Alas, Majesty, today Phoebus
is eclipsed by rain

Your Majesty is our only sun

Sire, the compliment is over

I can't believe it !
They didn't even say one word to you !

Desmoulins and Robespierre,
no talking ! Back in line !

The French Revolution "The Years of Hope"

And all that !

Your Majesty will make Fortune blush !

Dear Madame de Polignac,
you bring me luck

Your Majesty has lost

Here I am, penniless again

Now I have to tell the poor man
I can't pay my debts...

... so he'll have to do it.

After all, I am his wife !

The fact is, every day
the country gets deeper in debt

The costs of the court...

The Queen's personal expenses...

Our participation in
the American war of independence...

... which cost us 2,000 million livres

Frankly, the outlook
is not very encouraging

What do you advise, Monsieur Necker ?

Sire we have two options :

First, default and let
the consequences fall where they may

No, Monsieur Necker

- Your second option ?
- Summon the Estates General

It's the only body capable
of raising the taxes to pay the debt

But we haven't had
to resort to that for 150 years

Sire, it's inevitable

This practice is quite uncivilized !

I'll have to ask Dame Etiquette
the proper method of milking

Mother ! Look ! I can ride all by myself !

It's wonderful, darling !

And now, dear brethren,
we're holding a meeting today...

... March 6, in the church vestibule

It's to draw up
the List of Grievances for this parish

All men 25 years and older who pay taxes
are invited to come and contribute

Our duty is to seize this opportunity
to tell the King...

... the truth about what
is amiss in his kingdom

I've had enough of lugging stones
around to please his lordship !

- You want useless chores abolished !
- That's right !

And the salt tax too - when the salt
we buy is rotten and full of dirt !

Please, give him
a chance to write it down

As a doctor, I demand
that taxation be shared equally

By what right are the nobles
and the priests exempt ?

And why can only
the nobility be officers ?

Free access to all military,
civil and even church positions !

- Ecclesiastic ?
- Exactly !

What are you writing,
Camille Desmoulins ?

No more privilege, no more
humiliation, and equality for all

And Liberty too !

"No more bread"

Too proud to say hello
to your old friends ?

Someone thinks he's a bigshot !

I wasn't elected

Camille ! They're idiots.
They don't know a thing

You're not at Versailles ?

Not this time - I lost.

Lucie, go to your room

You good-for-nothing ! If you try to see
my daughter I'll have you whipped !

And arrested like a common criminal !

Sir, I beg you to believe...

... that I care very deeply
for your daughter

Take my advice, Danton, get yourself
elected as a Deputy for Paris

But do it now, or it will be too late

Look at the stuff being written :
things are changing !

What change ?

Your kind and the clergy
will always outvote the commons

- My kind ?
- Yes, the nobility, Monsieur de Mirabeau

It's two against one,
and nothing will ever change

That's what you think ?

I've been elected
as a member of the Third Estate

How long can the ruling class
cling to its privileges ?

The world is moving - look at America

Privilege will never be abolished

The best we can hope for is to
spread the wealth around a little

I'm not giving up my career for that

Look

She has a sister

How about making a night of it ?

No, I have work to do
and some friends are waiting for me.

Your noble ideas vanish quickly
when a pair of tits comes in sight

Two pairs of tits

When did you add a "d'"
before your name ?

Since trying to make money in this
business ; any more stupid questions ?

That's for you...

This one's for you, and this too

I'll handle this one myself

Write a summary

A grain merchant
who's claiming the right...

... to call himself
Viscount Something-or-other

A bloody fool, but he pays well

Why are you attacking me ?
I don't hoard food like some people

You know it Danton ! Tell them !

They've already killed a baker

Everyone knew he hoarded grain

I don't blame them

They ought to hang all these damned
profiteers, to set an example

Cut out your usual speech, Marat.

This time it was Legendre,
but I know he's honest

What difference does it make
to a starving crowd ?

- Will she recover ?
- Probably not

Besides, she has a broken neck

Gabrielle, I'm hungry !

Mirabeau was right. Things are changing

I should have stood for election

- Why ?
- To be a Deputy for Paris

- Why ? You want to be ?
- No, I need to be

That smells good

Action, Gabrielle... action

Have you ever in your life
just stood by and watched ?

The more tempting the prospect...

... the more I want to get my hands on it

I believe that the three orders
assembled here...

... will cooperate
for the general good of the state

I declare myself
the first friend of my people

And I welcome
the representatives of the nation...

... it is my glory
to command by divine right

That's Lafayette

The Marquis de Lafayette ? From America ?

Yes, my lord. The hero of the American
War of Independence

Gentlemen. His Majesty
has summoned you here...

... in order to remedy a deficit which
has raised so much comment in Europe

- Who are those men all in black ?
- The Third Estate, my lord

What is the Third Estate ?

Those who are neither nobles nor priests

That's a lot of people

It is thus my duty to demonstrate
to you in detail...

... the absolute necessity
of financial assistance

This is why you have received
the rare privilege...

... of being assembed
here in the Estates General

Each order shall assemble separately...

It's not Versailles, but it's
comfortable without costing too much

- Have a seat
- I prefer the bed

- You don't mind eggs ?
- Not at all

- You're a lawyer, I hear
- Like you

I made the mistake of moving to Paris

Too many lawyers, not enough clients

They want you to vote by order, right ?

The clergy plus the nobility
make it 2 to 1

At that rate, we'll always lose

But if we vote as individuals,
the Third Estate has the majority

Necker isn't stupid ;
he knows what he wants

He means well, but he's a banker.
And he's Swiss

The problem is they don't live
in the same world we do

Well ?

