Rose of Versailles, The (2025)

[bunniefuu]

[orchestral music plays]

[narrator] In the mid-18th century,

the situation in Europe

was chaotic and unstable.

In response, Austria and France

aimed to solidify their alliance

through a lasting promise

between the two countries.

This meant a marriage

between the French Dauphin Louis

and the Austrian

Imperial Princess Marie Antoinette.

It was May of the year 1770

when a gilded coach

carrying the young bride

crossed the French border.

[crowd cheering]

[uplifting music plays]

[gasps]

[Marie Antoinette] So this is France!

Such a beautiful country,

filled with so many smiling faces.

[giggles]

[woman 1] Princess Marie Antoinette,

now that you are the dauphine of France,

this is your country.

The land, its people, and all its wealth

belong to you from this day forward.

[gasps]

[woman 2] Oh my, look over there!

- The Royal Guards are stunning as ever.

- [clears throat]

[music stops]

- [Marie Antoinette gasps]

- [clamoring continues]

- [romantic tinkling]

- [male spectator] Princess!

Comtesse de Noialles,

do you know who that is?

[Comtesse de Noialles] That would be

Oscar Franois Jarjayes.

What beautiful young men there are

in France with such grand attire!

I fear you are not aware.

- But Oscar is a woman, Princess.

- [gasps]

[Comtesse de Noialles] She is

General Jarjayes' youngest daughter.

Though a woman, she's the captain

of the Royal Guards Regiment,

and the major's aide-de-camp.

[Marie Antoinette]

Oscar Franois Jarjayes...

[sighs]

MAY 1770

COMPIGNE

[royal fanfare plays]

[Oscar] Your Majesty the King,

Your Highness the Dauphin.

Her Royal Highness the Dauphine

has arrived.

[uplifting music plays]

Your Majesty. I am truly honored

to make your acquaintance.

- [gasps]

- [King laughs]

Nothing could have prepared me

for how lovely you are!

It's as if this young bride

was born to spread joy

throughout all of France. [laughs]

[giggles]

Now, the young man

back there in the yellow is your husband,

the Dauphin Louis, my eldest grandson.

[Marie Antoinette] This is the husband

Mother talked about?

For goodness sake! Come and give

your bride a kiss on the cheek.

[music fades]

If the beauty of your bride

is any indication,

the future of France

will shine as brightly...

[Marie Antoinette] Why was my heart still

when he kissed me?

Why did it not flutter?

[King] Oh, well, that was quick.

[gasps]

[narrator] The youngest daughter of the

renowned Austrian Empress Maria Theresa,

now Princess of France, Marie Antoinette.

The youngest daughter

of the noble Jarjayes family

serving the French royal family,

raised by her father as a son and heir,

Oscar-Franois Jarjayes.

[romantic music plays]

These beautiful roses

will live through turbulent times,

blooming and flowering

in their own unique ways...

near the heart of France, in Versailles.

[music stops]

THE ROSE OF VERSAILLES

May our souls bloom in love

So gloriously

We'll always fight for love

Strong and proud

And in the face of destiny

May our souls bloom in love

The rose of Versailles

The sparkle in your eyes

Will never fade

And our hearts will rise

[Marie Antoinette] As I woke up

I had a destiny now to fulfil

Following my path

I had to wear the tiara, but still

[Oscar] Pinned to my head

Buttons so pure and so white

Shining bright

But I know that one day

My heart will start screaming out

[man 1] In the sunlight

Shining through the clouds

In the wind

that shakes away our doubts

These moments like a tattoo

Burnt into my eyes for you

[man 2] My sacrifice lasts forever

I am yours, you're my treasure

[all] We'll find a way together

May our souls bloom in love

So gloriously

We'll always fight for love

Strong and proud

And in the face of destiny

May our souls bloom in love

The rose of Versailles

The sparkle in your eyes

Will never fade

And our hearts will rise

Shining brighter days

Never fade away

Proud of our ways

What they say

Roses with no rain do still blossom

All they need is love and freedom

We have overcome criticism

Fighting with our optimism

Following the rage of our passion

Spreading seeds of love each season

[music fades]

[grunting]

[grunts]

- [Oscar grunts]

- Oh!

