L'enfant des Lumières

This series reminds one of what the Germans term Bildungroman, that is a novel dedicated to the evolution of a character.In that case the son of a provincial French countess has to solve an important family matter as his grows up but is also imbued with the ideas of the Enlightment.

The scenery both provincial and Parisian is great and the French actors convincing in roles that may cause culture shock to foreign actors.The evocation of the age, dying shrieks of the Old Regime birth pangs of the Revolution, is also fine.

The different social classes are accurately represented, as well as their clashes and evolving relationships while the seismic waves of historical evolution destroy their microcosms,creating new syntheses and combinations.

It is obvious from the series that Enlightment had a different content for the Liberal nobility, to which the hero belongs, and the common people.

The example of the American Revolution is cited- a well attested historical fact. The film tries to combine the personal and the collective- individual experience blended with social change and dynamics. I think it does so successfully- though the personal and family history of the young noble is the fabric around which the series is built.

It is clearly a European production and bears that distinctive mark. If one fancies history, romance, action with a European and slightly intellectualist flair this is a must see.