It would be enough if the lower
clergy, the poorest, join us

If nothing changes, they won't get
any money - it's as simple as that

Remember ? At Louis le Grand ?
Old Boiteux ?

- "What is the Third Estate ?"
- "Nothing !"

- "And what does it want ?"
- "Everything !"

It's so long ago

But you haven't changed

Always neat, with every hair in place

My one luxury.
But you haven't changed either !

A number of the clergy
have joined the Third Estate

They say they form 96% of the country
and plan to form a National Assembly...

... without Your Majesty's assent

- Just as I predicted !
- Please, brother

The best solution, Monsieur Necker...

... would be to address the 3 orders...

... and inform them
that their actions are illegal

Excuse me, Sire, but I feel the situation
requires diplomacy, not confrontation

Our authority is all that's left,
Monsieur Necker

Authority and obedience
by force, if necessary

- What's happening ?
- They won't let us in.

It's an outrage !

To the Tennis Court !

Back to the changing room, gentlemen !

Bailly ! Take the chair !

Silence !

Let us take an oath, here and now

To never separate, to reassemble
wherever circumstances demand...

... until we've given France
a constitution

I swear !

Therefore I declare void,
illegal and unconstitutional...

... the acts of the
so-called National Assembly...

... which is meeting despite my orders

I am the sole guardian
of my people's welfare

And if you abandon me
in such a weighty endeavor...

... it is you who will be abandoned,
and not me

I order you to disperse at once...

... and return to the rooms
set aside for your respective orders...

... to resume your meetings

Vive le roi !

By what right
do you occupy that seat, sir ?

My name is Bailly - I'm an astronomer

Member of the Academy of Science
and Member for Paris

These gentlemen have elected me
President of the National Assembly

You've all heard the King
order you to disperse !

I believe that the nation in assembly
receives orders from no one

Go tell those who sent you that we
are here by the will of the people

And we won't leave
except at the point of a bayonet !

- They want to stay ?
- Yes, Sire

To hell with them then ! Let them stay !

The Third Estate is not making a
challenge to the monarchy, just an appeal

If you would recognize their legal
existence to help you govern...

Wanting to share
the King's power is treason

You should hang them all,
as an example

But if the Third Estate
has the support of the people--

Send in the troops

I advise against it, Sire

- If we could find a compromise--
- There is no compromise

Except for time

If I understand you, Monsieur Necker,
the King cannot oppose this Assembly...

... without making things worse

In that case, he shouldn't even try

But rather, agree to their demands...

... for now

But the King must prepare to respond
to their next demands with force

It appears Her Majesty understands
the situation better than any of us

The intervention of the foreign
regiments seems to me ill-advised

They are regiments from
the provinces, not foreign

And I can count on their loyalty in the
event of an insurrection in the capitol

The people do not see the uniforms,
but the men wearing them

Swiss and German troops,
most of whom don't even speak French

They don't see the love Your Majesty has
for them - just a sign of tyranny

It's what your enemies want

That is not my opinion, Monsieur Necker

Nor is it the opinion
of those I have confidence in

Then, Your Majesty, I have no choice...

... but to offer my resignation

And I to accept it

Citizens !

I've come from Versailles.
The King has dismissed Necker !

It's the signal for a St. Bartholomew's
Massacre of patriots !

Tonight Swiss and German batallions
will come out to slaughter us !

There's only one solution :
to take up arms !

To arms ! To arms !

All Paris must take up arms !

My friends, we know our enemies.

But we need a way
to recognize each other

All those who want to fight...

... proudly declare it by wearing green

Green, the color of hope

This will be our symbol !

Our uniform !

Our victory !

Look ! The police are here !

I call my brothers to liberty

You won't take me alive

And I will die gloriously rather than
see France remain in bondage !

The King has dismissed Necker.
If he uses his troops it'll cost him

My friend you can write
your memoires later. Come on !

News from the Palais Royale ;
they've called for insurrection !

- Why ?
- The King has dismissed Necker

This is a direct attack
on the will of the people...

... expressed through
their elected representatives !

Will we allow Tyranny
to triumph over Liberty ? No !

Will we allow one man the power
to wipe away in a single day...

... the hope of finally seeing
a free people in France ? No !

I want every man
of the district to be a volunteer

We will show the whole world...

... that we have no fear of these dogs...

... who dare lay siege to our city !

Sign with me !

Don't worry, we'll wake them up !
My name's Fournoyer

They call me "The American".
I was a distiller in Santo Domingo

Where will we get the weapons ?

The guns are at Les Invalides ;
and the powder at the Bastille !

Very good, Lieutenant.
Any problems ?

Just one.
If I give the order, will they fire ?

- Surely your Swiss will ?
- Probably.

But can you count on your own men ?

The powder ! The powder !

Citizens - we must have the Bastille

We want the Bastille !

They have to pull back the cannons

Make way for the delegation from the
Permanent Committee of the H?el de Ville

Make them remove the cannons !

I've never heard of your committee.

As of yesterday, the Members for Paris
have met at the H?el de Ville

They've formed a permanent committee
to maintain order in the capitol

Are you here to force a confrontation,
or find a way of avoiding it ?

- We're not here to threaten
- Then we agree on the essential points

Gentlemen, I was about to dine

Will you join me ?

- What's going on ?
- They're still inside

- Prisoners ?
- No one knows

We want the Bastille !

Apparently, sir, you are not hostile
to the people of Paris

We need you to show it. Pull back
the cannons - the Committee demands it

But why ? The cannons
have always been there

It's an insult to the people.
It's intolerable

These poor old cannons !

