The Rose of Versailles

Synopsis

The Rose of Versailles, directed by and starring Miyuki Sawashiro, is a lavish historical drama set against the backdrop of pre-revolutionary France. The film adapts the renowned manga series "ベルサイユのばら" by Riyoko Ikeda, weaving a complex tale of power, passion, and political intrigue. It focuses on the life of Oscar François de Jarjayes, a noblewoman raised as a man to serve in the royal guard, and her interactions with Marie Antoinette and others in the opulent courts of Versailles. With its meticulous attention to period detail, elaborate costumes, and emotionally charged narrative, the movie explores themes of identity, loyalty, and sacrifice, capturing the turmoil of a society on the brink of monumental change.

Cast

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  Miyuki Sawashiro

  Oscar François de Jarjayes (voice)

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  Aya Hirano

  Marie Antoinette (voice)

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  Toshiyuki Toyonaga

  André Grandier (voice)

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  Kazuki Kato

  Hans Axel von Fersen (voice)

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  Shunsuke Takeuchi

  Alain de Soissons (voice)

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  Takuya Eguchi

  Florian de Gerodelle (voice)

Reviews

Critically, The Rose of Versailles has garnered a range of responses, with an overall positive leaning. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 82% approval rating, indicating strong appreciation for its visual grandeur and faithful adaptation of the source material. Critics from The Hollywood Reporter praised Miyuki Sawashiro's "compelling and nuanced performance," noting that "the film successfully balances historical authenticity with emotional depth." However, some reviewers commented that the pacing occasionally suffers due to its dense plot, as highlighted by a 7.1/10 rating on IMDb, where the audience praised the character development but noted that the narrative could be overwhelming for newcomers. Metacritic aggregates a score of 75 out of 100, reflecting generally favorable reviews, while some voices, such as Variety, pointed out "moments of narrative convolution that might deter casual viewers," but overall, the consensus is that the film stands as a richly cinematic tribute to a beloved classic story. Fans and first-time viewers alike have lauded the production design and the strong female leads, affirming The Rose of Versailles as a must-see for lovers of historical dramas.