I loved the movie, the story was great, the set designs were wonderful and very well done (I'm a history buff and want to say someone really did their research on the set designs, the way the actors were dressed and the use of language in the film (they didn't use any 20th century words). I felt I was back in the middle ages while watching the film. I thought the actors did a great job, the film could not have been improved on at all, this is a keeper, I plan to watch it over and over again. Anyone who loves history like I do will enjoy it. I really enjoy historical films and this is one of the best I've seen in a long time. If you are looking for a great historical film, this is it.

Long and silly would-be masterpiece that focuses on the forbidden 12th-Century romance of French historical figures Abelard (Derek de Lint) and Heloise (Kim Thomson). The first is a noted tutor/philosopher who teaches young men via Catholic doctrines while the latter is a seductive and youthful lady who comes to Paris to live with her uncle (Denholm Elliott of the "Indiana Jones" trilogy fame). Naturally the two have a teacher/student relationship at first, but we all know that their carnal lusts will soon take over with tragic results. Based entirely on fact, the movie plays more like a Shakespearean-styled soap opera of dull situations and duller results. The movie drags at a snail's pace and finally overcomes the novel's meanderings late, but by that time it was too late. Even the art direction and costume design look somewhat cheap and mediocre. 2 stars out of 5.

Yes, yes, very romantic; though I'm sorry to say very sorrowful. I'm not a man, but I know castration must feel like the worst thing in the world, especially to someone seemingly having it all: intelligence, respect, a worthy job and a great love. Not only is this movie not lacking in interest, but I enjoyed the historical feel to it as well. Naming their son Astrolabe is a little odd, granted, but these were the Dark Ages after all. Kim Thomson acted fabulously; circles around even the competent male leads...how can I really do her work justice? She really embodied all that a strong women hundreds of years ago could be, and though dynamic and loud, didn't seem to overexaggerate her talent in the slightest. Except for the maid, which seemed a little too unconvincing as a Medieval prole (everything about her screamed 1980s), all the acting was up to par. See this film if you have a thing for tasteful romance, silly and unabashed love, or simply looking for something to watch.

Guiltily enjoyable, in a quasi-historical, smutty kind of way. The soundtrack was pretty heavy-handed, and the dialogue didn't inspire, but it's a steamy, pretty piece of fluff. [A waste of Denholm Elliot's talent, though.] It has a "made for late-night premium cable" feel.