You've seen them; where they are
they can't fire on the people

It doesn't matter; people are afraid

You must withdraw them, Governor

- You want me to make a gesture
- Of goodwill

My compliments to Lieutenant Deflue ;
please ask him to withdraw the cannons

And close the openings

Our committee could not ask for more

Look ! They're pulling back the cannons !

To load them ! They're going to fire !

I have to alert the district !

Do you know how many
prisoners we have here ?

Seven

Four forgers, with long records

One's a murderer

And there's also an Irishman
who thinks he's Julius Caesar

Let me through - I know the Governor

He's a friend, I can talk to him

You see, I've kept my word

You must surrender the fortress, sir

Nobody said anything about that

The Permanent Committee--

The Bastille is in our district

And the distict demands that you open
the gates of the Bastille to the people

With all these innovations, it's very
difficult for an officer of the King...

... to know where his duty lies

Opening the gates is out of the question

They're telling us to enter ! Come on !

They don't understand !
They're advancing instead of leaving !

- So this is how you negotiate
- I'll go down and talk to them

The cannons !

Take aim !

- You're not going to fire !
- Don't worry

I just want to show them
that the Bastille can defend itself

Do not fire without my orders !

Sir, if you have any authority over your
district, order your people to retreat

Tell them I've promised
not to fire first

Stop ! Stop !

We have no choice

- Take aim
- No, it'll be a bloodbath

Hold your fire !

If you won't fire, we're lost

Take aim !

Fire !

Fire !

Cease fire !

What are you doing ?

We're saved !

Long live the nation !

Hey there, someone !

Lieutenant Deflue -
I have a message from the Governor

Bring a board !

Cease fire !
There's a message from the Governor !

"We have 2,000 barrels of powder

Surrender, or we will
blow up the neighborhood"

No surrender !
They must lower the drawbridge !

We won't allow it, Sir

Bring me my journal

An agreeable afternoon, Cl?y
but not very successful

Not even a rabbit

"July 14 - Nothing"

Sire...

What is it ?

Sire, the Parisians
have taken the Bastille

Taken the Bastille ? What for ?

It's a revolt

No, Sire ; it's a revolution

If the troops want to fire on Liberty,
they'll find barricades in their way !

And the Cordeliers Club
will build the tallest one !

- It's just that too many died
- What did you expect ?

You can't build the kind of world you
want without breaking a few heads

Now whatever happens,
things can never be the same

That's for sure - never again

Here's the wine,
for anyone who's thirsty !

Vive Danton !

You're lovelier than ever

Just say the word and I'll stay

Write me when you get to Basle

I'll be there in a week

Persuade the King
to take refuge in Metz. You must !

He prefers to stay in Paris

To win over his faithful subjects
who want to murder him !

- I'll stay
- Goodbye

You really don't want to go ?

I can't leave you here alone

Oh, my dear, faithful friend !

No one is to shout "Vive le roi !"

Your Majesty, these keys
were presented to Henri IV...

... after he reconquered his people

Today it is the people
who have reconquered their king

So you are the Mayor of Paris,
Monsieur Bailly ?

Yes, Your Majesty

Until now, Paris has not had a Mayor

The electors decided that it was time

Ah, well, if they've decided

If Your Majesty
would be so good as to follow me

Monsieur de Lafayette,
I believe you also have something to say

Your Majesty, the volunteers
who have mobilized to defend Paris...

... have adopted
the name "National Guard"

And they have named me their General

Naturally, I could not accept this
appointment without your approval

Then I must congratulate you, General

Sire, all Parisians who love liberty...

... have adopted the colors
of the capitol : blue and red

I have noticed

But I've added the white of the monarchy

Excellent idea !

If Your Majesty would be pleased
to pin this cockade to your hat...

... your loyal subjects
would be overjoyed.

Perhaps you could pin it on for me

Gentlemen, I have some news for you

I have ordered the withdrawal
of the troops presently in the capitol

And this morning
I wrote to Monsieur Necker...

... to ask him to rejoin my ministry

Such back-breaking labor,
Monsieur le Comte

It couldn't go on any longer

August 4, 1789

These attacks on the property of the
nobility, across the entire country...

... are not acts of common vandalism

These attacks should fill us with pride

They are the funeral pyres of privilege !

Tell the people that you recognize
the injustice of the rights...

... acquired during
the dark days of ignorance

Our colleague from Bretagne is right.
The people's anger is a just anger

I, Viscount de Noailles
propose that all privileges...

... and rights of the nobility
be abolished

I, Count de Beauharnais propose
that henceforth all occupations...

... be open to all: nobles and commoners

I, Duke de la
Rochefoucault-Liancourt propose...

... that the National Assembly
abolish slavery

And recognize
that blacks are human beings

I, Bishop of Nancy,
renounce the possessions...

... that the Church has unjustly
acquired for too long

They're drunk on fine words
and good intentions

They'll wake up with a nice hangover

And they'll go back on everything
they've given up

Citizens, listen !

The Assembly has declared
freedom of religion

Who gives a damn ?

But much more important ;
they've declared freedom of the press !

I'll start my paper, Georges !

I've already got the name :
Revolutions of France and Brabant

Write, Camille.
It's what you do best

I'll listen to the people,
and I'll say everything :

Their concerns, their hopes, their joys

But to understand, not manipulate them

Without betraying
the truth or my conscience

I'll find you the money

The representatives of the French people,
formed into the National Assembly...

... considering that ignorance,
forgetfulness...

... or contempt for the Rights of Man...

... are the sole cause of public suffering
and government corruption...

... have resolved to express
in a solemn declaration...

