The life of Barbe-Nicloe Cliquot Ponsardin (played by Haley Bennett) is celebrated in this period drama about the woman who revolutionised the making of champagne, and became one of the world’s first international businesswomen.
The Napoleonic Code of 1804 prevented women from working, voting, earning money, or going to schools or universities without the consent of their husbands or fathers. Widows were the only women allowed to run a business.
Barbe-Nicole was widowed at the age of 27 after seven years of an arranged marriage with mentally unstable Francois (Tom Sturridge) who died suddenly of an undiagnosed fever – or possibly suicide.
They were both passionate about the production of a new wine, and after his death she managed to convince her father-in-law Phillipe (Ben Miles) to resist the Moet family’s attempts to buy the vineyard, and prove she was capable of running the business.
During the Napoleonic wars she found a way to smuggle champagne to Russia with the help of a broker (Sam Riley). The Tsar declared it his favourite.
Based on a book by Tilar J Mazzeo and Directed by Thomas Napper (Jawbone) the film has many flashbacks to the marriage.
It is filmed in earth tones, and the English dialogue is softly spoken and sometimes difficult to hear.
89 Minutes.
Showing at Windsor Nedlands, Luna Leederville and Luna SX Fremantle.
Watch the trailer…
