Synopsis
To get royal backing on a needed drainage project, a poor French lord must learn to play the delicate games of wit at court at Versailles.
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Cast
- Charles BerlingLe Marquis Grégoire Ponceludon de Malavoy
- Jean RochefortLe Marquis de Bellegarde
- Fanny ArdantMadame de Blayac
- Judith GodrècheMathilde de Bellegarde
- Bernard GiraudeauL'Abbée de Vilecourt
- Bernard DhéranMontalieri
- Carlo BrandtMilletail
- Jacques MathouAbbé de l'Épée
- Urbain CancelierLouis XVI
- Albert DelpyBaron de Guéret
Recommendations
- 88
Chicago Sun-Times
What is fascinating about Ridicule is that so much depends on language, and so little is really said. - 88
Chicago Tribune
It's a thrillingly malicious visit, a gorgeous period drama. [06 Dec 1996, p.A] - 80
The A.V. Club
Ridicule convincingly establishes a sense of dread that comes with living in constant fear of public humiliation. And, though it's set in the past, its depiction of wealth-bloated politicians who maintain a wide gulf between actions and rhetoric seems timeless. - 80
The New York Times
As written by Remi Waterhouse, who draws on real historical detail here, Ridicule satirizes this world of absurd protocol while it proves that skewering fatuousness and snobbery, however obviously, is never out of style. - 80
Empire
Ridiculously good. - 75
ReelViews
For those who appreciate movies with a bite, Ridicule shows its teeth early and keeps them razor-sharp throughout. - 75
San Francisco Chronicle
With a surgeon's precision and trenchant wit, director Patrice Leconte slices open the French upper classes of the late 18th century and reveals the black, wilting heart beneath the pomp and pretense. - 75
San Francisco Examiner
What the story lacks in tension, Waterhouse's writing and Leconte's direction make up for in entertainment.