... the natural, inalienable
and sacred rights of man

I ask you to rise, gentlemen

Article 1 : Men are born and remain
free and equal before the Law

Social distinctions can be founded
only upon public utility

These rights are Liberty, Property,
Security and Resistance to Oppression

The nation is essentially
the source of all sovereignty

The Law may only forbid
activities harmful to society

Whatever is not forbidden by Law
cannot be hindered

The Law is the expression
of the general Will

All citizens are equal before it...

... and equally eligible
for every public position and honor

No man can be accused, arrested or
imprisoned unless by force of Law

Every man is presumed innocent
until proven guilty

No one can be persecuted
for his beliefs, including religious

The free expression
of ideas and opinions...

... is one of the most
precious rights of mankind

All citizens may speak,
write and publish freely...

... except as determined by the Law
in order to preserve Liberty

The safeguard of the Rights of Man and
the citizenry requires a public force

This force is formed
for the benefit of all

The right of private property
is sacred and inviolable

None can be deprived of it...

... except when the common good
legitimately requires it

I've done my best, Monsieur Necker,
but I will not sign

Neither the Decree on the Abandonment
of Privileges, nor the Rights of Man

How will the Church survive
without its tithes ?

And the minor nobility without
the revenue of their peasants ?

Sire, the nobility
and the clergy themselves--

I know

But why the Rights of Man ?

I am the King !

How can one share what is abolute ?

Your Majesty must not
underestimate the risk--

This is why I summoned
the Regiment of Flanders to Versailles

I know that I can count on them

Governing is a serious matter

To do it you have to find
a genuine balance of power...

... between the executive
and the legislative

That's why you defended the veto power ?

Whether it's a king, a president
or something else, it doesn't matter

An unlimited, all-powerful Assembly
will lead to disaster

Why ?

Because all the power
is concentrated there

What's important is sovereignty

It must be shared between
the King and the Assembly

Impossible

In that case, you'll create
an even worse dictatorship

Excuse me - I'm expecting my confessor

A little patience !
I'm nearly finished my work

Kiss me !

Gabriel-Honor?I'll give you 5 minutes -
not one more

I've tried to make it
less uncompromising

If you won't sign now,
there's nothing more I can do

It's excellent, as always

Let me sign

As usual, you get what you want

And you, at least, a decent meal

You're a corruptor, Monsieur de Mirabeau

If it gives you any comfort, look around

Nothing in this house is paid for

Except for you

Even the servants
are worried about their wages

How do you do it ?

It's the art of keeping
6 balls in the air at once

But two of them inevitably are your own

Do you advise me
to go to confession ?

Not necessarily

I find I have a few extra matters
to attend to

Gentlemen ! A toast : to the King !

To Her Majesty the Queen !

Please rise, gentlemen

Thank you all

I'm so happy
to find myself among friends

We'll give our last drop of blood
for Your Majesty

Wait your turn; there's enough for all !

Are you alright ? Where do you live ?

Look at me ! I want to help

I haven't eaten for 3 days

Down with the Assembly !

And no more tricolors !

Gentlemen - I'll never forget this !

Once again,
the Austrian bitch is responsable...

... for this court-orchestrated
counter-revolution

Exclamation mark after revolution

Marat has everything
on the Versailles banquet

People of Paris,
the events at Versailles...

... are an insult to Liberty

I call for rebellion

No... for insurrection

That's better

To arms ! To arms !

- "To arms" twice ?
- And again !

It's for the paper ?

For the greatest paper of all :

The walls of Paris

Bread ! Give us bread !

If you refuse to march on Versailles...

... to demand the King listen
to his people, then we will !

We'll bring back the baker
and the baker's wife !

And the baker's boy !

To Versailles !

An order from the Commune :

You're to lead
the National Guard to Versailles

To bring the King
and his family back to Paris

We are the King's Guard,
not his jailors !

The women of Paris are marching
to Versailles to demand bread !

Let's march with them
as a matter of honor

The cause that we've fought for
is lost...

... if you won't show that you're ready
to fight for what you've won !

Make way for the President
of the National Assembly !

No more than four

And no pikes

That's enough !

Ladies, welcome

What can I do for you ?

Your Majesty, these four women speak on
behalf of the women of Paris

All Paris wishes to know Your Majesty's
attitude toward the Rights of Man, and--

Perhaps His Majesty would prefer
to hear directly from these women

Your Majesty...

Bread...

Well, Monsieur Mounier,
here we are in fresh difficulties

Bread...

Bread ?

You will have bread ; I promise

I beg you not to stay. Come with us

I am the King ! I can't flee

Is it better to be a prisoner ?

At least you could try--

The mob is blocking the stables ;
it is impossible to get out

You see ? We thought we had some choice

We were wrong

Where are my glasses ?

Please, Monsieur Mounier,
re-read your text aloud

I accept purely and simply
the Articles of the Constitution...

... and the Rights of Man as submitted
to me by the National Assembly

Is that agreeable, Your Majesty ?

Does that matter anymore ?

As you can see, His Majesty has signed

History will remember Your Majesty as
the greatest of France's kings

Bread and flour
are on their way to Paris

Perhaps it's time for everyone
to go home, Monsieur de Lafayette

Sire, these gentlemen
are from the Paris Commune

And what is it the people of Paris want ?

They wish that the National Guard take
charge of the King's personal security

You can arrange that,
Monsieur de Lafayette ?

Also the removal of royal troops, whose
presence is an insult to the people

Is that all ?

The Parisians also demand
that the King return to Paris

That requires some thought

It's been a long day

We will discuss this further
in the morning

Good night, Monsieur
de Lafayette, gentlemen

I beg Your Majesty to let me
stand guard outside your room

No. The rumors
only aggravate their hatred

Go to bed, Axel.
I'll try to do the same

Versailles, October 6, 1789

Hey, soldier ! How about a little fun ?

