La emperatriz rebelde

It has been many months since I came across a new film as satisfying as this one. The unusual device of seeding a big-budget costume drama with anachronisms to signal that something applicable across time is being communicated does alas lend itself to misunderstanding. It is good enough for this to be merely a vehicle for Ms. Krieps. That being a woman is complicated no matter the time period or the circumstances is enough for a premise.

To best be able to enjoy Corsage, I recommend finding out as little as possible about its many surprises in advance. But I do recommend finding out about the pertinent history and people, and in particular, to see the old Sissi films with Romy Schneider. This film is intended for German speakers, after all. I can easily imagine the two renditions of Empress Elizabeth as the same personality at different points in her life. Cf. Sisi (2021)

Hint: the secondary dictionary meaning of "corsage" is intended.

A beautifully shot and elegiac film that explores the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria as she navigates the expectations of her culture and her own desires. Vicky Krieps gives a layered and nuanced performance as Elisabeth, and the metaphor of the corset effectively symbolizes the constrictions of her privileged but powerless life. While the film is unabashedly fictionalized, it effectively captures the internal struggles of a woman who is constantly told what to do and who grapples with the fear of losing her beauty and power as she ages. The sumptuous settings and contemporary songs add to the overall atmosphere of the film, which is both poignant and thought-provoking. Overall, "Corsage" is a worthwhile watch for fans of historical dramas and those interested in exploring themes of beauty, power, and the constraints of societal expectations.

Corsage is a tale of a woman now and then a prisoner of fame a prisoner of formalities. Torturing depression that an empress can't escape, corsage captures the tragic reality of human lives that's glazed with grandeurs erupting from time to time, Vicky's performance is absolutely devoted and sharp along with the equally excellent work by the rest of the cast. The cinematography captures the simplicity and beauty of every moment very well. Great use of audio enriching each scene with melody. Corsage is a slow developing story about life that has a bittersweetness that would last for a good amount of time.

Life begins at forty, or so they say, so much living to enjoy from that big day, you can starve yourself to death, injecting drugs, to reduce stress, seduce your cousin, to find he doesn't want to play. As an Empress, you have everything you want, the world outside wants to see what you have to flaunt, but you like to use a double, can't be bothered with the trouble, and you've cut your hair, to ridicule and taunt. It's been observed, that you've become, a little vain, look for compliments, to take away the pain, your husband's disengaged, you often cause him some outrage, you have disdain that you suck in, and then constrain.

Great performance from the wonderful Vicky Krieps but if you're not a huge fan of the character or the era you may find it a little less engaging than you might like.

Based on a true story of the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria who was also Queen of Hungary: in the late 1800s, Elisabeth (Vicky Krieps) struggles with life and mental health mainly due to her troubled marriage with Emperor Franz Joseph (Florian Teichtmeister). She has recently turned forty and is further depressed by the changes in her appearance.

"Corsage" has a pleasant, steady flow all the way through and it is blessed with a fine lead performance by Krieps as well as European beauty and glamour (it takes place in various European locations).

There is occasional confusion regarding different time periods as the film is non-linear and some important parts of the film are deliberately revisionist. But it is a pleasant experience overall. It can also be praised for not taking sides in the various conflicts and showing compassion for all sides.

In drawing attention to unhappy royals, it's easy to think of a certain couple who recently cut ties with the British royal family. While it is true that even those at the top of the social hierarchy can be unhappy with their lot in life, they certainly have the means to make luxurious accommodations to alleviate their troubles. Elisabeth makes trips to England, Bavaria, and Italy while being waited upon. Maybe, there ought to be stories of those doing the waiting-upon as they may not have been happy with their lot in life either. But despite being privileged, it is still possible to sympathize with Elisabeth's life in a golden cage. - dbamateurcritic.