Common Sense Media Review
Teen queen rocks out in punk-scored biopic.
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Marie Antoinette
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say the movie has mixed reviews, with some praising its stunning visuals, punk soundtrack, and thematic depth while others criticize its historical inaccuracies and excessive focus on mature themes. While many find it engaging and recommend it for mature audiences, some viewers deem it boring and unsuitable for younger viewers due to inappropriate content.
- visual appeal
- historical inaccuracies
- mature themes
- mixed reviews
- recommend for adults
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In 1768, at age 14, young "Antoine" (Kirsten Dunst) is sent from Austria to France to cement "the friendship" between the two nations by marrying the 15-year-old French dauphin, Louis-Auguste, soon to be Louis XVI (Jason Schwartzman). She's stripped of all remnants of her previous life and instructed by the supremely efficient Comtesse de Noailles (Judy Davis). In Austria, she's introduced to shy Louis-Auguste and his randy father, Louis XV (Rip Torn), and soon learns that royals get to do whatever they want, as long as they perform certain public duties. While Marie (her new moniker) and Louis present a facade of marriage at official functions, at night, he's too uncomfortable to consummate the union. Marie is ever aware that it's her "job" to seduce the king and produce an heir. She's reminded by her assigned French "aunties" (Shirley Henderson and Molly Shannon), letters from her mother (Marianne Faithfull), and advice from attentive Ambassador Mercy (Steve Coogan). Finally, two years later, Marie's brother Joseph (Danny Huston) arrives to "speak to" Louis in a way that inspires him to get his duty done.
Is It Any Good?
A thoughtful, sometimes-playful retelling of the story of Marie Antoinette, Sofia Coppola's film focuses on the doomed queen's adolescence. The punkish titles and soundtrack and the luscious pastel color palette depict the girl queen as a product of her times, living up to official expectations while also rebelling in whatever small ways she can manage.
Less concerned with plot than with context, the film reveals Marie's changing sensibility in gloriously detailed images and glances as she gains confidence and poise, ultimately being crowned queen at 19. Increasingly troubled by her "bad press", Marie is eventually undone by history. The film alludes only briefly to the French Revolution and the fall of Versailles. Omitting both Louis' and Marie's beheadings, the movie leaves her looking slightly sad as she departs from the palace. She is, as ever, resigned to her role as the public face of a monarchy bound to fall amid demands for republican government.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's take on the famous 18th-century queen, presenting her as a raw teenage girl rather than a tyrannical royal. How can you tell that Marie feels isolated in her new court? Why does she get so caught up in shopping and partying? How is her behavior like that of today's teens? How is it different? How would you feel if you were in her position? Is it realistic to expect teenagers to rule a country? How do Marie and Louis XVI come to appreciate each another's limitations and support each another in the face of increasing criticism and -- eventually -- rejection by their subjects? Also, what do you think of the movie's music (which is unusual for a period piece)? Is it jarring or exciting?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 19, 2006
- On DVD or streaming : February 13, 2007
- Cast : Asia Argento , Jason Schwartzman , Kirsten Dunst
- Director : Sofia Coppola
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 123 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : for sexual content, partial nudity and innuendo.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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