BOM: Painted on an epic canvas, this French historical drama by veteran director Bertrand Tavernier tells of forbidden love during the religious wars between Catholics and Protestants in the 16th century. Despite its period trappings, Princess boasts as its heroine a thoroughly "modern" young woman (a luminous Mélanie Thierry) who has to choose between her duty and her husband. Although lengthy (close to 140 minutes) it sustains interest and feeds the emotions. Without any internationally recognized names, however, it may be a tough sell beyond the obvious Francophile market.
Hollywood Reporter: Sixteenth century France is a lousy time and place to fall in love in veteran director Bertrand Tavernier's robust new film "The Princess of Montpensier." If the interminable wars of religions don't grind you down, then marriages of convenience and palace intrigue can snuff out the strongest of passion's flames.
