n my opinion it was a great movie with some interesting elements, even though having some plot holes and the ending probably was just too messy and crammed together, but still fun to watch and not your casual movie that is similar to all other ones.

It isn't all that great, actually. Really cheesy and very predicable of how certain scenes are gonna turn play out. However, I guess that's the charm of it all, because I would consider this one of my guilty pleasures.

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

beautiful at whole. for each aspect. because it is the result of wise options. to recreate the Paris. to give a complex and realistic portrait of Vatel. for use the right recipes to seduce the public. this is, in fact, the essence of this real seductive film. and the motif to see it twice. the delicate precision of the making the story, the tension, Gerard Depardieu as the only reasonable choice for the lead role are pieces for a fascinating trip across mysteries and across the spirit of a century. and this did special "Vatel". for the unique emotion. for the inspired answer. for the impeccable acting. and for the science to resurrect a page from the small history of France.

If you enjoy historic/period films, this is one to see. There is a weak link - Ms. Thurman- but her performance does not ruin the whole. I confidently proclaim all other performances top notch, from the "Sun King" to the title character, to the vast staff in the kitchen of the Prince de Conde's estate in the countryside. Excellent! Transporting! The effort and attention in production is exemplary and never gets in the way of the mood of the movie and the viewer being sucked in. It is an an example to try to match. "Vatel" is a convincing travel back in time to the opulence, ridiculous behavior and systems in the royal court of 17th C. France. The viewer really feels like a fly on the wall, observing the behaviors, politics, seductions, binding and imprisoning codes of conduct and misconduct that were easily paraded by the royal court. I enjoy this film to this day despite a couple dozen viewings.

I watched this film with my sister-in-law, so this time you will be learning what I thought and what she thought about the film. We both agreed that the costumes and sets were amazing. It's obvious that the film makers had a lot of money and they did spend it. However, we were both wondering (and I hope someone out there can tell me more)--are the special effects, such as the incredible set that appears around King Louis XIV, anachronisms? In other words, while this really looked neat, was this even possible in the 17th century? We didn't know, but even today I doubt that such a spectacle would be that easy to create. However, we both felt that while the sets were nice and all, the characters themselves really didn't seem that deep or compelling (except for Vatel) and the relationship he forged with Anne. Nice to look at, of course, but not all that compelling much of the time.Here is where we both disagreed (I could tell, because she hit me over the head with a lamp when I told her I liked this): the ending. I loved the end, as it was a wonderful way for Gerard Depardieu's character to stand up to the King and make a statement about freedom. However, Linda (who's totally wrong) said it was just too depressing and hurt the film. And, now that I just read her this, I think I am afraid to go to sleep while I am visiting them! So, while we agreed on almost the whole film (she gave it a 6 and I gave it a 7), I was left feeling more positive about the film because I have a very high tolerance for depressing and dreadful endings that many people will not enjoy.Overall, not a great film but worth seeing--particularly if you like costume dramas.

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.