Good intents sometimes render questionable results. Having this said, I must add, that it applies to the story, not to the quality of the film.
In the period of Louis XIV, the Madame de Maintenon uses her social position, gain as a courtesan, to build up an approved school for noble daughters, whose parents have fallen in poorness. She wants to educate them as free spirits to enable them more choices than she has had, but fails to some degree.
I just happened to see it by chance, and did not expect too much, since I had to see it in French with subtitles. But even without understanding the language more than made possible by Latin knowledge, I was able to enjoy it and to notice even the different dialects of the smaller girls.
This beautiful movie encompasses several issues of other movies I liked: The main idea is alike the one of Dead Poets Society, where the concept of free education against the rules also leads to unforeseen results. The strong relation of the two younger leads reminded me of Heavenly Creatures, whereas the drastic turn in religious questions was nearly as heavy as the one of Sue Bridehead in Jude, although in my opinion the latter was played more convincing by Kate Winslet.
In general, the acting was well done. I really recommend this movie for everyone who likes DPS and/or tragic period pieces.
