The Last Duel (2021) - full transcript
Told in three viewpoints: husband's, rapist, wife's is very informing. Lots of medieval fighting and court machinations. Jodie Comer, Matt Damon, and Adam Driver are well-cast as three leads. Over two hours long but won't feel it. Stay for update at end.
Based on real events
Turn to your right, milady.
Thank you.
There you go.
Listen, listen, listen!
Lords! Knights! Squires!
And men of all kinds!
By the command of our sovereign,
King of France,
is strictly forbidden...
... under penalty of death
and loss of property,
that everyone here be armed,
to have a sword or a dagger,
unless he has express permission...
...of our sovereign, the King.
Every man must fight,
on horseback and on foot,
the way he likes it,
with any weapon or means
of attack or defense.
Except weapons or means
of the same kind...
... or made with charms or spells,
or any other forbidden thing
by God and the Holy Church
all good Christians.
If any of the combatants
brings to the battlefield
any spell-crafted weapons,
charms, incantations
or any other evil arts,
so shall he be punished
as an enemy of God...
... or as a traitor...
... or as a murderer.
Tighter. Tighter.
Gentlemen, begin!
Let's go!
Let's go! Let's go!
Come to your battle!
You will all die!
You'll die like pigs!
Come on!
Come on, you fools!
We can't stay here.
And fight!
Jean, Pierre ordered us
to defend this bridge.
Give them damn orders! For the king.
To the king!
To the King!
Thank you.
I won't apologize
for the way you fought today.
It was an honor to be there with you.
Limoges is lost.
And our allies failed
to take the port of Brest.
Our new senior, Pierre,
has abandoned the campaign and is sending us home.
We leave at dawn.
There, there.
To the king!
Clearly, Pierre is not happy.
Lives have been saved.
Not in Limoges.
Let's go home, my friend.
You saved my life today.
Thank you.
Name!
Scutier Jean de Carrouges.
Son of the captain of this fort.
Open the gates!
It's a great honour that Pierre chose
your father's castle for the ceremony.
I'll be ready to take over the captaincy
upon my father's death.
Many years from now, I hope.
Dad. Mother.
Captain. Milady.
Squires.
Don't leave our master, Pierre,
wait.
...I become your man. I serve you for life.
My lord, I become your man.
I swear to serve you for life.
My lord, I become your man.
I will serve you for life.
Milord, I'm becoming your man.
I swear to serve you for life.
My lord, I become your man.
I swear to serve you for life.
- My lord...
- Closer.
Master, I become your man.
I swear to serve you for life.
Name!
It's me, Helen of Troy.
Le Gris.
Good to see you, my friend.
Although I'm not just coming as a friend.
I'm afraid my visit has another purpose
than I let on.
Speak!
Pierre commissioned me
with debt collection.
I understand.
I've already visited everyone else
on his domain.
And now...
You came to me.
I came to you.
These dues are for military defense.
You know as well as anyone that the enemy
is present. And we must be prepared.
When I wasn't ready
to fight for my king?
You were.
More than any other.
But that's not all Pierre wants.
No, what Pierre wants...
Pierre wants the money
that is rightfully his.
I don't have it.
The plague took half my people.
Rent collection is down.
- My fields produce half...
- And the cost of labor has gone up.
Yes.
- How did the other vassals pay?
- They paid because I had to insist.
I understand.
And now you're insisting on me?
Let me talk to Pierre.
That's reasonable.
I'll explain your situation.
You're a true friend.
But I can't go back empty-handed.
Of course not.
Thank you.
Let me see what I have on hand.
- Think about it!
- I have.
No, you didn't.
I will fight under command
of Admiral de Vienne.
The English are plundering
Cotentin Peninsula right now.
This plague has taken your wife and son.
I won't stand idly by
while Lower Normandy falls.
You have no heir. If you die,
everything you have will go to Count Pierre.
Something that doesn't escape Pierre,
I'm sure.
He doesn't favor me like you do.
- You have a lot to live for.
- What do I have to live for, here?
A name.
He's too famous to treat
with such recklessness.
Your father is a captain in Bellême.
When he dies, you will inherit
the garrison, with everything it has.
And I'm your friend.
And there are many others like me
who'd rather not die.
I'm not starting this campaign
recklessly.
I'm not doing it just to fight.
Then why?
Jacques.
I'm...
... broke.
I need money.
NORMANDY
Long live the King!
Long live the King!
- They're back!
- Hurry! Come on! They're back!
- I'll take that.
- I'll help you, sir.
Turn around, please, my lord.
Raise, raise your arm!
Give them more bread!
Here. They want more.
Robert de Thibouville.
They give us shelter and food.
De Thibouville?
Wasn't he on the English side
against us at Poitiers?
Yes, but he was pardoned
along with the others.
He's with us now.
And that's the way it's going to stay,
if he knows what's good for him.
Easy, Jean. It's a roof
over our heads.
Besides,
has quite a wine cellar.
What a beauty!
Is it a de Thibouville?
Yes. Her name is even older
than yours.
She's his only daughter.
There is a dowry.
Naturally, the man should
wear her father's mark of shame.
I can't imagine she'd suffer much
with the task of making an heir.
Gentlemen, welcome!
You fought bravely.
Thank you for hosting us.
- I'd like to introduce him to you...
- Jean de Carrouges.
Your reputation precedes you.
So does yours.
It's my pleasure to host you.
It's only right to support people
who fight for the king.
Some lessons are learned
later in life.
Let me introduce you to my daughter.
Marguerite.
Marguerite, this is the squire
Jean de Carrouges.
Milady, I'm pleased to meet you.
My pleasure.
The dowry includes this parcel.
Starting from the hunting grounds.
And this one here? The one to the north?
Aunou-le-Faucon.
As I said, starting
from the hunting grounds.
I'll have that piece of land too.
Sure.
Amen!
I'm a very jealous man, milady.
Tonight, you are mine
and you will dance with no one else.
And every night after that.
Don't worry.
That's it.
The field starts at the mouth of the river
and stretches to the hill there.
So this is Aunou-le-Faucon.
He was supposed to be part
of Marguerite's dowry.
She liked it here.
And Pierre gave it to you.
In gratitude for serving him.
His accounts were a mess.
Once I reordered them
and collected the debts owed,
everything started to go right
and he got his fortunes back.
He gave me this as a token of his gratitude.
It's not my doing.
The Count is generous and impetuous.
Let's eat!
I wish I'd seen
the gardens of Aunou-le-Faucon.
We had roses and lavender.
Then we'll have some here.
I remember my father made a swing
on the biggest tree in the field.
I'll find the biggest tree
and do the same thing.
I have such beautiful memories
of summers spent there.
It's a pity Pierre took
that estate from your father.
I know you miss him.
It was the only way he could pay what he owed.
Pierre then gave it to her
to Jacques Le Gris as a gift.
All the squires rejoice
such generous gifts?
I'm graying them more than most.
Became the most trusted
Pierre's man.
Maybe Aunou-le-Faucon
is not lost forever.
Maybe I won't leave it at that.
Jean...
My love, I bled
for this king.
He knows about me.
- Maybe I have more power than you think.
- I know how strong you are.
This land was promised to me
as part of my wife's dowry.
The petition is denied.
The decision comes directly
from His Majesty the King.
Are you Squire Jean de Carrouges?
I am.
What does it say?
It's your father.
Open the gate!
Open the gate!
Leave us!
I was in Paris when the news came.
Your father died peacefully.
In his sleep.
I'm lost.
I'm told that I'm forced
to leave here in a month.
You'll do no such thing.
I will take over the captaincy.
You will keep your rooms, your servants.
Everything will be as it was.
Jean, haven't you heard?
You're not gonna follow in your father's footsteps
as captain of Bellême.
What do you mean?
Why did you have to sue him
the count for a piece of land?
Just to impress your bride.
That land was promised to me.
It was an appeal.
And now you've made an enemy
in Count Pierre.
It was right.
Straight. There is no right.
There is only the power of men.
You sued him
and made a powerful enemy.
Your father was a hard man, but he understood
a lot about this world.
Then who will take over
my father's captaincy?
Good day!
Join us, squire!
It's a holiday.
I will not stay, my lord.
I don't want to interrupt
such an opportunity,
but honor compels me to speak.
I was angry, but I spoke well.
I told Pierre:
"You can sit there like a man of honor,
as my senior,"
"and tell me I'm not man enough
to assume my rightful captaincy,"
"that my grandfather and my father
had for the last 20 years of their lives"
"and take command of the garrison and
hold Fort Bellême for my king?"
- And what did Pierre say?
- And there was Le Gris...
...whose life I saved,
by sitting next to him,
with his captaincy,
not even having the courage to look at me.
He poisons my lord
with devilish advice.
Whispers in his ear,
he stains my name.
I'm sure you didn't say that.
You said it.
We're no longer welcome in court.
Jean...
Fie!
ONE YEAR LATER
Milord.
Jean, an invitation has arrived.
Your friend Jean Crespin
has invited us to his home.
Celebrating the birth of their first child.
It's a boy.
Wonderful news.
It's been a year since Bellême.
Maybe we can show our faces,
so they know we're getting on with our lives,
despite this injustice.
A healthy child in these times
is cause for celebration.
You think I'd deny the Argentan mob
the sight of a true noblewoman?
Order a dress!
This one's ready. We need more hay here.
I'm so glad you chose to come.
This will do you good, my love.
Jean, I'm very pleased to see you.
It's been a long time.
Congratulations, my friend!
- Milady, you look lovely.
- Thank you.
Please, you're welcome.
Excuse me, milady.
- Le Gris.
- Carrouges.
Peace! Bravo! Well done!
Let there be no ill will
among the king's servants.
- He needs us all now.
- He does. Well said, old friend.
Marguerite, come!
Give our friend a kiss and
show him the good faith of the house of Carrouges.
I'll be back in a few months, my love.
I'll be safe and well taken care of
by Alice and your mother,
but I will miss you.
That's my job.
- Let me take care of you.
- What about you?
I have everything I need.
Except an heir.
My love.
It comes with God's will.
I call you knight
in the name of God.
Get up!
Jean de Carrouges!
In honour of your service
for our king.
Silence!
I call you knight
in the name of God!
Get up!
All right, people! Prepare for battle!
SCOTLAND
Sire?
Why are they running away?
Why am I running?
To the king!
The master returns!
Coming!
The master returns!
The master returns!
The master returns!
Here he comes!
Welcome back, sire!
My lord, you are not well.
This fever is all I brought back
from that miserable place.
As well as knighthood.
Tomorrow, I have to leave for Paris.
- I'll be gone for a week.
- What do you want?
The treasurer owes me money.
- Jean, you're not well.
- It's good enough to travel.
To Paris?
That's three days of riding.
And Argentan.
Duty calls to report to Pierre.
They will admire you as a knight.
And you will hate those who
who didn't expect you back, Sir Jean.
Sir Jean de Carrouges?
Signature here.
300 gold coins.
Sire.
I'll be in my room.
Good night!
My love?
What is it?
Did mom fight with you again?
No.
I missed you.
Didn't you miss me?
- You have no idea how much!
- Then let's go to bed.
What? What is it, my love?
While you were away, it was a day...
... when your mother
had business in Saint Pierre.
Yeah.
She took the servants with her
and I was left alone.
She didn't leave Alice?
I told him very firmly.
He took all the servants.
Shortly thereafter,
a man came, unannounced.
I knew him, so I let him in.
But he wasn't alone.
He attacked me.
He pinned me, I protested.
I screamed, I shouted as loud
I could, but there was nobody here.
He obeyed me. I couldn't do anything.
I was raped.
Who? Who did this?
Who?
Jacques Le Gris.
Are you telling me the truth?
Yes. Yes.
- Are you telling me the truth?
- Yes, it's the truth! You have to believe me!
You must.
You're my girlfriend.
Come on!
I wasn't here to protect you.
Please forgive me.
Please.
Jean.
I want him to pay for what he did.
And he will pay.
Will pay.
Gather your swords!
Lead them in, please!
Take the horses!
