Versailles -

Premise:
“Versailles” is a historical drama set in 17th century France, focusing on King Louis XIV and his ambitious project to build the grand Palace of Versailles as a means to consolidate royal power. The series delves into the political intrigue, personal betrayals, and secret romances that color the opulent court of the Sun King.

Main Characters:

King Louis XIV (George Blagden): The young and ambitious ruler who seeks to bring unity to France while grappling with his own vulnerabilities.
Philippe, Duke of Orléans (Alexander Vlahos): Louis’ conflicted and complex younger brother, who has a unique relationship with the king but struggles with his own identity.
Françoise-Athénaïs, Marquise de Montespan (Anna Brewster): A noblewoman who becomes Louis’ chief mistress and confidante but pays the price for her proximity to power.

Themes:
The series delves into the complexities of power, the political machinations behind historical change, and the toll of ambition on personal relationships. It also looks at themes of identity, familial bonds, and the contrasting roles of men and women in a society defined by strict social hierarchies.

Critical Consensus & Rating:
3.5/5. The series is praised for its stunning visuals, elaborate costumes, and meticulous attention to historical detail. However, critics point out that the show occasionally strays into melodrama and may sacrifice historical accuracy for storytelling.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating:
TV-MA for its explicit scenes, violence, and adult themes.

Broadcast Details:
The show originally aired on Canal+ in France and later on BBC Two in the UK. It ran from 2015 to 2018.

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