Xavier Giannoli’s 2021 adaptation of (originally Illusions perdues ) is a cinematic triumph that breathes modern fire into Honoré de Balzac’s classic 19th-century novel. While high-definition Blu-ray releases offer a visually sumptuous experience, the film's true impact lies in its scathing, timely commentary on the "fake news" and media manipulation of its era. Highlight Review: A Mirror to the Modern World
, who won a César for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the unethical journalist Étienne Lousteau. IMDb
Benjamin Voisin is widely praised for carrying the film as Lucien de Rubempré, the idealistic young poet who descends into the "Paris jungle." His transformation from a naive outsider to a cynical participant in a corrupt system is described as admirable and "bittersweet." IMDb
as the talented novelist Nathan, who becomes Lucien’s unexpected moral compass.
The film skimps on no detail in its reconstruction of early 19th-century France. Reviewers often compare it favorably to academic cinema that avoids the "vulgarity" sometimes found in Hollywood period pieces, calling it a "ravishing vision" of the period. YouTube Notable Cast and Awards Benjamin Voisin as the ambitious Lucien.
Critics note that while it is a period piece, the film acts as a "scathing indictment of the relationship between journalism, wealth, and power." It makes 1800s Paris feel incredibly relevant to the current era of social media influencers and bought-and-paid-for opinions. IMDb
