in the theater had read the same "rave" reviews - it was full and even those dreaded front row sweats were taken. This is one of the most boring, uneventful and unbelievable movie I have ever sween. Did I say "boring"? I love subtitled movies, especially French as it is one of my languages, and still say: FORGET IT. Do not waste your time and mone. The little nudity which is probably what earned its R rating, was totally out of character and even the "acting" was robotic. I wish I hade gone with my first instinct: Batman!
3
A disappointing French film focusing on the death of the Monarchy, Revolution and Marie Antoinette's sexual proclivities! by Peneflix
It is rare, but at times one recognizes a well-made film, beautifully-acted, a tale resonating with verisimilitude but fails to entice, engross or fully entertain ; "Farewell, My Queen" falls into this category...
Jacquot is successful in depicting the foppery and foibles of the monarchy, myopia and sycophancy of those closeted at Versailles (a gilded prison); ironically, their only means of escape, is disguised as the meager citizens they, without conscience had raped for generations, denying them their inalienable rights...
TWO & 1/2 STARS!!
***For full review please visit peneflix (dot) com!!!
2
Yawn...(Yawn again) by kickindajunk02
This movie is slow and boring. Then you think after sitting through the whole thing, that at the end you're going to finally get to see the climax, during the revolution but no.
The only good thing about this movie was the scenery at Versailles but even that was short. I have personally been there and I can say that they didn't show enough of the palace.
This was pretty hard to sit through but I did.I enjoy foreign films but I wouldn't recommend this one to others.
5
Farewell, my Queen by habiague
Gripping. They continued with their highly formal ceremony while the world around them was falling apart, and they continued until their heads rolled. They could have escaped, but chose to live in the style to which they were accustomed for just a short additional time.
Beautifully acted, magnificently staged. It haunted me until this moment, a day later.
4
not enough queen by tasteful1
If you like period pieces, love costumes, and are curious about behind the facades of the rich, you'll like this movie. It is not a Gosford Park. It is not an Elizabeth. But it is interesting. I wish the Queen had been played up a little more. And I like movies that leave you wondering about the main character even after you leave the theater.
2
Nap time! by haerickson17
The only reason I did not fall asleep was because of the beautiful costumes, and sets.
2
Nice culture.... by screenqueen211
...but not what I was looking for.
5
Farewell subtitles by DavyFandango
Delicious cinematography, excellent actors, but don't blink if you don't understand French or you'll lose your place.
Very different from Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette.