A Hidden Netflix Gem Is Now Exploding in Popularity as Viewers Around the World Call It One of the Most Powerful Period Dramas in Years
A breathtaking period drama is being celebrated as vastly superior to Netflix’s phenomenally popular series Bridgerton, particularly regarding its costumes and visual artistry.
Viewers simply cannot get over how visually spectacular the period drama is, with audiences marvelling over the wardrobe choices, set design, historical authenticity and distinctive atmosphere of the film.
Written, produced and directed by Sofia Coppola, Marie Antoinette is a highly stylised biographical drama that hit cinemas in 2006. The film draws from the 2001 biography authored by Antonia Fraser, titled Marie Antoinette: The Journey, with Kirsten Dunst taking centre stage as France’s legendary teenage queen who met a horrifying fate.
Jason Schwartzman, Jamie Dornan in his big-screen debut, Judy Davis, Rip Torn, Rose Byrne, Asia Argento, Molly Shannon, Shirley Henderson, Danny Huston and Steve Coogan all feature alongside Dunst, completing a remarkable ensemble.
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The film’s official synopsis reads: “The retelling of France’s iconic but ill-fated queen, Marie Antoinette. From her betrothal and marriage to Louis XVI at 14 to her reign as queen at 19 and to the end of her reign as queen, and ultimately the fall of Versailles.”, reports the Liverpool Echo.
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Viewers can’t get enough of the period drama masterpiece(Image: Sony Pictures)
Marie Antoinette made its world premiere at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival, earning a nomination for the festival’s most coveted accolade – the Palme d’Or. It also secured an Oscar for Best Costume Design at the 79th Academy Awards.
The period drama ‘masterpiece’ raked in approximately $60.9 million at the worldwide box office, against a production budget of $40 million.
The film garnered widespread acclaim, with one critic writing: “The film’s decadence and opulence as well as all the details in décor, costumes, wigs, etc is fascinating and shows that Coppola had a true vision for it.”
While another reviewer said: “Marie Antoinette has flaws, but still remains a good enough film with tremendous set and costume design. Add in Kirsten Dunst and her performance in the title role and you have something that a lot of audiences can enjoy.”
One critic heaped praise on director Sofia Coppola: “Coppola has crafted a magical, intoxicating film, distinctly her own, that cements her place as one of the most exciting and original new voices in American film.”
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Kirsten Dunst’s performance as the protagonist of the film was highly lauded(Image: Sony Pictures)
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Some reviewers offered a more mixed verdict: “Marie Antoinette may have too much cake and not enough revolution but for the most part it is fun. Just leave your prejudices at the door.”
Yet plenty were utterly captivated by Coppola’s creation: “Marie Antoinette is a decadent delight.”
Audience responses echoed similar sentiments, with one viewer declaring: “One of the greatest movies of all al time. I said it.”
Meanwhile, another admirer of the picture said: “This is one of my favourite films of all time. It had a huge influence on me as a young teenager. Kirsten Dunst’s performance was not only captivating but her portrayal of Marie Antoinette taught me to lead my own path in life.
“It’s what you take from this film that is important, the underlying messages and contrasts to modern reality is what’s important. The rest is just a beautifully put together piece of art.”
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The visually stunning underrated gem won an Oscar for Best Costume Design(Image: Sony Pictures)
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One viewer praised both Coppola and Dunst: “Sophia Coppola and Kirsten Dunst collabs are my favourite. For those of us who love this kind of stark contrast, and relate to the helplessness and hopelessness of being a teenage girl, especially in another era, this movie was a masterpiece.”
An IMDB user review of the film says: “Sophia Coppola’s ‘Marie Antoinette’ works on all levels. It is a brilliant and spectacular portrayal of a long-past time; yet it also has an immediacy, and intimacy, and a warmth that draws us in and seduces us. tremendous and spectacular job all-round! ! ! I gave this a 10 out of 10.”
While another fan said: “I give this movie a 10. Some will say the film is quirky, but I also predict that it will live on as one of the most fascinating films of recent years.”
One audience review reads: “Brilliant. My opinion is Coppola had a clear vision of what she wanted to present and nails it. Easily one of my favourite works of recent years,” while one fan enthused: “I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent film. It was a sumptuous feast for the eyes; the costumes and settings were superb.”
Another viewer added: “One of the Best Movies of All Time. This was a masterpiece for those of us who know little about French History. If you love visual splendour, great music, perfect production and direction, then watch this film orchestrated by the exquisite Sophia Coppola. You won’t be disappointed.”
Marie Antoinette is available to stream on Netflix.
