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Poster for Vatel

Vatel

Seen it?

2000 | 103 min | History, Drama, Romance

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With middling reviews (31% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm 6.1 out of 10 from audiences, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

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

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics and history buffs. If you loved The Count of Monte Cristo or Moulin Rouge!, start here.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 43 min.
What might put you off
Nothing much for most grown-ups.

Vatel is the cook of Prince Condé. When the prince invites Louis XIV to hunt, he has to give lavish banquets in order to fall in his favour. But when Vatel falls in love with the king's mistress, love and duty conflict.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsBelow par

    31% on Rotten Tomatoes, 44 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.1 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 1 Oscar.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $184K worldwide on a $36 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 22K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Roland Joffé

  • Gérard DepardieuFrancois Vatel
  • Uma ThurmanAnne de Montausier
  • Tim RothMarquis de Lauzun
  • Timothy SpallGourville
  • Julian GloverPrince de Conde
  • Julian SandsLouis XIV
  • Murray Lachlan YoungPhilippe d`Orleans
  • Hywel BennettColbert
  • Richard GriffithsDr. Bourdelot
  • Arielle DombaslePrincess de Conde