There are several different ways to watch this movie.
You could analyze its historical accuracy, and you would find grounds for criticism.
You could be bothered by the fact that we're expected to sympathize with an empress, and you would find her personal struggles tiny, even pathetic, compared to the realities of her people.
But you could also decide to enjoy the acting, the script and the beautiful settings. And I did. The brilliantly understated acting by Vicky Krieps forms the core of this movie, and she is supported by great performances by almost the entire cast. All in all, writer/director Marie Kreutzer and the actors make this story believable, even surprisingly relatable.
You could analyze its historical accuracy, and you would find grounds for criticism.
You could be bothered by the fact that we're expected to sympathize with an empress, and you would find her personal struggles tiny, even pathetic, compared to the realities of her people.
But you could also decide to enjoy the acting, the script and the beautiful settings. And I did. The brilliantly understated acting by Vicky Krieps forms the core of this movie, and she is supported by great performances by almost the entire cast. All in all, writer/director Marie Kreutzer and the actors make this story believable, even surprisingly relatable.