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Poster for The Death of Louis XIV

The Death of Louis XIV

Seen it?

2016 | 115 min | Drama, History

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (88% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for history buffs. If you loved The Count of Monte Cristo, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 55 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

August 1715. After going for a walk, Louis XIV feels a pain in his leg. The next days, the king keeps fulfilling his duties and obligations, but his sleep is troubled and he has a serious fever. He barely eats and weakens increasingly. This is the start of the slow agony of the greatest king of France, surrounded by his relatives and doctors.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 76 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.5 out of 10

  • AwardsBelow par

    5 wins and 8 nominations from smaller awards and festivals

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $210K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 13K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Albert Serra

  • Jean-Pierre LéaudLouis XIV
  • Patrick d'AssumçaoFagon, le médecin
  • Marc SusiniBlouin, le valet de chambre
  • Bernard BelinMareschal, le chirurgien
  • Irène SilvagniMadame de Maintenon
  • Vicenç AltaióLe Brun
  • Jacques HenricPère Le Tellier
  • Alain LajoinieLe Pelletier
  • Olivier CadiotMédecin 1
  • Philippe CrespeauMédecin 2