Maxime Mansion Movies
Inspired by true events that occurred in France in the mid-'90s, this French-language feature explores the relationship between two best friends who come from opposite sides of the tracks. Delphine (Maud Forget) is 14 years old and shy, a delicate and studious high-school patron who comes from an upper-class background. After following around Olivia (Lou Doillon), the new student at her high school and a dreadlocked, outspoken outcast, the two develop a close bond. Olivia is from a broken home and has a free-spirited approach to life. One night, Olivia takes Delphine to a nightclub where they meet Laurent (Robinson Stevenin), a brooding teenager with whom Delphine falls instantly in love. Olivia similarly falls for Laurent's friend Alain (Maxime Mansion) and the four enter a free-wheeling world of parties, alcohol, and sexual experimentation. Delphine becomes immersed in the prospect of belonging to someone and begins to sacrifice some of her cherished beliefs to satisfy Laurent. Olivia, the more world-weary of the two, spots Delphine's blind dedication and tries to help her achieve happiness without succumbing to the indulgent depths to which the foursome is rapidly becoming accustomed. ~ Jason Clark, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Maud Forget, Lou Doillon, (more)
- 1993
History buffs will glory in the riches of Louis, Enfant Roi, others will perhaps find this complex story of intrigues and betrayals in the court of the young king tough sledding. When Louis the Fourteenth (1638-1715) was born, the power of government was shared between the monarchy, the church, the nobility, and the Parlement. His predecessor had greatly centralized the powers of government following the advice of Cardinal Richelieu. Louis XIV (often called "The Sun King" for the brilliance of his rule) followed the advice of Richelieu's successor, Cardinal Mazarin (Paolo Graziosi), and brought the powers of government under the sole sway of the monarch. He expanded the territory and influence of France in a series of wars throughout his reign. How he came to be so autocratic and ruthless both personally and politically is the subject of this biographical drama. When Louis (Maxime Mansion) was just ten years old, the Parlement of France refused to ratify a tax measure, and the disagreements between the various powers ruling the country came to a head in a long civil war known as "The Fronde," which lasted from 1648 to 1653. This movie tells how the intrigues and battles of this period appeared from the perspective of the young monarch. At first they are highly confusing for him, but gradually they become clearer, and he begins to emerge from the regency of his mother, Anne of Austria (Carmen Maura), to assert some of his own authority, making some grim and unpleasant decisions in the process. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Maxime Mansion, Carmen Maura, (more)
