The Taking of Power by Louis XIV

This historical drama unfolds during a tumultuous era of French history when Cardinal Mazarin's death creates a power vacuum that young King Louis XIV is determined to fill. As the fragile balance of power shifts, financial advisor Colbert warns Louis about Fouquet, the ambitious Superintendant who has been secretly plundering the treasury and harboring political ambitions. When Fouquet recklessly offers a bribe to the king's mistress in an attempt to win his favor, he unwittingly sets the wheels of his own downfall into motion. Louis, now aware of Fouquet's treachery, has him arrested.In the aftermath of this intrigue, Louis and Colbert devise a clever strategy to ensure economic prosperity, social stability, and political control. They aim to encourage merchant activity, keep nobles in debt, maintain employment for urban workers, and exempt peasants from taxes. This tactful approach allows Louis XIV to solidify his grip on power while laying the foundations of his enduring legacy. The film delves into the complex web of political machinations, personal alliances, and financial maneuvers that shaped this pivotal moment in French history.