Get them out of the way!
Take them inside, please!
So I'm asking for your help.
Marguerite is my wife
and she was dishonest.
- I won't allow it to go unpunished.
- Your only way is through Pierre.
Though I doubt
he'll grant you an audience.
Tell the story you heard today.
Wherever you can
and to everyone who will listen.
We will be the subject of gossip.
If the story is known
throughout Normandy,
Pierre will have to
to grant us an audience.
I have a plan.
I demand a duel to the death.
This custom has been removed
outlawed years ago.
Not so, Your Grace.
It's true that he didn't keep
a duel in your lifetime,
although it's still acceptable as a way of...
It will be necessary to convene
parliamentary body in Paris.
All 32 members
of Your Majesty's court.
One of us lied.
Let God decide.
Sir Jean, if you lose this duel,
thus proving the charges false,
your wife would suffer dire consequences.
God will spare those
who speak the truth.
And the truth will triumph.
I'm not afraid.
Excellent!
PALACE OF JUSTICE
Her Majesty,
King Charles VI!
What business
do you appear before this court?
Most high and mighty king,
and our sovereign lord,
I present myself.
Jean de Carrouges...
... knight...
... as plaintiff in your court...
... and I charge this squire
of the most wicked deed
against my wife,
Lady Marguerite de Carrouges.
I accuse him that in the third week
of last January,
the same Jacques Le Gris...
... illegally
and carnal
dishonored my wife against her will,
in our home.
And if this Jacques Le Gris
denies his crime...
... I'm ready
to prove my accusation
with my body against his body
and leave him breathless
at an appointed time.
Come to your fight!
You will all die!
You'll die like pigs!
Come on!
Come on, you fools!
We can't stay here.
And fight!
Jean, Pierre ordered us
to defend this bridge.
- Give them damn orders!
- I'm baiting you, Jean.
They want us to leave the bridge
so they can take Limoges.
Then they'll get their wish!
- My son is a fool. Let him go!
- If he goes alone, he will die.
To the king!
To the king!
I know he's stubborn.
Yeah, stubborn, difficult, jealous...
- ... impetuous, foolish, irritable, foolish...
- Yes. I know, my lord.
...stupid. He doesn't pay his annuities on time.
But I consider him a friend.
He didn't listen to me
and let Limoges fall.
He thought he was going to make it.
His intentions were good.
It's no fun at all.
You mean you'd like to see him again
the moor here in Argentan?
He's sulking like a black cloud.
My lord, I fought him
and I've seen the worst of the world with him.
He is loyal.
Yes. So are my greyhounds.
As you wish. Go! Do what you want!
I have a very bad impression
about his character.
But a very good one about yours.
It's the quality that makes you
the greatest honor.
But don't let loyalty blind you.
- Thank you, my lord.
- Yes.
Le Gris?
Golden? Or sandal?
- Gold.
- Indeed.
Golden.
CASA LUI PIERRE D'ALENÇON
No, no, I know, I know...
Ladies and gentlemen...
Ladies and gentlemen...
Under ordinary circumstances,
your host, the Viscountess,
my wife, Lady Marie Chamaillart,
would catch the sunrise with all of us...
... would sing louder, dance more
and get you all under the table.
Yet he toils growing up
our eighth child,
of our 14 years of marriage.
Good night, dear friends.
I won't wait for any of you.
Especially my husband.
Good night, my dear!
My love.
There, there!
Good night!
Well, now the evening could begin
in earnest.
Where were we?
Latour, read!
- I don't know Latin.
- You don't even read.
I'll read the book of love.
Rule number 24.
Does anyone know?
Scutier?
"A new love expels an old one."
Too true.
Well, it looks like we have a squire
with a hidden talent.
Read!
Love rule number four.
"Love always grows..."
"... or weakens."
You insolent bastard!
He knows you.
"Nothing prevents a woman
from being loved by two men."
"Or a man
from being loved by two women."
Well read!
Go, go!
If you run, I'll just follow you.
It's getting serious.
No! No! No!
No!
No! No! No!
No! No! No!
This client is tough.
No!
And strong.
Come on, get a river in you.
Pierre!
Come on, Pierre!
Great!
Pierre.
Pierre.
Life is good.
The wolves didn't sleep either.
Your wife will be awake soon, my lord.
You'd better be there.
Pregnant and hysterical.
I'd rather take my chances with the wolves.
Tell me, squire,
how can a man of war
become so learned?
I was born without a name and without fortune.
I prepared for a life in the church.
The requirements...
... didn't suit me.
No, no.
A libertine after my own heart.
That always came easy to me.
Does this knowledge apply to numbers?
Yes, my lord.
Then I'll share something with you,
and it stays between us.
Of course.
My accounts are in disarray.
Would you mind using your knowledge
to help me adjust my finances?
How is that possible?
The payments are late.
Accountants are sloppy.
Milord, these nobles keep the money
they should be paying you.
The plague has killed half the workforce.
Crops are low,
labor costs are up.
I understand the numbers, and absolutely nothing
of any of this concerns you.
You have to be prepared to squeeze
an army on a moment's notice.
That's not possible if you don't have the money.
And when I say they don't have it?
Let them tell me!
Okay, then.
I was trying to talk to your master.
This matter is between us.
Don't interrupt me again.
Let's look at the map!
Okay?
I have the property here in Bourg.
No, my dear. No.
What's this here?
Aunou-le-Faucon.
No.
It's one of the most valuable
of my fields.
It will be part of my daughter's dowry.
I can't give it to her.
My friend, Pierre doesn't ask you
to give him your best domain.
But Aunou-le-Faucon is worth
twice what I owe.
Think how good it'll feel
not to owe anything.
Did you hear that? Reports from the north.
They say there's a father
so desperate,
that he will marry off his own daughter
to Jean de Carrouges.
Is that so?
Yes, Robert de Thibouville, the traitor.
Carrouges needs an heir.
Is she the only noblewoman in Normandy?
She also needs money.
She has many merits.
She's rich, young. They say she's beautiful.
Yes, and her father betrayed the Crown.
I make no apology
for Robert de Thibouville.
Yes. Too bad he wasn't beheaded
for his treachery.
He would have been spared that humiliation.
Easy!
Yes. Here, boy.
Deer blood.
Badge of honour.
Badge of honour.
Well done, Etienne! Charles.
What?
He's suing me.
Get in! Take off your pants.
He's suing me!
- Who?
- Me!
For a rightful land of my own.
Jean de Carrouges has filed
a lawsuit for a property.
Why would he sue you
over a piece of property?
Because you gave it to me.
She's suing you too.
He's suing both of us.
I don't see what's funny, my lord.
How do you sue for something
that was never yours?
My shield.
Now you admit I was right
about Jean de Carrouges?
He says he will take the matter to the king.
He bled for this king.
My cousin, the king.
Pierre.
I bled too. So did you.
My friend, this problem is solved.
I was hoping to surprise you in court.
Now, you barged in and shaded
a rather promising evening.
So I'll tell you now.
Jean de Carrouges will not be
the new captain of Bellême.
You will be the new captain of Bellême.
As if by magic.
Carrouges will be furious.
Too true. Now take off your pants!
Short delay!
Who wants to help me
to get back to the previous state?
Come here!
Come on, boy! Le Gris!
I will protect this fortress of Bellême
and I will command its garrison
as captain,
to the best of my ability,
against all the enemies of my king.
Jacques Le Gris.
Captain, stand up and be recognized!
Good day!
Join us, squire!
It's a holiday.
I will not stay, my lord.
My God, tell me you're not here.
to sue me again.
Mock me if you want,
but you can't change what's right and what's wrong.
Enlighten me, squire,
what is right?
The way I see it, the last time you came
to sue me
for a land
that I legally owned
and gave it to one of the most
faithful squire of mine,
for his services to me.
What claim could you have had on
this land? You never owned it.
I know all about your squire.
The squire you gave it to.
The one who owns a captaincy now,
which is rightfully mine.
My friend, please.
- Let's talk in private.
- No! No! (grunts) No! (grunts) I'll be heard!
I won't accept this!
My father, for 20 years, my father...
I waited 20 years!
No nobles here
would speak ill of your father.
You asked for my annuities, I paid them!
Here, as a man of honor,
you're saying I'm not the captain?
Are you telling me I'm not the captain here?
I'll tell you whatever I want.
I decide who captains Bellême.
That's what you value.
Him. That sycophant.
All of you, you sycophants!
I'll sue you!
I'll sue you for this!
In just three years,
you managed to take the daughter of a traitor,
to sue me for the land
that never belonged to you
and stand before me
for the second time,
threatening me once again
to sue me,
while you talk about duty and honor.
Is this how you serve me?
I serve the king.
The king.
On the king.
Heaven and earth!
Heaven and earth what?
14.
37. 45.
15. 17 borrowed...
Come in!
Hello!
I thought you were asleep, my lord.
Yes, great...
... good friend. No, almost...
But I saw candlelight
and I knew it had to be you.
I work better alone.
You don't make it easy for the man.
I came to tell you I'm not coming
to Crespin's celebration.
Milord?
Too far, too cold.
We'll stay here and go to sleep
with women of our own.
- No.
- No.
No, I was told
that Jean de Carrouges would be there.
Time to heal this wound.
It will never change.
Why keep trying?
Because a feud
between Your Highness' vassals
only brings trouble and distraction.
Oh my God!
And because I was once
the godfather of his late son!
I once had a place in his heart.
Do the right thing!
You will see his mystery wife.
Looks like he's letting her out of the dungeon
one time.
We can only hope
he didn't take her books.
Carrouges' wife reads?
In as many languages as you, I hear.
Strange pair.
It is.
will never cease?
- Come to the celebration, my lord!
- No.
- Come on!
- No.
Too much wine. I'm missing the Latina.
"I forgive a child
who fears the dark."
"Tragedy is men
who fear the light."
Your decency will be your end.
And my decency has no end.
No, my lord!
Recalculate!
Sorry.
I think you'd like it.
We'll ride out of the valley
to where the river ends.
We could have lunch there.
My servants could prepare a picnic.
Oh, Jacques Le Gris, don't waste your breath.
I've heard all about you
from the ladies of the court.
Just bragging.
Carrouges.
Excuse me, milady.
Carrouges.
Le Gris.
Peace! Bravo! Well done!
Let there be no ill will
among the king's servants.
His Majesty needs us all now.
That's right. Well said!
Marguerite, come!
Give my friend a kiss.
Show him the good faith of the house of Carrouges.
Well done!
If I...
That's it!
I think. That's it!
It's a pity we didn't meet
until tonight.
Yes?
I didn't know how lucky Carrouges was.
with such a beautiful wife.
From what I hear, you're not in trouble.
getting beautiful women.
And from what I hear,
we may have a lot in common.
What could we have in common?
Appreciation for our beauty.
You are very talented at flattery.
Just telling the truth.
And what else?
Are you a reader?
Like me.
The idyll of the rose.
- I found it a bit boring.
- Boring? The book is miserable.
I prefer Percival's Courtesy.
It's a much more provocative novel
and more interesting.
Clever woman!
Tell me!
He is naive and stupid.
But he has such a pure heart,
that he can claim the Grail.
I admire that.
I understand it.
He knows what he wants...
... and doesn't give up until he gets it.
Good minds belong together.
Don't be hasty!
Carrouges.
Your wife charms me, my friend.
And with thought you may covet, my lord.
It's no less sinful
than that she covets me.
Please forgive me. I wish...
Milord?
I've never seen you like this, milord.
Neither have I, my friend.
It's not good news
on the Scottish front.
Perhaps Lady Marguerite is already a widow.
I wouldn't bet against
Jean de Carrouges in battle.
What do you think she and Jean are talking about?
Do you think they read together?
But he's illiterate, isn't he?
Duty to friends
is the greatest of all.
Greater than love?
I didn't train him properly.
The fault is mine.
My God! Milorzi!
I present to you the knight
Sir Jean de Carrouges!
My lord, I return from the royal campaign
in Scotland to report to you.
Arise, noble knight! Speak!
