Angélique, marquise des anges (1964)

User Rating:

6.4/10   

Director:

Bernard Borderie

Writers:

Anne Golon (novel) &
Serge Golon (novel) ...

Release Date:

8 December 1964 (France)

Genre:

Adventure | History | Romance

Plot:

In this first part of the Angélique cycle, set in Mid-17th century France under the young Sun King Louis XIV...

Plot Keywords:

Nudity | Beautiful Woman | Female Nudity | Based On Novel | Character Name In Title

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Michèle Mercier	...	Angélique Sancé de Monteloup
Robert Hossein	...	Jeoffrey de Peyrac
Jean Rochefort	...	Desgrez
Claude Giraud	...	Philippe de Plessis-Bellieres
Giuliano Gemma	...	Nicolas
Charles Régnier	...	Conan Becher
Jacques Toja	...	Louis XIV
Madeleine Lebeau	...	La Grande Demoiselle
Jean Topart	...	Bourié
Bernard Woringer	...	Bernard D'Andijos
Philippe Lemaire	...	De Vardes
Jean Ozenne	...	Le marquis de Plessis-Bellières
François Maistre	...	Le prince de Condé
Robert Porte	...	Monsieur
Etchika Choureau	...	Hortense

Also Known As:

Angélique
Angelica (Italy)

Runtime:

115 min

Country:

France | West Germany | Italy

Language:

French

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Certification:

Finland:K-16 | Iceland:L | West Germany:12

Filming Locations:

Cinecittà Studios, Cinecittà, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Company:

Compagnie Industrielle et Commerciale Cinématographique (CICC)

Movie Connections:

Followed by Angélique et le sultan (1968)

Superb epic saga

I don't know about the rest of the world, but this film saga is considered an absolute gem of European cinema here in the Czech Republic. Angelique marquise des anges - Translated as "Angelique, the marquise of angels" (aka Angelika Markyza Andelu) is the first of a five part historical epic, and might be considered to be the best of the series. The entire saga is about 10 hours long, so it's close to impossible to summarize the plot in one sitting, however, you can take my word for it - This one is really worth it. Although historic and a classic period piece, this is NOT your typical Jane Austen style. While based on a novel and set in 17th century France, this really does have it all. There is politics, intrigue, royal scandals, murder, betrayal, blackmail, torture, Satan worship, and rape. However, in the word's of Baz Luhrman it's about FREEDOM, BEAUTY, TRUTH and above all L-O-V-E. Move over Romeo & Juliet, Angeligue and Jofrey de Peyrac are timeless lovers with what the French call a certain ... "I don't know what".

The character of Angelique herself is unlike much we have seen in modern cinema. Not really categorized as a chic flick, nor does it promote feminism in a "in your face" kind of way, but take my word for it - This is one tough broad. Being blessed/cursed with flawless beauty, the woman has been to hell and back, but she just keeps on going. You cannot beat her. And those who have tried, have failed.

For interest, this splendid story has recently been turned into a magnificent musical adaptation here in Prague. Naturally, I have seen it - Breathtaking.

So to sum up, if you can find it, make the effort - It's different. Michelle Mercier - You go girl. Think of Barbarella in a Baroque gown and without the vacant expression and the questionable visuals. The art directions and costumes are enough to take your breath away.

Oh, I must mention this. The fact that this film was not honored with an Oscar for its musical score is just ridiculous. I can guarantee you, this film has the most magnificent film music you have ever heard anywhere. As much I worship Jerry Goldsmith, John Williams, James Horner, Alan Silvestri or Hans Zimmer, MICHEL MAGNES deserves to be immortalized for writing this score. See for yourselves and then let me know if I was right or if I was right.

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