[both panting]

Bravo, you've improved, Andr.

No matter how hard I practice,

you're still the best.

[tranquil music plays]

The time has finally come.

The day you spent years waiting for.

[exhales] I was only 11 at the time.

[Oscar] Father told me that I would serve

and protect the future dauphine,

Princess Marie Antoinette.

Today, when I first saw

Princess Marie Antoinette,

her grace and dignity,

they were as natural to her as breathing.

She was truly born to be queen.

I know it now.

My life's mission

is to keep Her Highness safe

with everything that I am.

- Andr.

- Hm?

Being an attendant for me

will have perks now,

starting with more chances

to see the palace.

I will certainly need help.

Are you up for it?

Yes, of course.

I will always be by your side.

That has never changed, and never will.

[music fades]

[man] Oscar,

you did your duties well today.

Yes, Father.

You are our pride and joy.

Both to the Jarjayes and to me.

Thank you, Father.

[woman] Andr, were you out

practicing with swords again?

Grandma.

- [General Jarjayes] Protect her.

- Hm. Listen here.

Lady Oscar may be friendly

and extend you special treatment,

but you must never forget,

they are nobility,

while we are commoners and servants.

Yes, I am still fully aware of that.

- Understood?

- Sir. Yes, sir.

[sighs] How could I forget?

[Marie Antoinette] All of the sparkles

In all the lands

They all should be right there

In my hands

My life is a magic dream

That came true

My wishes are a million stars

In a sky of blue

I collect fine diamonds

And dresses, jewelry, all this is mine

Champagne, lots of chocolates

I wanna play, have fun all the time

Everywhere that I go

They all follow me

Just a wave and I know

It's me they've come to see

Follow the way, the only way

'Cause the traditions are strict

But every day, we get to play

Tea party, dance and music

How wonderful life is

La vie en rose

Everything you see now here is mine

My future is bright

And all will be fine

Yeah, they all will follow me

I'm their star

But something is missing here

Deep inside

Everything you see now here is mine

A life full of joy

With nothing to hide

Yeah, they all will follow me

I'm their star

Yet, somehow I feel

Something is not right

But nobody knows I feel this way

Or why I hide behind a lie

There's an emptiness inside

That I cannot deny

But I... I believe in me

I can tell

What is important to my heart

I'll always be true to myself

And live my life the way I want

Everything you see now here is mine

Yeah, they all will follow me

I'm their star

I pray that someone

Will see through the lie

I'm here all alone

And I don't know why

[music fades]

Three years of marriage

have passed quickly.

Yet I wonder why the dauphin

stays at such a distance?

Being reserved and considerate

are features of His Royal Highness.

There was a book that I once read.

I believed it when it said

women marry their destined partner

only after they fall in love.

A love that soars like Icarus

on brilliant wings.

An intense storm of yearning

that strikes like lightning,

changing you forever.

Is this my life?

Living in the absence of that love

with joy evading me?

Joy will not evade you.

There is a remarkable duty

you will inherit.

You are to become the Queen of France.

If I may, no ordinary woman

could ever hope for a life such as yours.

I know.

Myself, I have the honor

of protecting Princess Marie Antoinette.

My delight, and most important duty.

[Marie Antoinette] Oscar...

[chuckles] Moments like these

make me sure of it.

Had you been born a man,

I would be in love.

[chuckles]

[laughter]

[Oscar] Princess, I beg you,

return to your chambers!

Sneaking off to Paris in the middle

of the night would invite disaster.

Allow it this once, Oscar.

Please, I feel so trapped right now.