We woke up uninvited
by our Scottish allies.
We have besieged the Wark.
Louder, noble knight!
I can't hear you back there.
We've laid siege to the Wark.
Milord, I'll be back...
...no spoils and no prisoners.
And without five of the nine squires
under my command.
Indeed, I'll be back, knight.
One who curses Scotland
and the hour I set foot there.
Yes.
The news has arrived before you
about your catastrophic campaign.
A tragic result, Jean,
although, dare I say
not because of your leadership.
That's right!
Where are you going now, Jean?
I'm going to Paris.
I have business with the treasurer
for my payment.
Very well.
Luck is not far from a good soldier.
I'm back knight.
That's the second time you haven't called me "sir".
There won't be a third.
It was unintentional, Sir Jean.
I will not be taken from above...
...by this squire...
... who sits idle in the courtyard,
waiting to be given gifts,
after gifts, after gifts...
... and risk nothing!
Nothing.
Maybe it will acquire more properties
in this world...
... will be more favored,
will eat more, drink more...
... will have more women
and otherwise calls himself a soldier.
But in this room
and in any other,
in my company,
will call me "sir".
Sir.
Sir.
Indeed...
... good sir.
Have fun in Paris...
... Sir Jean!
That's all, Jean.
Milord.
Who is it?
It's me, Adam Louvel, milady.
Adam Louvel?
I'm ashamed that I have to
to ask you a big favor.
My horse dropped a shoe and...
There's nobody here.
I'm not allowed to open the door.
No, of course not.
I was wondering if I could enter
and warm up until it's changed.
I'm sorry I have to ask.
For a moment.
I don't like asking you.
Milady, forgive me for intruding.
I love you more than any other
and I would do anything for you.
Everything I have is yours.
How can you talk to me like that?
Marguerite, how can I talk to you?
Milady, you must know I have no choice.
My love for you has consumed me.
How dare you?
Milady, when my master
is in search of love...
- Don't speak!
- You must leave now. Please.
- You heard the lady. Leave us!
- My Lord.
- I am married.
- Yes.
You're carrying a terrible burden.
A cold, hard man who doesn't love you
as I love you.
Who doesn't appreciate how wonderful you are!
- Please!
- I just want your happiness.
I can't bear to see you in need.
I know your household finances are fragile.
- My master supports me.
- Yes.
But he knows you're the most...
...refined...
... and fascinating woman?
A woman...
... to whom I would dedicate my whole life.
Oh, listen to me, I'm in love with you.
I know you love me too. I must.
You have to leave. Now, please.
Jeanette!
If you run, I'll just follow you.
- No.
- Yes, you will.
No.
No.
No.
No!
No.
No.
Please don't!
You fear guilt, but, my love,
I beg you, don't tell anyone.
For your own safety.
If your husband hears about this...
... it might kill you.
Don't say anything!
And I'll keep silent.
Don't feel bad, my love!
We couldn't help ourselves.
Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.
Speak, my son!
I bear a sin
that weighs heavily on my heart.
What is it, my son?
I have committed the sin of adultery...
...against a man whom
I once considered a friend.
- Do you know your commandments?
- Yes, Father.
I beg your forgiveness.
Son, Matthew tells us
that he who looks at a woman with lust
has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
But is love a sin, Father?
- How can I seek forgiveness for love?
- This is the devil's work.
This temptress leads you astray.
As Eve lured Adam
from the divine path.
This is not love.
Then why?
God is faithful.
He will not let you be tempted
more than you can bear.
This is a test.
- Friend.
- My Lord.
Sit down!
You'll have to sit down.
Drink this!
You should drink it all.
There's no other way to put this
than in the vernacular.
An unspeakable accusation
has been brought against you.
Jean de Carrouges, obviously,
among others,
told anyone and everyone
willing to listen
that you...
... you dishonored his wife
against her will.
I don't know what to say.
Why would they say that?
Jacques, it's you and me here.
I need to know. It's a serious matter.
The accusation is false.
Naturally, he protested properly,
but she's a lady.
It wasn't against her will.
Why would I need to do that?
You know I miss the company of women?
No.
But you haven't been yourself lately.
It's true, I confess, it's a feeling
I've never felt before.
A love...
...that I never knew.
It took all my strength
not to go back to her.
I knew it was wrong.
I confessed my adultery
and did my penance.
But I swear to you, the rape charge is false.
Of course it's absurd. As I suspected.
But I must protect my name.
No, you don't have to do that.
On my honor,
I will, my lord. You must.
I know you long
to defend your name and honor,
but the common mind does not have the capacity
for that kind of nuance.
They don't understand the world the way we do.
They see villains and heroes, that's all.
My Lord...
Deny, deny, deny!
Everywhere, always,
at all times and to everyone.
You did not commit adultery.
It didn't happen. There's no evidence of it.
It will be your word against
of Jean de Carrouges.
Yes, my lord.
Of course, you'll have
endure a public trial,
charges of rape will be brought against you
and a verdict will be reached
by your senior,
adjudicating this matter which,
incidentally,
it's me.
I find Sir Jacques Le Gris
entirely innocent
and entirely blameless.
I hereby order the annulment of the criminal complaint
and expunge it from the record.
Let there be no more questions about it.
Let there be no more gossip,
the punishment being given by me.
Is that understood?
As regards sworn testimony
of Lady Marguerite,
one may conclude
only that she must have been dreaming.
Now, these findings
be sent to Paris immediately,
before this careless knight
to trouble the king with this nonsense.
Yes, speak!
My Lord, I have been informed
that Jean de Carrouges
has already gone to Paris.
He's appealing to His Majesty
at this very moment.
You bastard!
Clergy benefit.
There is no decision to be made.
You're a clergyman on minor business.
So you can avoid
the jurisdiction of the secular courts
and be judged by the Church,
where conditions are more favorable.
Men in the service of the Church
are far fewer
among those accused of rape.
They escape serious punishment
by claiming the benefit of the clergy, so
we'll have the Church try the case
to put an end to this.
But what about my name?
There was...
... a romance?
No way.
It's strange that he would claim
it was rape, risking his life.
Why would he do that?
All of France is talking about it
and I'm innocent.
I said publicly that this didn't happen!
And yet, under extraordinary pressure
and risking his name and reputation,
Lady Marguerite said it happened.
Formally, it's not about her.
Rape is not a crime
against a woman.
It's a property crime
against her male guardian.
In this case, Jean de Carrouges.
It's not a matter for
to duel to the death.
It should be resolved discreetly.
Accept the benefit of the clergy.
I am not a coward.
Most high and mighty king
and our sovereign lord,
introducing myself.
Jacques Le Gris...
reliever and defendant,
and hereby deny
all of the above allegations,
especially...
... of Jean de Carrouges
that illegally...
... and carnal,
I would have known his wife,
Lady Marguerite de Carrouges...
in the third week
of last January...
... or any other time.
And I still maintain,
saving Your Majesty's honor,
that that knight,
falsely
and maliciously lied!
And that he is false
and wrong to say so.
And I still maintain...
... and with God's help...
... and with our Lady...
... I vow to do whatever is necessary
to prove my innocence.
The knight and squire have spoken well.
It is now ordered
that the parties submit their statements
upon which, after receipt,
the court will render a verdict in two weeks.
If any of the men
attempt to flee Paris,
will be taken as a sign of his guilt.
Orders will be issued for his arrest...
... and will be hanged.
The King will decide whether a duel
should really be held.
What next?
You will have 330 pounds in coins,
furniture, fabrics and jewellery,
in addition to the property
at Mont a Gudot, as well as...
What about Aunou-le-Faucon?
I was forced to sell that property
to Count Pierre.
I have agreed that this land shall revert to him
to whoever takes your daughter as his wife.
Not part of the dowry?
- I couldn't pay my rent.
- You promised.
We discussed this.
My daughter comes with the money and the land
that I have offered. It's all I own.
What about the bride price?
I'll give you a valuable name.
I expect to be able
to perform her wifely duties?
To make an heir.
My daughter is strong and healthy...
... and ready to honor the marriage.
Conceiving an heir
and the children that follow will be swift.
And prolific.
Carry on!
The wedding will continue!
You are perfect.
I hope it was pleasant for you.
Yes, my lord, very.
I couldn't ask for a wedding night
more satisfying.
I may have conceived this very night.
I think you'd like it. We'll ride...
- ...from the valley to where...
- My Lord. Carrouges.
Carrouges.
Le Gris.
Peace! Bravo! Well done!
Let there be no ill will
among the king's servants.
Marguerite, come!
Give my friend a kiss.
Show him the good faith of the house of Carrouges.
Who's that squire?
He's dangerously handsome.
He has a famous reputation.
If milord didn't come back from battle,
I would gladly strengthen that reputation.
I think it could be arranged that way.
- Marie.
- How can you talk like that?
Shouldn't we be
neither seen nor heard with you.
My husband would have my head.
But you'd die happy.
He's handsome.
Charming, I hear.
True, he's handsome and charming,
but my husband doesn't trust him.
I'm proud of you.
I know that this reconciliation
must have been difficult.
You gave me some good advice.
You're good with Jacques Le Gris.
That man's not full of it.
But you see...
... how a smile and a kind word
do more than a threat.
Even if you're not sincere.
While I'm away,
except a rich harvest,
the most we'll get out of it
from horse breeding.
And from collecting rents?
Yes, of course.
Stay there!
I bought this mare for the stallion.
He comes from a long line
of war horses.
Will make many valuable foals.
Sometimes the difference
between victory and defeat,
between life and death...
Out of the way! Out of the way!
Watch the gate!
No!
Easy!
No!
Easy, girl!
- Easy!
- Get her!
Not the stallion!
No! Not you!
Not with my mare!
The gates are closed!
Yes, my lord.
The mare's in heat!
These are not minor matters.
It costs money.
Nothing would get done around here,
if it wasn't for me.
I hope your little death
was memorable and productive.
It was like no other.
Why haven't I conceived yet?
I want a baby so much!
Wanting a baby has nothing to do
with that, Marguerite. We need a son.
You think I don't know that?
I can't think of anything else.
I didn't have this problem
with my first wife.
I'll be back in a few months.
You'll be safe here,
with my mother and your servants.
You don't have to stay
never be left unattended.
And don't be so sad!
I prefer to be in a good mood
when I go to war.
I'm proud of you, milord.
You will take care of the estate.
See it doesn't fall into disrepair.
Of course.
- Good morning!
- Milady.
- Milady.
- Good morning!
Good morning, Henri!
Good morning to you too, milady!
The pregnancy seems to be going well.
Yes, milady.
Then why is it in the stable?
Before the master leaves,
that's what he told me to do.
My husband knows a lot about horses.
To ride them.
I leave their upbringing to you.
It would be better for the health of the mare
to run free.
Then she will run free.
Thank you, milady.
That's last month's rent too, milady.
You couldn't pay?
Your master didn't come for it.
- Is that unusual?
- No.
But it's no bother.
Thank you.
Henri!
Yes, milady.
Aren't the oxen too slow?
The thaw came late this year.
It's been hard for them.
If we want to sow the oats on time
for the harvest, we have to hurry.
I'd like to use the horses.
But we never use them for that purpose.
The master thinks they're too valuable.
They will be worthless
if they starve this winter.
See that this is done.
Just like that.
I see the sun has caught you a little, milady.
- You look well.
- Do I?
I prefer not to be pink.
Although it's been a lovely day.
A little colour on someone's face
proves they're alive.
Not really.
Did you hear that the famous Parisian tailor
is coming to the village next week?
You've worked hard.
Why don't you get a new dress?
Oh, I don't know.
Copy the dresses worn
by Queen Isabeau.
They're making waves.
I saw them.
The neckline is very big.
So big, you can see
the queen's pierced nipples.
She doesn't have one.
- It does.
- No, it doesn't.
Good evening!
Good evening!
Things seem to be going pretty well.
I like doing these tasks.
I enjoy it.
Until he returns from Scotland,
naturally.
It's unfortunate, though,
that you couldn't keep your husband
away from conflicts with others.
