Liberté

1774, not long before the French Revolution, somewhere between Potsdam and Berlin. Several hedonistic aristocrats who were expelled from Louis XVI’s court attempt to recruit the support of an admired duke, a German freethinker and seducer. Their mission is to spread the word of Libertinism, a philosophy that rejects socially accepted moral boundaries and eschews all inhibitions in favor of pleasure and sexual satisfaction. Albert Serra’s (The Death of Louis XIV) exploration of 18th century European decadence is an adaptation of a play he staged last year. Oozing with grotesque beauty, this is a fascinating film that rewards seasoned viewers willing to step up to the plate. Special Jury Prize winner in the Un Certain Regard competition at Cannes.