
Vatel
2000, Romance, 1h 57m
32 Reviews 2,500+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Visually sumptuous, but unengaging. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Vatel Photos
Movie Info
The year is 1671. King Louis XIV rules at Versailles. In the North of France, Prince de Conde has come up with a plan to get his province out of debt: he'll invite the King to his country chateau for a weekend of spectacle and merriment. If he can get back in the King's good graces, his region can avoid economic disaster.
Cast & Crew
Gérard Depardieu
François Vatel
François Vatel
Uma Thurman
Anne de Montausier
Anne de Montausier
Tim Roth
Le Marquis de Lauzun
Le Marquis de Lauzun
Julian Glover
Le Prince de Condé
Le Prince de Condé
Julian Sands
Louis XIV
Louis XIV
Timothy Spall
Gourville
Gourville
Critic Reviews for Vatel
Audience Reviews for Vatel
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Jul 30, 2009A quite entertaining costume drama filled with intrigue and debauchery. Integrity was highly prized and rarely found in the court of Louis XIV. Vatel (Gerard Depardieu) is in charge of providing lavish entertainment and banquets for the king's visit and discharges his duties without flaw. So much so, that his services are required at Versailles, but at a cost too dear for this man of humble origins. The cast is superb (Thurman and Roth bear special mention), the scenery is extravagent, and the story has enough twists and turns to keep the viewer engaged for its near two hour length. The costuming and sets alone are worth the price of admission. At a time when a king's displeasure was paid for with one's life, and honor often took a back seat to expediency, a man like Vatel invited envy as well as admiration. And in rare instances the affections of a lady.Mark A Super Reviewer
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