Jean does what she feels is necessary.
May I ask what you're doing?
It looks great.
I say sadly
that there's something...
... apparently fruitless.
You're very cruel.
I'm a good wife.
As long as you fulfill
your wifely duties.
Or maybe you can't be satisfied.
How's your sleep?
Often interrupted.
Flaccid joints.
Bitter taste in mouth?
I don't know.
My lady, you seem to be suffering
from an imbalance of the four humors,
primarily the black ball.
You're extremely melancholic,
your body is cold and dry.
Maybe this,
along with other factors,
including God's will,
could prevent conception.
It is imperative to have a pleasant ending,
similar to your husband's,
in order to conceive a child.
Do you have one of these?
Yes.
Do you find relationships with your husband enjoyable?
Yes, of course, Doctor.
Although I'm not sure if I live
"little death", as they say.
But if you find it enjoyable,
then you do it.
Very good.
When Jean comes back,
he'll be grateful
that I've got my accounts in order,
as well as the others.
Maybe he won't mind the expense.
Let's get both dresses.
Surprise your new husband!
Wouldn't agree.
She'd say I have enough dresses.
I've only been married for a short time,
but now I understand
the burden of this arrangement.
You're a newlywed.
Surely you don't feel burdened.
Bernard is a frugal man
and he doesn't like to kiss me.
I thought his appearance
would become more pleasing.
Instead, it became more repulsive.
So I'm relieved, I guess,
with the kissing.
He's not like Jean, handsome and generous.
My marriage is not without its problems.
Be right with you, ladies.
Thank you.
Despite the many deplorable qualities
of Le Gris,
you can't be blind to his appearance.
- As rude as it is.
- And insulting.
They're all so stupid!
That's right.
Welcome back, sire!
Welcome home, my love!
I'm so happy to see you!
My God, Marguerite!
Have you lost your dignity?
Go up to the others
won't think you're a wretch.
I'm your wife.
Welcome home, my brave son!
Thank you.
If only I'd seen the dress or known
it was being made, I would have stopped it.
And how would you have done that in my house?
I wonder.
Will you leave your wife
speak to me in that tone of voice?
Marguerite is a grown woman, Mother.
The decisions she makes are her own.
As well as the lessons learned.
I have to leave for Paris tomorrow.
I'll be gone for a week.
But you're sick.
You have to stay here in the house.
- Yes, stay, please!
- I'm owed money.
- I intend to take it.
- Of course you do.
Perhaps you could visit
some old friends.
Le Gris is in Argentan.
Why Le Gris?
Please make sure
Alice is with her while I'm gone.
I forbid you to leave the estate.
It's dangerous.
I'd like to see my girlfriends.
We're so isolated!
Exactly.
- You're leaving?
- Yes.
When will you be back?
When I finish my chores.
Before nightfall.
Jean insisted I not be left alone.
You heard him.
Antoine!
Scroafa!
8, 9, 10, 11, 12...
Sit down!
Who is it?
It's me.
Adam Louvel, milady.
Adam Louvel?
Hello!
I have a big request.
My horse dropped a shoe.
There's nobody here.
I'm not allowed to open the door.
Of course. I understand.
If I could just...
... wait inside while he's shoeing?
Just to warm up a bit.
It won't take long.
It's just an inconvenience.
- I'm sorry I have to ask.
- Please.
Oh, I'm not alone.
Milady, forgive me for intruding.
I love you.
More than any other.
And I would do anything for you.
Everything I have is yours.
How can you talk to me like that?
Marguerite, how can I talk to you?
Milady must know I have no choice.
My love for you has consumed me.
How dare you?
Milady, when my master
is in search of love...
You must leave now. Please.
- You heard the lady. Leave us!
- My Lord.
- I am married.
- Yes.
And you're carrying a terrible burden.
A cold, hard man who doesn't love you
as I love you.
Who doesn't appreciate how wonderful you are!
Please don't talk about my husband!
I just want your happiness.
I can't bear to see you in need.
I know your household finances are fragile.
- My master supports me.
- Yes.
But he knows you're the finest
and fascinating woman?
A woman to whom I would dedicate my whole life.
Listen to me, I'm in love with you.
And I know that you love me too. I have to.
You have to go. Please! Please! Please!
Marguerite, don't fight it!
Jeanette!
Jeanette!
If you run, I'll just follow you.
Jeanette!
No! No!
Come here!
No.
No!
No! No! No!
No!
No! Please!
Please don't do this!
Please!
This is our moment.
Please!
You feel guilty.
Oh, but, my love, I beg you,
don't tell anyone.
For your own safety.
If your husband hears about this,
he might kill you.
Don't say anything!
Don't feel bad, my love!
We couldn't help ourselves.
Milady, we're back.
Try a new cook
and the food was very tasty,
except for the cheese.
I never liked this cheese,
but unfortunately, it's everywhere.
Thank you.
There is one,
and I forgot her name...
It has different colors through it.
Do you know the name of this cheese?
I think it's Roquefort.
No. No, no, not Roquefort.
It's not as strong.
But it has a certain texture
that's very good in the kitchen.
Milady.
You haven't eaten.
Are you ill?
Lady Carrouges asked
about your state of mind.
My mood is good.
Thank you, Alice.
Don't open the door!
It's Marie. I'm here to see Marguerite.
Is she here?
Okay.
I am.
- Come in!
- Good day!
Marguerite!
I've never felt such joy!
I'm pregnant.
I'm pregnant.
Are you okay?
You don't seem yourself.
Aren't you happy for me?
I'm very happy for you.
Sire.
I missed you.
Didn't you miss me?
Oh, you don't know how much!
- Then let's go to bed.
- Jean...
- Marguerite, I've been away for days.
- I can't.
What do you mean, you can't?
I need to tell you something.
What?
What?
While you were gone, it was a day
when your mother had chores
in Saint Pierre.
Yes.
And shortly after that,
a man arrived, unannounced.
I knew him, so I let him in.
But he wasn't alone.
Jacques Le Gris entered our house
without my permission and...
- What about Le Gris?
- He forced me into this room.
In this bed.
He raped me.
Are you telling me the truth?
Please.
Are you telling me the truth?!
Jean, please! It's the truth.
You have to believe me.
I screamed.
I screamed until I lost my voice.
Did he force you?
He raped me.
- You didn't provoke this?
- No, Jean.
You couldn't run away?
It pinned me, I couldn't breathe.
Can this man do nothing but evil to me?
Jean, I intend to tell the truth.
I will not remain silent.
I have no legal position
without your support.
Then you'll have it.
Come on!
I won't allow it to be
the last man to know you.
- Jean...
- Come!
Come!
Milady...
... swear on your life
that what you say is true?
I swear.
Do you swear before God?
And all of France?
Yes.
Then we'll fight.
Marguerite is my wife
and we have been wronged.
I will not allow it to go unpunished.
Your only way is through Pierre.
Though I doubt
he'll grant you an audience.
Tell the story you heard today.
Wherever you can
and to all who listen.
We will be the subject of gossip.
If the story is known
throughout Normandy,
Pierre will have to give us an audience.
We have a plan.
Marie!
Wait a minute!
Why can't you look at me?
I can't.
Marie.
Don't you remember?
You said on more than one occasion
that you found Le Gris handsome.
And so do you.
But I'm not complaining about rape.
Marie!
You don't believe me.
I have to go.
No, Jean, no! That's not what I want!
Isn't that what you want?
Can't be judged
for his actions in court?
Pierre is the court!
If you appeal to the king, he'll only take
Pierre's side, as he has done in the past.
I will not appeal to the king.
I will appeal to God.
Marguerite, why did you do that?
Because what happened to me
is wrong.
Men like Le Gris take women when they want to.
and as often as they want.
Who do you think you are?
My son could die.
That's his choice. Not mine.
You're no different than the nancy girls
our soldiers use in war.
Are they complaining?
I can't shut up. I have to talk.
Marguerite!
All you did was bring shame
our family.
I speak the truth.
The truth doesn't matter.
You're looking at me like
I was never young.
I was raped too.
And despite my protests
and my revulsion,
I went to complain to my master,
who had other concerns altogether?
No, I got up
and got on with my life.
But at what cost?
At what price?
I'm alive.
You paid a dear price
for the privilege.
I have heard from several sources
that you've told others
that you found monsieur Le Gris handsome.
Perhaps you dreamt this event,
wishing it were true.
Yes, a long time ago,
me and some friends agreed
that he was handsome, but I told them
I knew he wasn't reliable.
Noticing that a man is attractive
reveals exactly that.
And if one of these women
is your girlfriend,
why would she bring this information
into court?
I don't know.
You've been with Jean de Carrouges for how many years?
Five.
At this time,
you haven't had any children,
an heir to the family name.
No, monsieur. No.
And yet, here you are,
six months after the incident
you claim to be true,
and you're six months pregnant.
Maybe you have another boyfriend
and you accuse Le Gris to hide it.
Like I said,
I'm loyal to my husband.
Do you like having sex
with your husband?
Yes, of course.
It's not self-evident.
You are aware
that you can't conceive a child...
- ...unless you feel pleasure at the end.
- Yes.
Yes.
And do you feel pleasure at the end?
Yes. I do.
Rape can't cause pregnancy.
It's just science.
Let the court ask itself
whether, after five years of marital relations,
your pregnancy is...
... a coincidence.
Let's say we believe you're telling the truth
and that such an act actually took place.
Maybe you liked it
more than you're willing to admit.
Please explain to me
how someone can enjoy rape.
Did you feel pleasure?
- Answer the question!
- I felt no pleasure!
Any more questions?
If your husband were to lose the duel,
it would prove God's judgment
and reveal that you have testified falsely.
I see.
I'm sure your husband told you
that the penalty for perjury
brought by a woman against a man
in case of rape
is to be undressed and cut,
fastened by the neck with an iron ring,
tied to a wooden pole
and burned alive.
Lady Marguerite...
... is quite common...
... for a defendant to burn
for 20 or 30 minutes,
before she dies.
I'm telling the truth.
We will continue with the duel.
Do you think Le Gris is handsome?
You've put me to shame
in front of my king and all of France.
You knew what would happen to me
if you lost the duel.
You knew and you didn't tell me.
God will not punish those
who tell the truth.
The fate of me and our child
will not be written by God's will,
but by which old man will tire first.
How dare you speak to me like that?
What have I got to lose?
I begged you to find another way,
and now I may be burned alive.
I risk my life for you!
You risk my life,
to fight your enemy
and save your pride.
And that could leave our child an orphan.
Or haven't you thought of that?
You're a hypocrite.
You are blinded by your vanity.
28 December 1386
All preparations are done.
I am ready.
I'd like to stay a little longer.
Faith, Marguerite!
I just gave birth to a son
I love more than I could have imagined.
And I may not live
to see him grow up.
That was my life.
If I had known that the truth
would deprive me of this love...
... I think I would have done
what many women have done before me.
Nothing.
You did well what you did.
Not if I die.
I'm not like you, Jean.
A child needs his mother
more than a mother
needs to be right.
Gentlemen, begin!
Lady...
... following your evidence,
I risk my life
in battle with Jacques Le Gris.
You know my cause
is just and true.
I say it in front of all of you:
I told the truth.
May it be in God's hands!
Justice will be harsh today
by the grace of God.
Let us pray that it will end
like the duel of Flanders.
With Le Gris in a wrestling match,
ripping Carrouges' testicles off.
Let's go!
Let's go! Let's go!
Hurry! Give it to me!
Lance, lance! Hurry up!
Out of the way!
Lance! Lance!
Axe, axe!
Carrouges might
bleeding to death. Oh, God!
Kill him! Kill him!
- Kill him!
- Kill him! Kill him!
Confess!
Confess!
Carrouges, there was no rape.
There was no rape.
There was no rape!
In the name of God
and with the danger
of the damnation of my soul...
... I am innocent of the crime!
Then damn you!
Yes!
God be with you, milady!
No... Get up! Get up.
I honor you, knight.
God has spoken,
proving your cause sincere and just.
You fought with strength and humility.
God be with you and your wife!
