[2] Nesselson went on to write: The unpretentious dramedy manages to make viewers feel sophisticated and involved without requiring an advanced degree in French history.

An attractive cast, bawdy subtext, lavish production design and peppy score are among the pleasures in Vera Belmont's energetically helmed pic, which should click nicely locally and offshore.

[2]Applauding the performances, Nesselson wrote, "Robust and spirited without showing off, Marceau has all the creamy-breasted allure and most of the grace required to turn heads and accrue glory.

"[2] Nesselson praised Jordi Savall's score, calling it"a delight", and applauded the "alacrity" of the cinematography and editing, which effectively convey the "mud, muck and rabble as well as the sumptuous pomp of the day.

"[2] In her review for Urban Cinefile, Lousie Keller described the film as "a colourful period piece that captures the lusty spirit of the 17th century with its fire, frivolity and passion.

"[7] Keller praised the entire "top notch" cast for their performances: Sophie Marceau is dazzling as the alluring Marquise: she captivates at every turn with her coquettish style and delicate beauty.

He is the theatre troope’s buffoon - the true sad clown; Lambert Wilson is enigmatic as Racine; Lhermitte is delightfully engaging as the Sun King.

[7]Keller also praised the "excellent" production design, the "beguiling" cinematography, and the director, Vera Belmont, who "invests passion and energy in this entertaining romp which delicately balances comedy and tragedy on the fickle seesaw of life.

"[7] In his review for Urban Cinefile, Paul Fischer called the film "lavish, sexy, funny, poignant" and a "masterful entertainment on a grand scale, an intelligent and fascinating insight into 17th century French society.

"[3] Fischer singled out the performance of Sophie Marceau and her portrayal of the "luminous" Marquise: From street urchin to prostitute to courtesan to tragedian, this femme fatale of contradictions is the stuff of passionate drama, and she's lovingly created in this exemplary film.