Henri 4 (2010)
Release Year: 2010
Nation: Austria, France, Germany, Spain
Alternative Title: Анри Наварски, Henrique IV - O Grande Rei da França, Henri IV, Henrik Navarralainen, IV. Henrik, Navarra királya, Henry of Navarre, Henryk IV: Król Nawarry, Kral Henry
Director: Jo Baier
Writer: Cooky Ziesche, Jo Baier
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Story
A wide-ranging, energetic period piece tracing the rise of the Protestant Henry of Navarre as he goes from battlefield warrior to France's beloved King Henri IV. Director Jo Baier's epic is a classically entertaining adventure, albeit one with more than a little bloodshed and frequent bawdy sexual interludes. In late 16th-century France, Catholics and Protestant Huguenots were at war. Seemingly seeking peace, the French dowager queen, Catherine de Medici summons Henry to her court to have him marry her daughter, uniting the two warring factions. However, the Catholics slaughter the Protestant wedding guests in what became known as the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre and Henry-now married-must use all his guile to both stay alive and maneuver for the throne. [Written by Palm Springs International Film Festival]
Summary
In late 16th-century France, amidst religious strife between Catholics and Protestant Huguenots, Henry of Navarre ascends from battlefield warrior to beloved King Henri IV. Director Jo Baier's 'Henri 4' is an engaging period piece filled with intrigue, adventure, and a healthy dose of bawdy humor. After Catherine de Medici's apparent olive branch—inviting Henry to marry her daughter in hopes of unity—the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre shatters the illusion of peace. Now married into the royal family, Henry must navigate treacherous waters, employing all his wit and guile to survive and ultimately claim the French throne.