Your wife.
Long live Carrouges!
Carrouges!
Glory to Carrouges!
Carrouges!
Look!
Subtitle: ghartausz
Turn to your right, milady.
Thank you.
There you go.
Listen, listen, listen!
Lords! Knights! Squires!
And men of all kinds!
By the command of our sovereign,
King of France,
is strictly forbidden...
... under penalty of death
and loss of property,
that everyone here be armed,
to have a sword or a dagger,
unless he has express permission...
...of our sovereign, the King.
Every man must fight,
on horseback and on foot,
the way he likes it,
with any weapon or means
of attack or defense.
Except weapons or means
of the same kind...
... or made with charms or spells,
or any other forbidden thing
by God and the Holy Church
all good Christians.
If any of the combatants
brings to the battlefield
any spell-crafted weapons,
charms, incantations
or any other evil arts,
so shall he be punished
as an enemy of God...
... or as a traitor...
... or as a murderer.
Tighter. Tighter.
Gentlemen, begin!
Let's go!
Let's go! Let's go!
Come to your battle!
You will all die!
You'll die like pigs!
Come on!
Come on, you fools!
We can't stay here.
And fight!
Jean, Pierre ordered us
to defend this bridge.
Give them damn orders! For the king.
To the king!
To the King!
Thank you.
I won't apologize
for the way you fought today.
It was an honor to be there with you.
Limoges is lost.
And our allies failed
to take the port of Brest.
Our new senior, Pierre,
has abandoned the campaign and is sending us home.
We leave at dawn.
There, there.
To the king!
Clearly, Pierre is not happy.
Lives have been saved.
Not in Limoges.
Let's go home, my friend.
You saved my life today.
Thank you.
Name!
Scutier Jean de Carrouges.
Son of the captain of this fort.
Open the gates!
It's a great honour that Pierre chose
your father's castle for the ceremony.
I'll be ready to take over the captaincy
upon my father's death.
Many years from now, I hope.
Dad. Mother.
Captain. Milady.
Squires.
Don't leave our master, Pierre,
wait.
...I become your man. I serve you for life.
My lord, I become your man.
I swear to serve you for life.
My lord, I become your man.
I will serve you for life.
Milord, I'm becoming your man.
I swear to serve you for life.
My lord, I become your man.
I swear to serve you for life.
- My lord...
- Closer.
Master, I become your man.
I swear to serve you for life.
Name!
It's me, Helen of Troy.
Le Gris.
Good to see you, my friend.
Although I'm not just coming as a friend.
I'm afraid my visit has another purpose
than I let on.
Speak!
Pierre commissioned me
with debt collection.
I understand.
I've already visited everyone else
on his domain.
And now...
You came to me.
I came to you.
These dues are for military defense.
You know as well as anyone that the enemy
is present. And we must be prepared.
When I wasn't ready
to fight for my king?
You were.
More than any other.
But that's not all Pierre wants.
No, what Pierre wants...
Pierre wants the money
that is rightfully his.
I don't have it.
The plague took half my people.
Rent collection is down.
- My fields produce half...
- And the cost of labor has gone up.
Yes.
- How did the other vassals pay?
- They paid because I had to insist.
I understand.
And now you're insisting on me?
Let me talk to Pierre.
That's reasonable.
I'll explain your situation.
You're a true friend.
But I can't go back empty-handed.
Of course not.
Thank you.
Let me see what I have on hand.
- Think about it!
- I have.
No, you didn't.
I will fight under command
of Admiral de Vienne.
The English are plundering
Cotentin Peninsula right now.
This plague has taken your wife and son.
I won't stand idly by
while Lower Normandy falls.
You have no heir. If you die,
everything you have will go to Count Pierre.
Something that doesn't escape Pierre,
I'm sure.
He doesn't favor me like you do.
- You have a lot to live for.
- What do I have to live for, here?
A name.
He's too famous to treat
with such recklessness.
Your father is a captain in Bellême.
When he dies, you will inherit
the garrison, with everything it has.
And I'm your friend.
And there are many others like me
who'd rather not die.
I'm not starting this campaign
recklessly.
I'm not doing it just to fight.
Then why?
Jacques.
I'm...
... broke.
I need money.
NORMANDY
Long live the King!
Long live the King!
- They're back!
- Hurry! Come on! They're back!
- I'll take that.
- I'll help you, sir.
Turn around, please, my lord.
Raise, raise your arm!
Give them more bread!
Here. They want more.
Robert de Thibouville.
They give us shelter and food.
De Thibouville?
Wasn't he on the English side
against us at Poitiers?
Yes, but he was pardoned
along with the others.
He's with us now.
And that's the way it's going to stay,
if he knows what's good for him.
Easy, Jean. It's a roof
over our heads.
Besides,
has quite a wine cellar.
What a beauty!
Is it a de Thibouville?
Yes. Her name is even older
than yours.
She's his only daughter.
There is a dowry.
Naturally, the man should
wear her father's mark of shame.
I can't imagine she'd suffer much
with the task of making an heir.
Gentlemen, welcome!
You fought bravely.
Thank you for hosting us.
- I'd like to introduce him to you...
- Jean de Carrouges.
Your reputation precedes you.
So does yours.
It's my pleasure to host you.
It's only right to support people
who fight for the king.
Some lessons are learned
later in life.
Let me introduce you to my daughter.
Marguerite.
Marguerite, this is the squire
Jean de Carrouges.
Milady, I'm pleased to meet you.
My pleasure.
The dowry includes this parcel.
Starting from the hunting grounds.
And this one here? The one to the north?
Aunou-le-Faucon.
As I said, starting
from the hunting grounds.
I'll have that piece of land too.
Sure.
Amen!
I'm a very jealous man, milady.
Tonight, you are mine
and you will dance with no one else.
And every night after that.
Don't worry.
That's it.
The field starts at the mouth of the river
and stretches to the hill there.
So this is Aunou-le-Faucon.
He was supposed to be part
of Marguerite's dowry.
She liked it here.
And Pierre gave it to you.
In gratitude for serving him.
His accounts were a mess.
Once I reordered them
and collected the debts owed,
everything started to go right
and he got his fortunes back.
He gave me this as a token of his gratitude.
It's not my doing.
The Count is generous and impetuous.
Let's eat!
I wish I'd seen
the gardens of Aunou-le-Faucon.
We had roses and lavender.
Then we'll have some here.
I remember my father made a swing
on the biggest tree in the field.
I'll find the biggest tree
and do the same thing.
I have such beautiful memories
of summers spent there.
It's a pity Pierre took
that estate from your father.
I know you miss him.
It was the only way he could pay what he owed.
Pierre then gave it to her
to Jacques Le Gris as a gift.
All the squires rejoice
such generous gifts?
I'm graying them more than most.
Became the most trusted
Pierre's man.
Maybe Aunou-le-Faucon
is not lost forever.
Maybe I won't leave it at that.
Jean...
My love, I bled
for this king.
He knows about me.
- Maybe I have more power than you think.
- I know how strong you are.
This land was promised to me
as part of my wife's dowry.
The petition is denied.
The decision comes directly
from His Majesty the King.
Are you Squire Jean de Carrouges?
I am.
What does it say?
It's your father.
Open the gate!
Open the gate!
Leave us!
I was in Paris when the news came.
Your father died peacefully.
In his sleep.
I'm lost.
I'm told that I'm forced
to leave here in a month.
You'll do no such thing.
I will take over the captaincy.
You will keep your rooms, your servants.
Everything will be as it was.
Jean, haven't you heard?
You're not gonna follow in your father's footsteps
as captain of Bellême.
What do you mean?
Why did you have to sue him
the count for a piece of land?
Just to impress your bride.
That land was promised to me.
It was an appeal.
And now you've made an enemy
in Count Pierre.
It was right.
Straight. There is no right.
There is only the power of men.
You sued him
and made a powerful enemy.
Your father was a hard man, but he understood
a lot about this world.
Then who will take over
my father's captaincy?
Good day!
Join us, squire!
It's a holiday.
I will not stay, my lord.
I don't want to interrupt
such an opportunity,
but honor compels me to speak.
I was angry, but I spoke well.
I told Pierre:
"You can sit there like a man of honor,
as my senior,"
"and tell me I'm not man enough
to assume my rightful captaincy,"
"that my grandfather and my father
had for the last 20 years of their lives"
"and take command of the garrison and
hold Fort Bellême for my king?"
- And what did Pierre say?
- And there was Le Gris...
...whose life I saved,
by sitting next to him,
with his captaincy,
not even having the courage to look at me.
He poisons my lord
with devilish advice.
Whispers in his ear,
he stains my name.
I'm sure you didn't say that.
You said it.
We're no longer welcome in court.
Jean...
Fie!
ONE YEAR LATER
Milord.
Jean, an invitation has arrived.
Your friend Jean Crespin
has invited us to his home.
Celebrating the birth of their first child.
It's a boy.
Wonderful news.
It's been a year since Bellême.
Maybe we can show our faces,
so they know we're getting on with our lives,
despite this injustice.
A healthy child in these times
is cause for celebration.
You think I'd deny the Argentan mob
the sight of a true noblewoman?
Order a dress!
This one's ready. We need more hay here.
I'm so glad you chose to come.
This will do you good, my love.
Jean, I'm very pleased to see you.
It's been a long time.
Congratulations, my friend!
- Milady, you look lovely.
- Thank you.
Please, you're welcome.
Excuse me, milady.
- Le Gris.
- Carrouges.
Peace! Bravo! Well done!
Let there be no ill will
among the king's servants.
- He needs us all now.
- He does. Well said, old friend.
Marguerite, come!
Give our friend a kiss and
show him the good faith of the house of Carrouges.
I'll be back in a few months, my love.
I'll be safe and well taken care of
by Alice and your mother,
but I will miss you.
That's my job.
- Let me take care of you.
- What about you?
I have everything I need.
Except an heir.
My love.
It comes with God's will.
I call you knight
in the name of God.
Get up!
Jean de Carrouges!
In honour of your service
for our king.
Silence!
I call you knight
in the name of God!
Get up!
All right, people! Prepare for battle!
SCOTLAND
Sire?
Why are they running away?
Why am I running?
To the king!
The master returns!
Coming!
The master returns!
The master returns!
The master returns!
Here he comes!
Welcome back, sire!
My lord, you are not well.
This fever is all I brought back
from that miserable place.
As well as knighthood.
Tomorrow, I have to leave for Paris.
- I'll be gone for a week.
- What do you want?
The treasurer owes me money.
- Jean, you're not well.
- It's good enough to travel.
To Paris?
That's three days of riding.
And Argentan.
Duty calls to report to Pierre.
They will admire you as a knight.
And you will hate those who
who didn't expect you back, Sir Jean.
Sir Jean de Carrouges?
Signature here.
300 gold coins.
Sire.
I'll be in my room.
Good night!
My love?
What is it?
Did mom fight with you again?
No.
I missed you.
Didn't you miss me?
- You have no idea how much!
- Then let's go to bed.
What? What is it, my love?
While you were away, it was a day...
... when your mother
had business in Saint Pierre.
Yeah.
She took the servants with her
and I was left alone.
She didn't leave Alice?
I told him very firmly.
He took all the servants.
Shortly thereafter,
a man came, unannounced.
I knew him, so I let him in.
But he wasn't alone.
He attacked me.
He pinned me, I protested.
I screamed, I shouted as loud
I could, but there was nobody here.
He obeyed me. I couldn't do anything.
I was raped.
Who? Who did this?
Who?
Jacques Le Gris.
Are you telling me the truth?
Yes. Yes.
- Are you telling me the truth?
- Yes, it's the truth! You have to believe me!
You must.
You're my girlfriend.
Come on!
I wasn't here to protect you.
Please forgive me.
Please.
Jean.
I want him to pay for what he did.
And he will pay.
Will pay.
Gather your swords!
Lead them in, please!
Take the horses!
Get them out of the way!
Take them inside, please!
So I'm asking for your help.
Marguerite is my wife
and she was dishonest.
- I won't allow it to go unpunished.