Call the other one

This way !

Come on

Let's wake up the fat pig !

Hurry, Your Majesty !

Open the door ! It's the Queen !

What is to be done, Monsieur Deguisson ?

Die, Your Majesty

Forgive me, Your Majesty

They gave me their word
there would be no further violence

And you chose to believe them !

Lafayette is on their side !

He's making fun of you !
The King has fled

Look ! There's no one there !

Your Majesty must appear on the balcony

If not, we cannot control them

No, Louis, please don't go !
They'll kill you !

I don't believe they wish to harm you

The King to Paris !

The King accepts.
Return to Paris and the King will follow

He's lying ! If we leave, he'll flee !

Marat is right ! We're not leaving !

You have the King's promise !

And the Austrian woman ? Where is she ?

She's already fled !

The Queen to the balcony !

No, Your Majesty, I beg you !

Not the children !

Shoot her !

Kill the whore !

God save the Queen !

June 1790

Look, Papa !
Are they going to guard the King ?

- Yes
- Is the King there right now ?

He's always there - that's his house.
The Tuileries Palace

I no longer could stand
the idea of hanging

So my colleague Dr. Louis and I
came up with this machine

The condemned is beheaded
by means of this simple mechanism

It's practically painless

Just a slight chill
on the back of the neck

A minimum of suffering,
which everyone deserves

It's clean, quick and efficient

I'm very impressed, Monsieur Guillotin

Perhaps... if I could make
a small suggestion ?

I'm considered rather handy
with mechanical matters

I'd be honored to have
Your Majesty's opinion

The flaw is here

Instead of being crescent-shaped
the blade would cut better...

... if it were triangular

And designed like a saw

Marvellous, Sire !

We ink the plate, close the press...

... and the text is reproduced on paper

Everything is done here

And what I write is on the street
an hour after it's printed

That's my office

I'm very impressed Monsieur Desmoulins

But do you have to be so violent ?

Look : "The most practical method of
hanging aristocrats is on street lights"

I'm stating a principle.
It doesn't have to be applied literally

Provisional Member
of the Commune at your service !

Georges, you were elected !

It's a small beginning. But from this
day, your friends on the Committee...

... can count on Danton to take decisions

I invite everyone to the celebration

I'm afraid we have an appointment. Lucie ?

I'll come with you, Monsieur Danton

Permit me to say that Your Majesty
is more beautiful than ever

I'm sure you and the King enjoyed
your short visit to St-Cloud

You know we practically had to beg
Monsieur Bailly and Lafayette...

... to let us leave the Tuileries

But you're not prisoners

- What do you want ?
- For Your Majesty to trust me

You ? One of the chief architects
of our problems ?

Have you read the secret letters
I've sent to the King ?

I've read them

And you're still not convinced
that I wish to save the monarchy ?

How can I believe you're sincere ?

Denounce my presence here tonight

So you're betraying both sides !
How splendid

What do you recommend we do ?

- Accept the Constitution
- In other words, our destruction

- Your safeguard !
- You and your paradoxes !

Madame, trust your people.

Throw yourself in their arms ;
they will open their hearts to you

The King will reign,
but through a constitution

Believe me, there are many people
who would die to defend the crown

When listening to you,
one can end up accepting the impossible

I hope the Cordeliers district
will outdo themselves

Grab a spade !

I hope you won't be too tired tonight

Promise. I love it
when you talk like that

It's incredible ! So many people
who hated each other yesterday

Now here they are celebrating
the first anniversary of the Revolution

Everything has changed.
Our ways of thinking are new

It's the dawn after the night

Fraternity - at last !

Your mother and I have been talking

Camille, if you still wish to marry
our daughter, you have our blessing

She'll have everything - I promise !

I believe it ;
her dowry's 100,000 livres !

Celebration of Federation - July 14, 1790

My dear Robespierre,
there goes the hero of the Revolution

But for how long ?

I swear to be faithful to the nation...

... to the law, and to the King

To uphold the Constitution,
proclaimed by the National Assembly...

... and accepted by the King

To assure in accordance with the law,
the security of property and life

I swear to remain united
to all the French people...

... by the indissoluble
bonds of fraternity

I ask all of you present...

... assembled here
from all the provinces of France...

... to take the same oath

Repeat after me : "I swear"

Look at them. They want to remain slaves

And they will, if we're not vigilant

People of France,
I ask you to listen in silence...

... to the oath that the King
of the French will take before you

I, King of the French...

... swear to use all the powers
granted me by the law...

... to uphold the Constitution
proclaimed by the National Assembly...

and accepted by me

My son and I
take the same oath as the King

This is my son !

Nancy, August 1790

Long live the nation !

What exactly was this mutiny
in the Nancy garrison ?

This rebellion that Monsieur de Lafayette
was pleased to have put down...

... by his cousin, the Marquis
and General de Bouyet

What was their crime ?

They dared to demand the miserable pay...

... that their own officers
had robbed them of for months !

These rebels rejected
corruption and theft

They had faith in the justice
that the Revolution could not bring them

What disappointment ! What bitterness !

Remember one year ago, the women of
Paris went to Versailles to see the King

What has changed since then ? Nothing !

Still the same abuses,
the same tyranny. And why ?

Because around the King is
the same clique, the same ministers...

... who hide the truth
from him and deceive him !

I speak for Paris,
and Paris demands their dismissal

So you think you're Paris, sir ?
You alone ?

Better than you, Abbot :
you take yourself for God

Paris demands the dismissal
of the Minister of the Interior...

... the Count de Saint-Prix

The Minister of War,
Monsieur de la Tour du Pin

Monsieur Champion de Cic?

