Is Le Petit-Maître Corrigé Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

📖 The Core Premise

Le Petit-Maître Corrigé returns to the screen in 2018, bringing a fresh narrative to the Comedy, Romance genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Le Petit-Maître corrigé is a three-act romantic comedy by French playwright Marivaux. It was first performed on November 6, 1734, by the Comédie-Française in Paris. In this production Clément Hervieu-Léger makes the eighteenth century resonate with our era, all the more so given that the language is “simpler than in other Marivaux plays, while still as refined, precise and full of humour”. The story is that of a young Parisian whose parents have found a good match for him, a count’s daughter. But when he goes to visit her in her country home, the handsome boy – whose Parisian manners are far removed from the rules of decorum that reign in the provinces – cannot open his heart to his lovely intended. Stung, the latter decides to punish his arrogance while a former lover arrives to prevent the marriage. Between the alliance of master and manservant, and the complicity of mistress and maid, a romantic intrigue ensues full of light-hearted conspiracies and feverish emotions."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Florence Viala's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Le Petit-Maître Corrigé worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy, Romance films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Le Petit-Maître Corrigé is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 135 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.