- Your only way is through Pierre.
Though I doubt
he'll grant you an audience.
Tell the story you heard today.
Wherever you can
and to everyone who will listen.
We will be the subject of gossip.
If the story is known
throughout Normandy,
Pierre will have to
to grant us an audience.
I have a plan.
I demand a duel to the death.
This custom has been removed
outlawed years ago.
Not so, Your Grace.
It's true that he didn't keep
a duel in your lifetime,
although it's still acceptable as a way of...
It will be necessary to convene
parliamentary body in Paris.
All 32 members
of Your Majesty's court.
One of us lied.
Let God decide.
Sir Jean, if you lose this duel,
thus proving the charges false,
your wife would suffer dire consequences.
God will spare those
who speak the truth.
And the truth will triumph.
I'm not afraid.
Excellent!
PALACE OF JUSTICE
Her Majesty,
King Charles VI!
What business
do you appear before this court?
Most high and mighty king,
and our sovereign lord,
I present myself.
Jean de Carrouges...
... knight...
... as plaintiff in your court...
... and I charge this squire
of the most wicked deed
against my wife,
Lady Marguerite de Carrouges.
I accuse him that in the third week
of last January,
the same Jacques Le Gris...
... illegally
and carnal
dishonored my wife against her will,
in our home.
And if this Jacques Le Gris
denies his crime...
... I'm ready
to prove my accusation
with my body against his body
and leave him breathless
at an appointed time.
Come to your fight!
You will all die!
You'll die like pigs!
Come on!
Come on, you fools!
We can't stay here.
And fight!
Jean, Pierre ordered us
to defend this bridge.
- Give them damn orders!
- I'm baiting you, Jean.
They want us to leave the bridge
so they can take Limoges.
Then they'll get their wish!
- My son is a fool. Let him go!
- If he goes alone, he will die.
To the king!
To the king!
I know he's stubborn.
Yeah, stubborn, difficult, jealous...
- ... impetuous, foolish, irritable, foolish...
- Yes. I know, my lord.
...stupid. He doesn't pay his annuities on time.
But I consider him a friend.
He didn't listen to me
and let Limoges fall.
He thought he was going to make it.
His intentions were good.
It's no fun at all.
You mean you'd like to see him again
the moor here in Argentan?
He's sulking like a black cloud.
My lord, I fought him
and I've seen the worst of the world with him.
He is loyal.
Yes. So are my greyhounds.
As you wish. Go! Do what you want!
I have a very bad impression
about his character.
But a very good one about yours.
It's the quality that makes you
the greatest honor.
But don't let loyalty blind you.
- Thank you, my lord.
- Yes.
Le Gris?
Golden? Or sandal?
- Gold.
- Indeed.
Golden.
CASA LUI PIERRE D'ALENÇON
No, no, I know, I know...
Ladies and gentlemen...
Ladies and gentlemen...
Under ordinary circumstances,
your host, the Viscountess,
my wife, Lady Marie Chamaillart,
would catch the sunrise with all of us...
... would sing louder, dance more
and get you all under the table.
Yet he toils growing up
our eighth child,
of our 14 years of marriage.
Good night, dear friends.
I won't wait for any of you.
Especially my husband.
Good night, my dear!
My love.
There, there!
Good night!
Well, now the evening could begin
in earnest.
Where were we?
Latour, read!
- I don't know Latin.
- You don't even read.
I'll read the book of love.
Rule number 24.
Does anyone know?
Scutier?
"A new love expels an old one."
Too true.
Well, it looks like we have a squire
with a hidden talent.
Read!
Love rule number four.
"Love always grows..."
"... or weakens."
You insolent bastard!
He knows you.
"Nothing prevents a woman
from being loved by two men."
"Or a man
from being loved by two women."
Well read!
Go, go!
If you run, I'll just follow you.
It's getting serious.
No! No! No!
No!
No! No! No!
No! No! No!
This client is tough.
No!
And strong.
Come on, get a river in you.
Pierre!
Come on, Pierre!
Great!
Pierre.
Pierre.
Life is good.
The wolves didn't sleep either.
Your wife will be awake soon, my lord.
You'd better be there.
Pregnant and hysterical.
I'd rather take my chances with the wolves.
Tell me, squire,
how can a man of war
become so learned?
I was born without a name and without fortune.
I prepared for a life in the church.
The requirements...
... didn't suit me.
No, no.
A libertine after my own heart.
That always came easy to me.
Does this knowledge apply to numbers?
Yes, my lord.
Then I'll share something with you,
and it stays between us.
Of course.
My accounts are in disarray.
Would you mind using your knowledge
to help me adjust my finances?
How is that possible?
The payments are late.
Accountants are sloppy.
Milord, these nobles keep the money
they should be paying you.
The plague has killed half the workforce.
Crops are low,
labor costs are up.
I understand the numbers, and absolutely nothing
of any of this concerns you.
You have to be prepared to squeeze
an army on a moment's notice.
That's not possible if you don't have the money.
And when I say they don't have it?
Let them tell me!
Okay, then.
I was trying to talk to your master.
This matter is between us.
Don't interrupt me again.
Let's look at the map!
Okay?
I have the property here in Bourg.
No, my dear. No.
What's this here?
Aunou-le-Faucon.
No.
It's one of the most valuable
of my fields.
It will be part of my daughter's dowry.
I can't give it to her.
My friend, Pierre doesn't ask you
to give him your best domain.
But Aunou-le-Faucon is worth
twice what I owe.
Think how good it'll feel
not to owe anything.
Did you hear that? Reports from the north.
They say there's a father
so desperate,
that he will marry off his own daughter
to Jean de Carrouges.
Is that so?
Yes, Robert de Thibouville, the traitor.
Carrouges needs an heir.
Is she the only noblewoman in Normandy?
She also needs money.
She has many merits.
She's rich, young. They say she's beautiful.
Yes, and her father betrayed the Crown.
I make no apology
for Robert de Thibouville.
Yes. Too bad he wasn't beheaded
for his treachery.
He would have been spared that humiliation.
Easy!
Yes. Here, boy.
Deer blood.
Badge of honour.
Badge of honour.
Well done, Etienne! Charles.
What?
He's suing me.
Get in! Take off your pants.
He's suing me!
- Who?
- Me!
For a rightful land of my own.
Jean de Carrouges has filed
a lawsuit for a property.
Why would he sue you
over a piece of property?
Because you gave it to me.
She's suing you too.
He's suing both of us.
I don't see what's funny, my lord.
How do you sue for something
that was never yours?
My shield.
Now you admit I was right
about Jean de Carrouges?
He says he will take the matter to the king.
He bled for this king.
My cousin, the king.
Pierre.
I bled too. So did you.
My friend, this problem is solved.
I was hoping to surprise you in court.
Now, you barged in and shaded
a rather promising evening.
So I'll tell you now.
Jean de Carrouges will not be
the new captain of Bellême.
You will be the new captain of Bellême.
As if by magic.
Carrouges will be furious.
Too true. Now take off your pants!
Short delay!
Who wants to help me
to get back to the previous state?
Come here!
Come on, boy! Le Gris!
I will protect this fortress of Bellême
and I will command its garrison
as captain,
to the best of my ability,
against all the enemies of my king.
Jacques Le Gris.
Captain, stand up and be recognized!
Good day!
Join us, squire!
It's a holiday.
I will not stay, my lord.
My God, tell me you're not here.
to sue me again.
Mock me if you want,
but you can't change what's right and what's wrong.
Enlighten me, squire,
what is right?
The way I see it, the last time you came
to sue me
for a land
that I legally owned
and gave it to one of the most
faithful squire of mine,
for his services to me.
What claim could you have had on
this land? You never owned it.
I know all about your squire.
The squire you gave it to.
The one who owns a captaincy now,
which is rightfully mine.
My friend, please.
- Let's talk in private.
- No! No! (grunts) No! (grunts) I'll be heard!
I won't accept this!
My father, for 20 years, my father...
I waited 20 years!
No nobles here
would speak ill of your father.
You asked for my annuities, I paid them!
Here, as a man of honor,
you're saying I'm not the captain?
Are you telling me I'm not the captain here?
I'll tell you whatever I want.
I decide who captains Bellême.
That's what you value.
Him. That sycophant.
All of you, you sycophants!
I'll sue you!
I'll sue you for this!
In just three years,
you managed to take the daughter of a traitor,
to sue me for the land
that never belonged to you
and stand before me
for the second time,
threatening me once again
to sue me,
while you talk about duty and honor.
Is this how you serve me?
I serve the king.
The king.
On the king.
Heaven and earth!
Heaven and earth what?
14.
37. 45.
15. 17 borrowed...
Come in!
Hello!
I thought you were asleep, my lord.
Yes, great...
... good friend. No, almost...
But I saw candlelight
and I knew it had to be you.
I work better alone.
You don't make it easy for the man.
I came to tell you I'm not coming
to Crespin's celebration.
Milord?
Too far, too cold.
We'll stay here and go to sleep
with women of our own.
- No.
- No.
No, I was told
that Jean de Carrouges would be there.
Time to heal this wound.
It will never change.
Why keep trying?
Because a feud
between Your Highness' vassals
only brings trouble and distraction.
Oh my God!
And because I was once
the godfather of his late son!
I once had a place in his heart.
Do the right thing!
You will see his mystery wife.
Looks like he's letting her out of the dungeon
one time.
We can only hope
he didn't take her books.
Carrouges' wife reads?
In as many languages as you, I hear.
Strange pair.
It is.
will never cease?
- Come to the celebration, my lord!
- No.
- Come on!
- No.
Too much wine. I'm missing the Latina.
"I forgive a child
who fears the dark."
"Tragedy is men
who fear the light."
Your decency will be your end.
And my decency has no end.
No, my lord!
Recalculate!
Sorry.
I think you'd like it.
We'll ride out of the valley
to where the river ends.
We could have lunch there.
My servants could prepare a picnic.
Oh, Jacques Le Gris, don't waste your breath.
I've heard all about you
from the ladies of the court.
Just bragging.
Carrouges.
Excuse me, milady.
Carrouges.
Le Gris.
Peace! Bravo! Well done!
Let there be no ill will
among the king's servants.
His Majesty needs us all now.
That's right. Well said!
Marguerite, come!
Give my friend a kiss.
Show him the good faith of the house of Carrouges.
Well done!
If I...
That's it!
I think. That's it!
It's a pity we didn't meet
until tonight.
Yes?
I didn't know how lucky Carrouges was.
with such a beautiful wife.
From what I hear, you're not in trouble.
getting beautiful women.
And from what I hear,
we may have a lot in common.
What could we have in common?
Appreciation for our beauty.
You are very talented at flattery.
Just telling the truth.
And what else?
Are you a reader?
Like me.
The idyll of the rose.
- I found it a bit boring.
- Boring? The book is miserable.
I prefer Percival's Courtesy.
It's a much more provocative novel
and more interesting.
Clever woman!
Tell me!
He is naive and stupid.
But he has such a pure heart,
that he can claim the Grail.
I admire that.
I understand it.
He knows what he wants...
... and doesn't give up until he gets it.
Good minds belong together.
Don't be hasty!
Carrouges.
Your wife charms me, my friend.
And with thought you may covet, my lord.
It's no less sinful
than that she covets me.
Please forgive me. I wish...
Milord?
I've never seen you like this, milord.
Neither have I, my friend.
It's not good news
on the Scottish front.
Perhaps Lady Marguerite is already a widow.
I wouldn't bet against
Jean de Carrouges in battle.
What do you think she and Jean are talking about?
Do you think they read together?
But he's illiterate, isn't he?
Duty to friends
is the greatest of all.
Greater than love?
I didn't train him properly.
The fault is mine.
My God! Milorzi!
I present to you the knight
Sir Jean de Carrouges!
My lord, I return from the royal campaign
in Scotland to report to you.
Arise, noble knight! Speak!
We woke up uninvited
by our Scottish allies.
We have besieged the Wark.
Louder, noble knight!
I can't hear you back there.
We've laid siege to the Wark.