Paper ! I told you I wanted gold

These are worth more
than their weight in gold

You can exchange them
for confiscated Church property

A fortune, whenever you want

If you say so, Monmorat

Whatever happens, your business
abroad is safe for the moment

The Assembly is very happy
with the dismissal of your colleagues

And you can assure His Majesty...

... that I will continue to do
all in my power to help

To France

Here is the sacred object,
conquered in the heat of battle

It has an inscription : "United for Life"

As one of Camille's oldest friends...

... I'd like to make the first toast

To the bride

I'm especially happy about this
marriage, which has permitted me...

... to get to know the man
I admire most in public life

If the Cordeliers are truly, as they are
called, the greatest patriots in Paris...

... they owe it to you, sir

To our friend Mirabeau,
who is too ill to be here today

To his speedy recovery

You know what they're saying about me ?

That I'm dying...

... just to avoid paying my debts !

- Is it true ?
- Of course it is

The sad thing is that you only die once

For you, we'll make an exception

The doctors don't know a thing ;
you'll play this scene many more times

Excuse me. I didn't know you were busy

I'll come back later

It's no accident

You two together...

You two, united...

I need to die knowing
that you two are allies

If not, the last hope
of saving the monarchy...

... will die with me

Without the crown,
all that we've accomplished...

... will slide into anarchy

And you both know it

As long as I live, the crown will be safe

And the country
will not slide into anarchy

I can promise you that

Because this country will be
a military dictatorship led by you

That's what you want - everyone knows it

Monsieur Danton's aspirations are well-known

I will not lower myself to discuss this

Monsieur Danton's only ambition...

... is to have civilian control
over a constitutional monarchy

And especially over ambitious generals
who exceed their bounds

By "civilian control" you mean
a government which closes its eyes...

... to the corruption and profiteers
you've chosen to run it

I didn't ask you to come here
to bore me to death...

... with your stupid quarrels !

Death is already here

It requires calm

The only thing I ask...

... is that you try to work together

That's my last wish

I can't do any more

Look, Monsieur de Fersen ;
how well this hairstyle suits my daughter

Madame, you are as pretty as an angel

Come dear, let's go find your brother

My dear, what would I do without you ?

Monsieur de Bouill?
will meet the King at Montm?y

He is sure of his troops
who'll provide your security

Why Montm?y ?

It's still in France.
It's a strong old fort

Once there, the Emperor can help you

You must convince the King

You know the poor man
changes his mind three times a day !

To leave - and you'll follow me

To refuse would have ignited France

His Holiness cannot
tolerate that bishops...

... should be elected
like delegates to the Assembly

But what makes
His Holiness deeply unhappy...

... is that this law obliges priests
to take an oath to the constitution

That can only lead
to a sort of schism...

... like when Henry VIII of England
broke with Rome

I am not Henry VIII !

I am the most obedient
of the Holy Father's sons

His Holiness demands that Your Majesty...

... renounce the civil constitution
for the clergy

It's too late !

Does the Holy Father wish to destroy me ?

His Holiness will never authorize
the priests of France to take this oath

It's the only way
I could keep the French Church united...

... in obedience to Rome

Assure the Holy Father
of my personal loyalty

I swear I will receive Holy Communion...

... only from the hands
of priests faithful to Rome

I will tell him

Now sir, will you give me your blessing ?

The King manipulates
them all - even Danton

- Even me
- What do you mean ?

Write this down

Louis XVI has betrayed the Revolution
through his loyalty to Rome

I baptise you
in the name of the people !

June 21, 1791

General, the King is gone

- Gone where ?
- He's fled with the Royal Family

"To Let"

You let fat Louis slip away !

And his Austrian whore !

You staked your head on the King

The people want the King or your head

How could it happen ?

If they cross the border...

They'll return at the head of an army
of expatriots and it will be civil war

Do you think we can arrest them
in the name of public security ?

We have no choice.
But who will take the responsibility ?

The Assembly meets at 2:00,
and we must act at once

Take this down :

"The enemies of the Revolution
have abducted the King"

No one has abducted the King

What do you want, Bailly ?

A republic ? The loss of the King ?

"The enemies of the Revolution
have abducted the King

"The bearer of this message is instructed
to advise all loyal citizens...

"... in the name of
the nation in danger...

"... to rescue him and bring him back
safely to the National Assembly

"I take full responsibility
for these orders"

Let me sign it

Look - he gave me a gold louis

Who was it ?

I don't know. He's travelling
with his children and servants

What did he want ?

The road to Varennes

He gave you a louis for directions ?
He's crazy !

Maxime, the Assembly
has confirmed Lafayette's order ?

What else could they do ?

I can't oppose the majority

You have to tell the truth !

Who's going to believe
this so-called abduction ?

It's an interesting use of the word

Two years of work, destroyed by this...

... conspiracy

- And I can't tell you everything
- Tell me ! I'll write it down

Be careful, Camille.
Be especially careful what you write

- Today we're all in danger
- Why today ?

More than ever

The King didn't take this risk without
powerful support in Paris and elsewhere

Traitors !

Where is Drouet ?

Is that any way to treat a horse ?

There's no time to lose : from Lafayette

He was too tired to go on

Have you see them ?

What's happening ?

- Where are you going ?
- To Frankfurt

This isn't the way

I'm public prosecutor of the Varennes
Commune. Your passports

Follow me. Don't let anyone leave

Citizen Drouet, I'm sorry,
but this passport is in order

It's even signed by the King

If you let them go, you'll be guilty
of a crime - and treason

- What should we do ?
- We have to tell Monsieur Bouill?

I'm just a humble grocer,
but it's clean

Good evening, Sire

Louis Capet ;
Louis XVI no longer exists !

