Léa Seydoux, Louis Garrel, Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet

In LA BELLE PERSONNE, maverick French director Christophe Honoré recasts the machinations and hothouse atmosphere of the 17th century French court in a 21st century French high school. Based on the n...( read more  read more... )ovel "la Princesse de Cleves," the film focuses on a 16-year-old girl named Junie who must start at a new school after the death of her mother. Her cousin Mathias introduces her to his friends, all of whom want to go out with her. She pledges herself to Otto Cleves, an intense boy. The school's Italian teacher Nemours, not much older than the students themselves, has cast his eye on Junie as well and she returns his passion. But she refuses to give in to her feelings and consummate their relationship; instead preferring to deny herself the happiness she's convince is just illusory.

Flixster Users

63% liked it

314 ratings

Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.

Directed by: Christophe Honoré

Release Date: September 10, 2008

Invite friends to see

Stats: 69 reviews

Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Photos


None yet... Got one?

Your Rating



clear rating
Share on: Facebook Twitter

Flixster Reviews (69)


  • October 3, 2009
    In 2009, the novel became a symbol of opposition to President Sarkozy's restructuring of the French Education system. Mr Sarkozy had declared that the French system was so ridiculous and dusty that civil service entrance exams had included questions on La Princesse de Clèves. His...( read more) comments were interpreted as an indication of his opinion that universities should prepare people for life in business, and not 'waste' time with such things as literature (he had made several other similar comments). As a result, during the long movement of university lecturers in 2009 against his proposals, public readings of La Princesse de Clèves were held in towns around the country. Sales of the novel rose rapidly.

    Directly related to this, the novel was used by French filmmaker Christophe Honoré for his 2009 film "La Belle Personne". The plot of the film roughly follows that of the novel, changing the setting, however, to that of a modern-day french lycée (high school), thus quoting both the novel, and the reason for its contemporary fame.
  • June 5, 2009
    À quoi s'attendre d'autres qu'à du Honoré? Si cette incursion dans un monde adolescent sans règle cohabitant maladroitement avec celui dea dultes restent majoritairement intéressantes, on garde un intérêt beaucoup plus prononcé pour les histoires d'à côté plus que pour les princi...( read more)pales. Bonnes interprétations cela dit et le numéro musical reste un plus dont on appréciera chaque instant.

Critic Reviews


March 6, 2009
A.O. Scott, The New York Times

The comic swerves and dramatic twists feel at once dutiful and arbitrary, and supposedly intense emotions are explored with the arch, weary detachment of a school assignment. full review

View more La Belle Personne (The Beautiful Person) reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


This board looks lonely. Be the first to talk about "La Belle Personne (The Beautiful Person)" !

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

More Like This


This list looks lonely.
Add a suggestion!

Theater Showtimes & TV Listings


La Belle Personne (The Beautiful Person) Trivia

La Belle Personne (The Beautiful ... Trivia


  • Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Heather Graham, and William H. Macy star in this 1997 movie about the pornography industry.  Answer »
  • What movie starred Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Heather Graham, and William H. Macy?  Answer »
  • Which actor has played these roles: Dr. Gibbon Rev. Graham Hess Lt. Col. Hal Moore Nick Marshall Benjamin Martin Porter Tom Mullen Justin McLeod Gene Ryack Max Rockatansky   Answer »
  • In "Because I Said So" which three actresses play Diane Keaton's daughters?  Answer »

Movie Quizzes


No quizzes for La Belle Personne (The Beautiful Person). Want to create one?

Recent News


No recent headlines. Got one?

Most Popular Skin


No skins yet. Interested in creating one?