Milord, I'll be back...
...no spoils and no prisoners.
And without five of the nine squires
under my command.
Indeed, I'll be back, knight.
One who curses Scotland
and the hour I set foot there.
Yes.
The news has arrived before you
about your catastrophic campaign.
A tragic result, Jean,
although, dare I say
not because of your leadership.
That's right!
Where are you going now, Jean?
I'm going to Paris.
I have business with the treasurer
for my payment.
Very well.
Luck is not far from a good soldier.
I'm back knight.
That's the second time you haven't called me "sir".
There won't be a third.
It was unintentional, Sir Jean.
I will not be taken from above...
...by this squire...
... who sits idle in the courtyard,
waiting to be given gifts,
after gifts, after gifts...
... and risk nothing!
Nothing.
Maybe it will acquire more properties
in this world...
... will be more favored,
will eat more, drink more...
... will have more women
and otherwise calls himself a soldier.
But in this room
and in any other,
in my company,
will call me "sir".
Sir.
Sir.
Indeed...
... good sir.
Have fun in Paris...
... Sir Jean!
That's all, Jean.
Milord.
Who is it?
It's me, Adam Louvel, milady.
Adam Louvel?
I'm ashamed that I have to
to ask you a big favor.
My horse dropped a shoe and...
There's nobody here.
I'm not allowed to open the door.
No, of course not.
I was wondering if I could enter
and warm up until it's changed.
I'm sorry I have to ask.
For a moment.
I don't like asking you.
Milady, forgive me for intruding.
I love you more than any other
and I would do anything for you.
Everything I have is yours.
How can you talk to me like that?
Marguerite, how can I talk to you?
Milady, you must know I have no choice.
My love for you has consumed me.
How dare you?
Milady, when my master
is in search of love...
- Don't speak!
- You must leave now. Please.
- You heard the lady. Leave us!
- My Lord.
- I am married.
- Yes.
You're carrying a terrible burden.
A cold, hard man who doesn't love you
as I love you.
Who doesn't appreciate how wonderful you are!
- Please!
- I just want your happiness.
I can't bear to see you in need.
I know your household finances are fragile.
- My master supports me.
- Yes.
But he knows you're the most...
...refined...
... and fascinating woman?
A woman...
... to whom I would dedicate my whole life.
Oh, listen to me, I'm in love with you.
I know you love me too. I must.
You have to leave. Now, please.
Jeanette!
If you run, I'll just follow you.
- No.
- Yes, you will.
No.
No.
No.
No!
No.
No.
Please don't!
You fear guilt, but, my love,
I beg you, don't tell anyone.
For your own safety.
If your husband hears about this...
... it might kill you.
Don't say anything!
And I'll keep silent.
Don't feel bad, my love!
We couldn't help ourselves.
Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.
Speak, my son!
I bear a sin
that weighs heavily on my heart.
What is it, my son?
I have committed the sin of adultery...
...against a man whom
I once considered a friend.
- Do you know your commandments?
- Yes, Father.
I beg your forgiveness.
Son, Matthew tells us
that he who looks at a woman with lust
has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
But is love a sin, Father?
- How can I seek forgiveness for love?
- This is the devil's work.
This temptress leads you astray.
As Eve lured Adam
from the divine path.
This is not love.
Then why?
God is faithful.
He will not let you be tempted
more than you can bear.
This is a test.
- Friend.
- My Lord.
Sit down!
You'll have to sit down.
Drink this!
You should drink it all.
There's no other way to put this
than in the vernacular.
An unspeakable accusation
has been brought against you.
Jean de Carrouges, obviously,
among others,
told anyone and everyone
willing to listen
that you...
... you dishonored his wife
against her will.
I don't know what to say.
Why would they say that?
Jacques, it's you and me here.
I need to know. It's a serious matter.
The accusation is false.
Naturally, he protested properly,
but she's a lady.
It wasn't against her will.
Why would I need to do that?
You know I miss the company of women?
No.
But you haven't been yourself lately.
It's true, I confess, it's a feeling
I've never felt before.
A love...
...that I never knew.
It took all my strength
not to go back to her.
I knew it was wrong.
I confessed my adultery
and did my penance.
But I swear to you, the rape charge is false.
Of course it's absurd. As I suspected.
But I must protect my name.
No, you don't have to do that.
On my honor,
I will, my lord. You must.
I know you long
to defend your name and honor,
but the common mind does not have the capacity
for that kind of nuance.
They don't understand the world the way we do.
They see villains and heroes, that's all.
My Lord...
Deny, deny, deny!
Everywhere, always,
at all times and to everyone.
You did not commit adultery.
It didn't happen. There's no evidence of it.
It will be your word against
of Jean de Carrouges.
Yes, my lord.
Of course, you'll have
endure a public trial,
charges of rape will be brought against you
and a verdict will be reached
by your senior,
adjudicating this matter which,
incidentally,
it's me.
I find Sir Jacques Le Gris
entirely innocent
and entirely blameless.
I hereby order the annulment of the criminal complaint
and expunge it from the record.
Let there be no more questions about it.
Let there be no more gossip,
the punishment being given by me.
Is that understood?
As regards sworn testimony
of Lady Marguerite,
one may conclude
only that she must have been dreaming.
Now, these findings
be sent to Paris immediately,
before this careless knight
to trouble the king with this nonsense.
Yes, speak!
My Lord, I have been informed
that Jean de Carrouges
has already gone to Paris.
He's appealing to His Majesty
at this very moment.
You bastard!
Clergy benefit.
There is no decision to be made.
You're a clergyman on minor business.
So you can avoid
the jurisdiction of the secular courts
and be judged by the Church,
where conditions are more favorable.
Men in the service of the Church
are far fewer
among those accused of rape.
They escape serious punishment
by claiming the benefit of the clergy, so
we'll have the Church try the case
to put an end to this.
But what about my name?
There was...
... a romance?
No way.
It's strange that he would claim
it was rape, risking his life.
Why would he do that?
All of France is talking about it
and I'm innocent.
I said publicly that this didn't happen!
And yet, under extraordinary pressure
and risking his name and reputation,
Lady Marguerite said it happened.
Formally, it's not about her.
Rape is not a crime
against a woman.
It's a property crime
against her male guardian.
In this case, Jean de Carrouges.
It's not a matter for
to duel to the death.
It should be resolved discreetly.
Accept the benefit of the clergy.
I am not a coward.
Most high and mighty king
and our sovereign lord,
introducing myself.
Jacques Le Gris...
reliever and defendant,
and hereby deny
all of the above allegations,
especially...
... of Jean de Carrouges
that illegally...
... and carnal,
I would have known his wife,
Lady Marguerite de Carrouges...
in the third week
of last January...
... or any other time.
And I still maintain,
saving Your Majesty's honor,
that that knight,
falsely
and maliciously lied!
And that he is false
and wrong to say so.
And I still maintain...
... and with God's help...
... and with our Lady...
... I vow to do whatever is necessary
to prove my innocence.
The knight and squire have spoken well.
It is now ordered
that the parties submit their statements
upon which, after receipt,
the court will render a verdict in two weeks.
If any of the men
attempt to flee Paris,
will be taken as a sign of his guilt.
Orders will be issued for his arrest...
... and will be hanged.
The King will decide whether a duel
should really be held.
What next?
You will have 330 pounds in coins,
furniture, fabrics and jewellery,
in addition to the property
at Mont a Gudot, as well as...
What about Aunou-le-Faucon?
I was forced to sell that property
to Count Pierre.
I have agreed that this land shall revert to him
to whoever takes your daughter as his wife.
Not part of the dowry?
- I couldn't pay my rent.
- You promised.
We discussed this.
My daughter comes with the money and the land
that I have offered. It's all I own.
What about the bride price?
I'll give you a valuable name.
I expect to be able
to perform her wifely duties?
To make an heir.
My daughter is strong and healthy...
... and ready to honor the marriage.
Conceiving an heir
and the children that follow will be swift.
And prolific.
Carry on!
The wedding will continue!
You are perfect.
I hope it was pleasant for you.
Yes, my lord, very.
I couldn't ask for a wedding night
more satisfying.
I may have conceived this very night.
I think you'd like it. We'll ride...
- ...from the valley to where...
- My Lord. Carrouges.
Carrouges.
Le Gris.
Peace! Bravo! Well done!
Let there be no ill will
among the king's servants.
Marguerite, come!
Give my friend a kiss.
Show him the good faith of the house of Carrouges.
Who's that squire?
He's dangerously handsome.
He has a famous reputation.
If milord didn't come back from battle,
I would gladly strengthen that reputation.
I think it could be arranged that way.
- Marie.
- How can you talk like that?
Shouldn't we be
neither seen nor heard with you.
My husband would have my head.
But you'd die happy.
He's handsome.
Charming, I hear.
True, he's handsome and charming,
but my husband doesn't trust him.
I'm proud of you.
I know that this reconciliation
must have been difficult.
You gave me some good advice.
You're good with Jacques Le Gris.
That man's not full of it.
But you see...
... how a smile and a kind word
do more than a threat.
Even if you're not sincere.
While I'm away,
except a rich harvest,
the most we'll get out of it
from horse breeding.
And from collecting rents?
Yes, of course.
Stay there!
I bought this mare for the stallion.
He comes from a long line
of war horses.
Will make many valuable foals.
Sometimes the difference
between victory and defeat,
between life and death...
Out of the way! Out of the way!
Watch the gate!
No!
Easy!
No!
Easy, girl!
- Easy!
- Get her!
Not the stallion!
No! Not you!
Not with my mare!
The gates are closed!
Yes, my lord.
The mare's in heat!
These are not minor matters.
It costs money.
Nothing would get done around here,
if it wasn't for me.
I hope your little death
was memorable and productive.
It was like no other.
Why haven't I conceived yet?
I want a baby so much!
Wanting a baby has nothing to do
with that, Marguerite. We need a son.
You think I don't know that?
I can't think of anything else.
I didn't have this problem
with my first wife.
I'll be back in a few months.
You'll be safe here,
with my mother and your servants.
You don't have to stay
never be left unattended.
And don't be so sad!
I prefer to be in a good mood
when I go to war.
I'm proud of you, milord.
You will take care of the estate.
See it doesn't fall into disrepair.
Of course.
- Good morning!
- Milady.
- Milady.
- Good morning!
Good morning, Henri!
Good morning to you too, milady!
The pregnancy seems to be going well.
Yes, milady.
Then why is it in the stable?
Before the master leaves,
that's what he told me to do.
My husband knows a lot about horses.
To ride them.
I leave their upbringing to you.
It would be better for the health of the mare
to run free.
Then she will run free.
Thank you, milady.
That's last month's rent too, milady.
You couldn't pay?
Your master didn't come for it.
- Is that unusual?
- No.
But it's no bother.
Thank you.
Henri!
Yes, milady.
Aren't the oxen too slow?
The thaw came late this year.
It's been hard for them.
If we want to sow the oats on time
for the harvest, we have to hurry.
I'd like to use the horses.
But we never use them for that purpose.
The master thinks they're too valuable.
They will be worthless
if they starve this winter.
See that this is done.
Just like that.
I see the sun has caught you a little, milady.
- You look well.
- Do I?
I prefer not to be pink.
Although it's been a lovely day.
A little colour on someone's face
proves they're alive.
Not really.
Did you hear that the famous Parisian tailor
is coming to the village next week?
You've worked hard.
Why don't you get a new dress?
Oh, I don't know.
Copy the dresses worn
by Queen Isabeau.
They're making waves.
I saw them.
The neckline is very big.
So big, you can see
the queen's pierced nipples.
She doesn't have one.
- It does.
- No, it doesn't.
Good evening!
Good evening!
Things seem to be going pretty well.
I like doing these tasks.
I enjoy it.
Until he returns from Scotland,
naturally.
It's unfortunate, though,
that you couldn't keep your husband
away from conflicts with others.
Jean does what she feels is necessary.
May I ask what you're doing?
It looks great.
I say sadly
that there's something...
... apparently fruitless.
You're very cruel.