Louis Capet must be
stripped of his useless title

He must be the last king of France

No more half-measures !

No more compromise before
the Assembly's indecision and hypocrisy !

The Cordeliers demand
the end of monarchy

And that France
be henceforth a republic !

I propose a petition be set up...

... outside the H?el de la Nation
on the Champ de Mars...

... for the French people to sign

I'm informed that irresponsible
member of the Cordeliers...

... intend to march to the
Champ de Mars to demand a republic

I ask that the Assembly
declare martial law...

... to disperse all illegal assemblies

Are you going to the Champs de Mars ?

No, I have business
to take care of in the country

I think you're very clever

The last storm has damaged my roof

We all have our storms to weather

What does that mean ?

I've always argued
for replacing the King

By all constitutional means, I know

But now that your supporters demand a
republic, you leave for the countryside

- You have a problem with that ?
- No. It's very reasonable

I've recently wished that Camille
wouldn't call so violently...

... for the overthrow of the King

I'm surprised ; you've argued so strongly
for trying the King before the Tribunal

The Assembly did not agree.
I accept the will of the majority

But good God, where do you stand ?

The republic - what does it mean to you ?

One could just as easily speak
of a republican monarchy...

... as of a monarchical republic

I remember my courses
in constitutional law

France is both a monarchy and a republic

That's the constitution
we've created the last two years

We live in an imperfect world

To advance the Revolution we need a King

But we mustn't ask for too much

Because seeking perfection
is asking too much ?

You don't think so ?

I believe that it's the purpose of life

You have the authority ;
martial law has been declared

This demonstration is illegal

Your duty is plain, General :
put an end to it

July 17, 1791

The National Guard !

In the name of the National Assembly,
I order you to disperse

Let him go

Disperse peacefully

You know me ; you can trust me

Join us, Lafayette !

Then we'll trust you !

Don't make me use force

Traitor ! You wouldn't dare !

Ready !

Aim !

Over their heads--

Fire !

It's to scare us ! They're firing blanks !

Aim !

Soldiers ! You're citizens like us !

You can't fire on unarmed people !
Your brothers !

Fire !

Stop ! Cease fire !

Maxime ! They want to kill us all !

Monsieur Robespierre, if you'll take
refuge in my house I'd be very honored

Monsieur...

Duplay... Maurice Duplay

I respect you greatly and am a member
of the Jacobin Club, like you

Thank you

- I have a dog in my apartment
- I'll go, later

The sewers

London
Winter 1791

Jean-Paul, you have a visitor

They said you were sick

A little gift from the sewers

I should have left faster, like you

- May I ?
- Please

Any news from Paris ?

Desmoulins has gone
to live in the country

His paper banned, his press smashed up

He has no reason to go back

Rosbespierre is no longer a Deputy

There was only one mistake
he couldn't make and he made it

His decree forbidding him
to run again for the Legislature

I know

A general amnesty has been declared.
Do you plan to go back ?

I'll go back when it's useful.
For now the King is working for us

He's using his veto to protect
the emigr? and dissident priests

He's turning the country against him

Maybe the country
but not the rest of Europe

There's a real threat of invasion

The Revolution is a danger
for crowned heads everywhere

I hope that's the case

We're in no condition to wage war

And however it ends,
it will only help the King

What do you propose ?

Go back to Paris

We can be more useful over there

In Paris

To argue compromise ?

No : to get guarantees

I have no need of guarantees, Danton

But I have less to lose than you

That's your opinion

We have nothing to fear from war

Through it we will purge France
of the despotism that suffocates her

Do you hope with one blow to destroy
the aristocracy ? Rebellious priests ?

All who oppose the Revolution ?

We must destroy the army of emigr?
gathered at Koblentz while we talk

Only when we've crushed
all hope of outside help...

... will the King be forced to govern
according to the Constitution

War is not a solution

Listen to me, Brissot,
and all you Girondins

To use this tribunal
to declare war is intolerable

All offensive war
is by its nature counter-revolutionary

Have you so little confidence
in the revolutionary cause ?

It is not enough for one people
to invade another people's land...

... to make them adopt
their law and constitution

The people of Europe wait for us !

Nobody loves armed missionaries !

Gentlemen, the King !

Gentlemen, you know the results of my
negotiations with the Viennese court

The conclusions have been
unanimously approved by my council

They are in line with your wishes...

... and the opinions of many citizens
throughout the kingdom

All refuse to see the dignity of the
people of France insulted any longer

As was my duty,
I've done my best to keep the peace

But I come here today,
in accordance with the Constitution...

... to propose a declaration of war

There will be no mercy for the leaders
of the Revolution if we lose the war

Even for those
who tried to save the monarchy

Don't go back to Paris

Gabrielle, I have to

Come back soon

I promise.
But if things go wrong don't wait

Go straight to England.
You know where our money is there.

Be careful

Belgian frontier

April 28, 1792

That's a first lesson

There will be plenty of others

General Dillon was killed
by his own men after the defeat

A general !

What have your ministers decided ?

Tell me !

I can't

I can't. Please

Our enemies are in France ;
our friends outside

I'm writing to my nephew,
the Emperor Franz

What has your Council decided ?

You must tell me !

A thousand ! Two thousand !

Ten thousand heads
must fall here in France !

It's a trifle compared to
the thousands of good citizens...

... sacrificed on the field of battle
by the traitors among us !

The greatest of these traitors
is Louis Capet, with his Austrian spy...

With his valet, Lafayette, who still
dares to give orders to the Assembly

Do we want a military dictatorship
because of the fancies of a king...

... who still uses his veto
against the security of the nation ?

