Ramsès II

Synopsis

Ramsès II is a 2020 French historical drama directed by Bruno Chiche, featuring François Berléand in the titular role. The film delves into the life and reign of one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, Ramses the Great, exploring the political intrigue, military conquests, and personal challenges that defined his legacy. The narrative offers a blend of historical facts and dramatic storytelling, presenting Ramses as a complex leader balancing ambition, family loyalty, and his divine status. With impressive period detail and atmospheric settings, the movie invites viewers into the majestic world of ancient Egypt, emphasizing the impact Ramses II had on history through monumental architecture and enduring cultural influence.

Cast

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  François Berléand

  Jean

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  Evelyne Buyle

  Élisabeth

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  Eric Elmosnino

  Matthieu

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  Elise Diamant

  Bénédicte

Reviews

Critical reception of Ramsès II has been mixed but generally leans towards appreciation for its ambitious scope and production values. On IMDb, the film holds an average rating around 6.2/10, reflecting moderate audience approval. Reviewers from French media such as Le Figaro praised François Berléand's commanding performance, highlighting his portrayal of Ramses as both regal and humanly vulnerable. However, some critics, including those at Allociné, criticized the pacing for being uneven and found the script occasionally lacking in depth, resulting in a somewhat conventional historical drama rather than a compelling character study. Rotten Tomatoes does not have enough aggregated reviews for a score, but viewer comments commend the visual aesthetics and costume design while noting that the storytelling feels at times overly formulaic. Metacritic also lacks a formal score for this title. Overall, Ramsès II is recognized for its ambition and solid lead acting but is seen as falling short in narrative engagement and originality by some critics.