A priest, a revolution, and a woman in drag—1786 just got complicated.
In 1786, Jocelyn entered the Seminary. He leaves his share of the inheritance to his younger sister Julie. In 1793, on the point of being ordained a priest, the Revolution forced him to take refuge in the Alps. There he meets Laurence, first disguised as a young boy. A great friendship binds them which turns into love when Jocelyn discovers the girl's true identity. Yet faithful to the promise he made to the Superior of his Seminary, Jocelyn will not abandon his faith.
Acting
Jean Desailly's tortured restraint as conflicted Jocelyn.
Cinematography
Alpine landscapes as emotional prison and paradise.
Costume
Laurence's boy disguise vs. revolutionary fashion.
Director
Jacques de Casembroot
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on Alphonse de Lamartine's 1836 poem, a cornerstone of French Romantic literature that made religious anguish sexy.
Director Casembroot was primarily a screenwriter; this remains his sole directorial feature.
FR