June 20, 1792

Checkmate

Bring the cannon through !

What can I do for you ?

We want to speak to the King

- I'll see if he can receive you
- You go ask him - on your knees !

A nice sty for a pig !

What can I do for you ?

The nation pays you
24 million a year to listen to us

But I am listening to you

You've fooled us before ;
you won't do it again

But watch out, because
the people mean business

We demand you withdraw your veto

I did what the constitution
required me to do

Withdraw your veto
or I'll slice you in half !

I'm not afraid to die

I received the Sacraments this morning

Dying is the best service
you could do your country

Our nation has
no better friend than I, sir

Prove it !

If you're with the nation,
put on the patriot's cap

Gladly

Let the Mayor of Paris through !

Sire, I'm sorry. I found out too late

You know who you
remind me of, Monsieur P?ion ?

Monsieur de Lafayette

If the slightest violence is done
to the King and the Royal Family

If their freedom and security
are not guaranteed...

... their Imperial Majesties will exact a
revenge which will never be forgotten

Paris will be given
to total military execution...

... and the guilty rebels
the torture they deserve

Count Fersen, let's hope
our warning has the intended effect

This document is signed
by the Duke of Brunswick himself

The Commanding General
of the Prussian army

Brunswick, who marches on Paris !

Brunswick, who dares to threaten us !

Brunswick will have
no response to his arrogance

France will deal him
the most humiliating defeat

I propose that the Assembly
declare the homeland in danger

To arms, citizens ! To arms, free men !

Defend our freedom !

- What are you whistling there ?
- I can sing it, too

Where did you learn that ?

At Strasburg. A carpenter was singing it

I admit I was against this war

I believed it could not serve
the cause of Liberty

But now it must

I believed this country wasn't ready for
victory, and until today I was right

We no longer have a choice

We must have victory and we will

But we will not crush our enemies...

... before we destroy those within

So now you agree with Marat ?

Not totally. Marat wants to replace the
King with a revolutionary dictatorship

That's not a solution

Tyranny is the same, whether
exercised by a man wearing a crown...

... or 700 others wearing the tricolor

Then, what do you suggest ?

I have faith in the Constitution.

It's not perfect, but
it contains the makings of perfection

I wish for the election
of a new National Convention...

... based on the principles
the Assembly has lost sight of

Basically, you want to get rid
of those friendly to the King :

Those we permitted to put him
back on the throne after Varennes

Don't underestimate them

Lafayette would be only too happy to
finish what began on the Champs de Mars

And I'd be only too happy...

... to have the chance
to finish Lafayette

Is Marseilles beautiful ?

As beautiful as Paris with sea thrown in

And sunny !

Men of Marseilles, have you drunk well ?

Have you eaten well ?

Are you ready to serve Paris ?

Because Paris is counting on you !

August 10, 1792

- Take this
- I don't know how to use it

Then I'll shoot for both of us

- Be careful
- Don't worry

I'm so scared

Everything will be settled by dawn

It's time to set up our own Commune

The unrest is spreading across Paris

I propose that the guard
at the Tuileries be doubled

Other measures
should follow, in particular--

Citizens, the Commune is dissolved

I protest this intrusion

I register your protest

- As President of the Council...
- Let me advise the Council

Get out, quickly

Don't make any problems

You have five minutes

I believe my duty is to avoid bloodshed

Tomorrow we will resume the discussions
entrusted us by the Paris electorate

Don't count on it

Take the Presidency, Danton

No, we'll proceed with proper elections

Where is H?ert ?

You will preside for the interim

Check the mandates
of the delegates who are here

I believe you'll need
a secretary : Taillant, sit here

The Insurrectionary Commune
is now in session

Citizens, be vigilant

We can't allow the guard
at the Tuileries to be reinforced

I'll deal with the Tuileries myself

The Republic is worth losing
a few hours of sleep for. Come on !

- Where were you ?
- I went to reassure the women

We'll go back to the H?el de Ville ;
from there we can hold all of Paris

Your Majesty, Pierre Roederer,
Attorney General of the department

I came to verify Your Majesty's safety

So many people
are concerned about my safety !

Last night Monsieur Mandat,
Commander of the National Guard...

... assured me that
my guard would be reinforced

Sire, Monsieur Mandat is dead

Murdered by order of Danton's
Insurrectional Commune

What should I do, sir ?

My Swiss guard is not strong enough
to defend the palace

If I were in Your Majesty's place--

Yes, if you were in my place ?

I would review the palace's National Guard.
I believe they are loyal

It's our last chance

I will stake my throne
on this last chance

The King !

Down with the King !

Don't expect us to fire on our brothers !

Come, Sire, quickly !

Sire, all my men are in position

Sire, these gentlemen are members
of the Directory of the Department

The Constitution is supposed to
safeguard the security of every Frenchman

I see that it does not apply to me

What should we do now,
Monsieur Roederer ?

The National Assembly
is in permanent session

We think that you and your family
should seek refuge there...

... while there's still a way through

No, sir ! Here we are defended ;
why should we leave ?

Madame, all Paris
is marching on the Tuileries

The troops from Marseilles,
Bretagne, everyone

Look for yourself, Madame

All of Paris, Madame.
How can we fight back ?

Then let's go. Come Madame

Open the gates

The King and his family
are going to the National Assembly

In the name of the Assembly,
I ask you to respect their persons

Gentlemen, I come here
to avert a great crime

I believe I can only be safe among you

Sire, you can count on
the courage of the National Assembly

Gentlemen, the session continues

Who will look after my Swiss guards ?

And my house,
and those we've left behind ?

Fate, Sire

Sire, there was nothing more we could do

Charles

As of this moment,
there is no longer a king in France