It promises to be a series of events for this back-to-school season. This Monday, September 16, France 2 broadcasts the first two episodes of Fortune de France, its new historical family saga that takes us straight back to 16th-century France torn by religious wars.
A historical family saga
Adapted from the first volume of Robert Merle’s eponymous saga, Fortune de France follows the daily life of the Château de Mespache in Périgord. Behind the walls, surrounded by a dangerous, hostile and intolerant world, the Siorak family fights for their survival and faith.
Jean, the patriarch of the family, played by Nicolas Duvachel, and Isabelle, his wife and mother of his two children, played by Lucie DeBay, love each other as much as they did on the first day. Unfortunately, one is a Protestant and has to hide his faith, and the other is a devout Catholic.
If the couple supports each other even in times of need, the raging religious wars in France will gradually affect them. They love each other and are driven apart by their ideas, under the gaze of their sons, Pierre and Francois, and the people of the castle with whom they live.
A mirror of our society
Created by Christopher Thompson, who also directed and co-wrote with Fabrice Roger-Lacan, Fortune de France is a fascinating historical mural that tells the story of the France of yesterday, questioning our times.
Between the place of women in society, class conflicts and religious fanaticism, the series touches on strangely relevant topics and offers a mirror of our society. After the first episode, which lays the groundwork for the story and which introduces us to a diverse and complex gallery of characters, the story of this beloved family quickly picks us up and keeps us going for six episodes.
Finely written scripts manage to combine family issues, daily life in a small country castle, civil war, teenage love and sibling conflicts. All in all, it gives us a fascinating series based on a five-star cast.
To play Jean, Baron de Mespique, Christopher Thompson called on Nicolas Duvachel, who shines in this unconventional role, a far cry from the action movies we’re used to seeing him in.
After important roles in Black Butterflies and Black Hearts, the actor once again proves that he has the talent to slip into the skin of any character.
Jean’s brother-in-arms is played by Guillaume Gui ( Une Affaire Française , Polar Park ), who easily lends his qualities to the war-torn man who must face his own demons if he is to help the prison residents.
The role of Squire’s wife is played by Lucy DeBay, a Belgian actress who brilliantly brings sensitivity and strength to the character of Isabelle. A special mention to Grigory Fitus, who seems to be having a lot of fun playing the big bad guy.
In short, Fortune de France is a charming and fascinating series that follows the fortunes of a small bourgeois family and deals with many difficult and relevant topics served by the choice of actors.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