I'm a good wife.
As long as you fulfill
your wifely duties.
Or maybe you can't be satisfied.
How's your sleep?
Often interrupted.
Flaccid joints.
Bitter taste in mouth?
I don't know.
My lady, you seem to be suffering
from an imbalance of the four humors,
primarily the black ball.
You're extremely melancholic,
your body is cold and dry.
Maybe this,
along with other factors,
including God's will,
could prevent conception.
It is imperative to have a pleasant ending,
similar to your husband's,
in order to conceive a child.
Do you have one of these?
Yes.
Do you find relationships with your husband enjoyable?
Yes, of course, Doctor.
Although I'm not sure if I live
"little death", as they say.
But if you find it enjoyable,
then you do it.
Very good.
When Jean comes back,
he'll be grateful
that I've got my accounts in order,
as well as the others.
Maybe he won't mind the expense.
Let's get both dresses.
Surprise your new husband!
Wouldn't agree.
She'd say I have enough dresses.
I've only been married for a short time,
but now I understand
the burden of this arrangement.
You're a newlywed.
Surely you don't feel burdened.
Bernard is a frugal man
and he doesn't like to kiss me.
I thought his appearance
would become more pleasing.
Instead, it became more repulsive.
So I'm relieved, I guess,
with the kissing.
He's not like Jean, handsome and generous.
My marriage is not without its problems.
Be right with you, ladies.
Thank you.
Despite the many deplorable qualities
of Le Gris,
you can't be blind to his appearance.
- As rude as it is.
- And insulting.
They're all so stupid!
That's right.
Welcome back, sire!
Welcome home, my love!
I'm so happy to see you!
My God, Marguerite!
Have you lost your dignity?
Go up to the others
won't think you're a wretch.
I'm your wife.
Welcome home, my brave son!
Thank you.
If only I'd seen the dress or known
it was being made, I would have stopped it.
And how would you have done that in my house?
I wonder.
Will you leave your wife
speak to me in that tone of voice?
Marguerite is a grown woman, Mother.
The decisions she makes are her own.
As well as the lessons learned.
I have to leave for Paris tomorrow.
I'll be gone for a week.
But you're sick.
You have to stay here in the house.
- Yes, stay, please!
- I'm owed money.
- I intend to take it.
- Of course you do.
Perhaps you could visit
some old friends.
Le Gris is in Argentan.
Why Le Gris?
Please make sure
Alice is with her while I'm gone.
I forbid you to leave the estate.
It's dangerous.
I'd like to see my girlfriends.
We're so isolated!
Exactly.
- You're leaving?
- Yes.
When will you be back?
When I finish my chores.
Before nightfall.
Jean insisted I not be left alone.
You heard him.
Antoine!
Scroafa!
8, 9, 10, 11, 12...
Sit down!
Who is it?
It's me.
Adam Louvel, milady.
Adam Louvel?
Hello!
I have a big request.
My horse dropped a shoe.
There's nobody here.
I'm not allowed to open the door.
Of course. I understand.
If I could just...
... wait inside while he's shoeing?
Just to warm up a bit.
It won't take long.
It's just an inconvenience.
- I'm sorry I have to ask.
- Please.
Oh, I'm not alone.
Milady, forgive me for intruding.
I love you.
More than any other.
And I would do anything for you.
Everything I have is yours.
How can you talk to me like that?
Marguerite, how can I talk to you?
Milady must know I have no choice.
My love for you has consumed me.
How dare you?
Milady, when my master
is in search of love...
You must leave now. Please.
- You heard the lady. Leave us!
- My Lord.
- I am married.
- Yes.
And you're carrying a terrible burden.
A cold, hard man who doesn't love you
as I love you.
Who doesn't appreciate how wonderful you are!
Please don't talk about my husband!
I just want your happiness.
I can't bear to see you in need.
I know your household finances are fragile.
- My master supports me.
- Yes.
But he knows you're the finest
and fascinating woman?
A woman to whom I would dedicate my whole life.
Listen to me, I'm in love with you.
And I know that you love me too. I have to.
You have to go. Please! Please! Please!
Marguerite, don't fight it!
Jeanette!
Jeanette!
If you run, I'll just follow you.
Jeanette!
No! No!
Come here!
No.
No!
No! No! No!
No!
No! Please!
Please don't do this!
Please!
This is our moment.
Please!
You feel guilty.
Oh, but, my love, I beg you,
don't tell anyone.
For your own safety.
If your husband hears about this,
he might kill you.
Don't say anything!
Don't feel bad, my love!
We couldn't help ourselves.
Milady, we're back.
Try a new cook
and the food was very tasty,
except for the cheese.
I never liked this cheese,
but unfortunately, it's everywhere.
Thank you.
There is one,
and I forgot her name...
It has different colors through it.
Do you know the name of this cheese?
I think it's Roquefort.
No. No, no, not Roquefort.
It's not as strong.
But it has a certain texture
that's very good in the kitchen.
Milady.
You haven't eaten.
Are you ill?
Lady Carrouges asked
about your state of mind.
My mood is good.
Thank you, Alice.
Don't open the door!
It's Marie. I'm here to see Marguerite.
Is she here?
Okay.
I am.
- Come in!
- Good day!
Marguerite!
I've never felt such joy!
I'm pregnant.
I'm pregnant.
Are you okay?
You don't seem yourself.
Aren't you happy for me?
I'm very happy for you.
Sire.
I missed you.
Didn't you miss me?
Oh, you don't know how much!
- Then let's go to bed.
- Jean...
- Marguerite, I've been away for days.
- I can't.
What do you mean, you can't?
I need to tell you something.
What?
What?
While you were gone, it was a day
when your mother had chores
in Saint Pierre.
Yes.
And shortly after that,
a man arrived, unannounced.
I knew him, so I let him in.
But he wasn't alone.
Jacques Le Gris entered our house
without my permission and...
- What about Le Gris?
- He forced me into this room.
In this bed.
He raped me.
Are you telling me the truth?
Please.
Are you telling me the truth?!
Jean, please! It's the truth.
You have to believe me.
I screamed.
I screamed until I lost my voice.
Did he force you?
He raped me.
- You didn't provoke this?
- No, Jean.
You couldn't run away?
It pinned me, I couldn't breathe.
Can this man do nothing but evil to me?
Jean, I intend to tell the truth.
I will not remain silent.
I have no legal position
without your support.
Then you'll have it.
Come on!
I won't allow it to be
the last man to know you.
- Jean...
- Come!
Come!
Milady...
... swear on your life
that what you say is true?
I swear.
Do you swear before God?
And all of France?
Yes.
Then we'll fight.
Marguerite is my wife
and we have been wronged.
I will not allow it to go unpunished.
Your only way is through Pierre.
Though I doubt
he'll grant you an audience.
Tell the story you heard today.
Wherever you can
and to all who listen.
We will be the subject of gossip.
If the story is known
throughout Normandy,
Pierre will have to give us an audience.
We have a plan.
Marie!
Wait a minute!
Why can't you look at me?
I can't.
Marie.
Don't you remember?
You said on more than one occasion
that you found Le Gris handsome.
And so do you.
But I'm not complaining about rape.
Marie!
You don't believe me.
I have to go.
No, Jean, no! That's not what I want!
Isn't that what you want?
Can't be judged
for his actions in court?
Pierre is the court!
If you appeal to the king, he'll only take
Pierre's side, as he has done in the past.
I will not appeal to the king.
I will appeal to God.
Marguerite, why did you do that?
Because what happened to me
is wrong.
Men like Le Gris take women when they want to.
and as often as they want.
Who do you think you are?
My son could die.
That's his choice. Not mine.
You're no different than the nancy girls
our soldiers use in war.
Are they complaining?
I can't shut up. I have to talk.
Marguerite!
All you did was bring shame
our family.
I speak the truth.
The truth doesn't matter.
You're looking at me like
I was never young.
I was raped too.
And despite my protests
and my revulsion,
I went to complain to my master,
who had other concerns altogether?
No, I got up
and got on with my life.
But at what cost?
At what price?
I'm alive.
You paid a dear price
for the privilege.
I have heard from several sources
that you've told others
that you found monsieur Le Gris handsome.
Perhaps you dreamt this event,
wishing it were true.
Yes, a long time ago,
me and some friends agreed
that he was handsome, but I told them
I knew he wasn't reliable.
Noticing that a man is attractive
reveals exactly that.
And if one of these women
is your girlfriend,
why would she bring this information
into court?
I don't know.
You've been with Jean de Carrouges for how many years?
Five.
At this time,
you haven't had any children,
an heir to the family name.
No, monsieur. No.
And yet, here you are,
six months after the incident
you claim to be true,
and you're six months pregnant.
Maybe you have another boyfriend
and you accuse Le Gris to hide it.
Like I said,
I'm loyal to my husband.
Do you like having sex
with your husband?
Yes, of course.
It's not self-evident.
You are aware
that you can't conceive a child...
- ...unless you feel pleasure at the end.
- Yes.
Yes.
And do you feel pleasure at the end?
Yes. I do.
Rape can't cause pregnancy.
It's just science.
Let the court ask itself
whether, after five years of marital relations,
your pregnancy is...
... a coincidence.
Let's say we believe you're telling the truth
and that such an act actually took place.
Maybe you liked it
more than you're willing to admit.
Please explain to me
how someone can enjoy rape.
Did you feel pleasure?
- Answer the question!
- I felt no pleasure!
Any more questions?
If your husband were to lose the duel,
it would prove God's judgment
and reveal that you have testified falsely.
I see.
I'm sure your husband told you
that the penalty for perjury
brought by a woman against a man
in case of rape
is to be undressed and cut,
fastened by the neck with an iron ring,
tied to a wooden pole
and burned alive.
Lady Marguerite...
... is quite common...
... for a defendant to burn
for 20 or 30 minutes,
before she dies.
I'm telling the truth.
We will continue with the duel.
Do you think Le Gris is handsome?
You've put me to shame
in front of my king and all of France.
You knew what would happen to me
if you lost the duel.
You knew and you didn't tell me.
God will not punish those
who tell the truth.
The fate of me and our child
will not be written by God's will,
but by which old man will tire first.
How dare you speak to me like that?
What have I got to lose?
I begged you to find another way,
and now I may be burned alive.
I risk my life for you!
You risk my life,
to fight your enemy
and save your pride.
And that could leave our child an orphan.
Or haven't you thought of that?
You're a hypocrite.
You are blinded by your vanity.
28 December 1386
All preparations are done.
I am ready.
I'd like to stay a little longer.
Faith, Marguerite!
I just gave birth to a son
I love more than I could have imagined.
And I may not live
to see him grow up.
That was my life.
If I had known that the truth
would deprive me of this love...
... I think I would have done
what many women have done before me.
Nothing.
You did well what you did.
Not if I die.
I'm not like you, Jean.
A child needs his mother
more than a mother
needs to be right.
Gentlemen, begin!
Lady...
... following your evidence,
I risk my life
in battle with Jacques Le Gris.
You know my cause
is just and true.
I say it in front of all of you:
I told the truth.
May it be in God's hands!
Justice will be harsh today
by the grace of God.
Let us pray that it will end
like the duel of Flanders.
With Le Gris in a wrestling match,
ripping Carrouges' testicles off.
Let's go!
Let's go! Let's go!
Hurry! Give it to me!
Lance, lance! Hurry up!
Out of the way!
Lance! Lance!
Axe, axe!
Carrouges might
bleeding to death. Oh, God!
Kill him! Kill him!
- Kill him!
- Kill him! Kill him!
Confess!
Confess!
Carrouges, there was no rape.
There was no rape.
There was no rape!
In the name of God
and with the danger
of the damnation of my soul...
... I am innocent of the crime!
Then damn you!
Yes!
God be with you, milady!
No... Get up! Get up.
I honor you, knight.
God has spoken,
proving your cause sincere and just.
You fought with strength and humility.
God be with you and your wife!
Your wife.
Long live Carrouges!
Carrouges!
Glory to Carrouges!
Carrouges!
Look!
Subtitle: ghartausz