This film tells the story of François Vatel, a master of ceremonies at the service of Prince Louis II of Condé, one of the most important aristocrats of the French court but that was bankrupt and away of the good graces of King Louis XIV. The approaching of a war with the Netherlands makes Condé, anxious to led the king's armies, decides to invite the king for a weekend at his Castle of Chantilly, hoping to be able to recover the royal sympathy. Then Vatel is in charge of organizing a three-day party like never seen before for king's amusement. Based on historical events, the film is directed by Roland Joffé, has argument by Jeanne Labrune (in original French version) and features Gérard Depardieu (Vatel), Uma Thurman (in the role of Anne of Montausier, one of the king's lovers) and Tim Roth (as the Marquis de Lauzun, the king's confidant).Joffé managed to make the audience relive the events. The environments, the locations for filming, the costumes, the music, everything was thought out and analyzed carefully to reproduce the atmosphere of the time, so we must congratulate this effort for historical accuracy, which even received a nomination for the Oscar for Best Art Direction. The actors met well with their roles. The script also works in interesting ways, including some situations where we glimpse the contrast (and even shock) of the two worlds of seventeenth-century France: the richness and unparalleled luxury of the court and the absolute misery of the common people. Also positive note for the soundtrack of Enio Morricone, although not one of his best-known or most interesting compositions.

Gérard Depardieu is François Vatel, I'm not sure what his actual title was, but he was a combination of master chef, kitchen manager, estate manager, and live show producer. The setting for the whole story is the country estate, over a few days, when the king of France, Louis XIV, and his vast party are dropping in for some peace and quiet. However custom at that time was that the king was to be lavishly entertained, no matter what. One problem was Vatel's employer, the prince de Conde (Julian Glover), was virtually broke, and hoped that the king would appoint him to a high military position, one that would pay well. And, if they were to go to war with Holland, that would assure it. Meanwhile, the merchants who provided food and other supplies were put off until then, and it fell to Vatel to convince them that the money would come.Much of the middle story involves the spoiled and decadent behavior the king and his vast traveling party. The king's brother, who was gay, made a request for Vatel himself. The king requested a young kitchen boy, and Vatel put a stop to that. Uma Thurman is the vaguely British Anne de Montausier, having an affair with the king, but attracted to Vatel. The movie focuses on Vatel himself, his everyday life, his skill at making changes in the menu when, for example, half of the lobster shipment was bad, or the fish catch was unusually small. Vatel is painted as a strong person with high integrity, and barely able to tolerate the misbehavior he witnesses. A good movie for those who enjoy realistic period pieces.MAJOR SPOILER. Desperate, Vatel's employer bets and loses Vatel in a card game against the king. When he learns this, partly feeling unappreciated and partly dreading going into service for the king, Vatel poisons and kills himself, honor before all else.

This is a superb movie. Gerard portrays the character Vatel perfectly, the "party liaison", shall we say, who is trying to help Prince de Conde' regain the favor of the King, Louis XIV, to save his bankrupt province by putting together a massive weekend of splendor and banquets. Tim Roth plays a good supporting role, as the Marquis who is trying to bed Thurman. Also in the supporting cast is Timothy Spall. The movie is very colorful and wonderfully directed, and was nominated for best art direction. The director does well at portraying the time period, and keeps you captivated during every scene. Tim Roth could have had a better role, but that would probably be my only complaint about this movie. I'd give it a 9.5/10.

Enough has been said about "Vatel" so I wouldn't like to be redundant. However, I should emphasize on how superb the score is, it really takes you out on a trip to another era, of magic and beauty on one side, and the dread of poverty and human misery on the other. Throughout the film, you can easily perceive how the film is very critical on the selfishness and futility of the scheming and shallow gentry of the king's court. We see grandeur and pomposity in the face of pain and misery suffered daily by the servants and the common people. If you're a fan of classical music, you should certainly watch this beautiful film. Its score is indeed healing and uplifting.