Alexis Michalik

Familiarity with the legendary story of this seventeenth century nobleman’s travails may help viewers immerse themselves in the nineteenth century telling, helping suspend disbelief in this mannered presentation. Still, stereotypes abound, and dialogue is delivered as if the characters are on stage even when they aren’t. As rarefied as it is, cinema lovers who respond positively to admirable messages—don’t judge by appearance but by one’s heart—will enjoy this pleasant, albeit very theatrical, diversion.