[Oscar sighs]

[suspenseful music plays]

[courtiers] Masquerade, masquerade

Party up, party on

Masquerade, masquerade

Dressing up, dreaming on

Hide your face, show your heart

Hide the truth or play a role

Find your place, time to start

Forget everything, have it all

Masquerade, masquerade

Privacy, secrecy

Masquerade, masquerade

Fantasy, jealousy

Meeting up, passing by

And saluting everyone

Champagne makes you high

But it's flowing like a poison of love

[men] A one-night game of rivalry

[women] Under the rules of chivalry

[men] Who will be prey?

Who will be chosen

[women] And who will hunt?

No time to run

[men] It's pleasure with duplicity

[women] Both love and immorality

[all courtiers] Whispers

In all anonymity

A fun game of depravity...

[women giggle]

How lovely.

[Marie Antoinette giggles]

- [courtiers] Masquerade, masquerade...

- [Marie Antoinette gasps]

Show your heart

Hide the truth or play a role

Find your place, time to start...

[gasps]

[gasps]

[gasps]

- [Marie Antoinette] Uh...

- [women giggle]

[Marie Antoinette gasps]

[music stops]

[breathes shakily]

- [man] Excuse me. Miss?

- Huh?

Pardon me. May I have the next dance?

[gasps]

- State your name at once!

- [Marie Antoinette] Oscar!

When asking for the name of a stranger,

is it not common courtesy

to start by giving your own?

Oscar Franois Jarjayes.

Royal Guards Regiment

major's aide-de-camp and captain.

Hans Axel von Fersen is my name.

From Sweden. My title is that of count.

[Oscar] Von Fersen.

If you truly want a conversation,

you can come to the Palace of Versailles

and properly request a formal audience.

[Fersen] Uh...

As for title,

she is the dauphine of France,

Princess Marie Antoinette.

[gasps]

Uh...

[serene music plays]

[Comtesse] Your Highness.

There is a young Swedish count

who hopes to obtain

an audience with you if permitted.

[gasps]

[Marie Antoinette] How very kind of you

to come, Count von Fersen.

[Fersen] To see you again is a joy.

I am honored.

[music fades]

[horse neighs]

- [Marie Antoinette screams]

- [crowd gasping]

[Marie Antoinette] Someone please help!

- Please hold tight, Princess!

- [Marie Antoinette whimpers]

[dramatic music plays]

Ha!

[Marie Antoinette whimpers]

[Oscar] Your Highness!

Please close your eyes.

Please help me, Oscar!

[grunts]

[Oscar grunts]

[Fersen] Your Highness!

Oscar!

[music fades]

[King] Andr, correct?

The dauphine was injured

facing grave peril

due to a horse

you brought out of the stable.

The punishment for your crime

shall be death!

[whimpers]

- [Oscar] Your Majesty!

- [gasps]

- [courtiers gasp]

- [King] What is this?

[somber music plays]

[Oscar] What happened was an accident.

Andr is not the one to blame here.

Most of you witnessed the event,

did you not?

[courtiers mutter]

Your Majesty, please.

If Andr must be

the one condemned for this...

then as his master,

Andr's responsibility is mine.

So please allow my life

to be the first to atone.

Right here and now.

[courtiers gasp]

[King grunts]

Oscar, you...

- [Fersen] Andr is not the one at fault!

- [courtiers gasp]

Majesty, I was witness to the events today

and I saw everything.

Please reconsider.

Fersen...

You're not the only one

who can die for justice.

Uh...

This... This situation

is completely unacceptable.

- [Marie Antoinette] Your Majesty!

- [courtiers gasp]

[King] Marie Antoinette.

[courtiers gasp]

Please. Your Majesty,

I am the one who is to blame.

It was my selfish insistence

to try horseback riding.

My inexperience was to blame

for startling that poor horse.

Andr! Oscar! Von Fersen!

Please, I cannot bear the thought

of any of you dying because of me.

But fear not.

His Majesty the King

is both benevolent and kind.

Very well.

Since the Dauphine of France

is insistent upon it,

there is no blame that shall

befall anyone for this incident.

[chuckles]

[all exhale]

Young Andr, masters such as yours

are a rare breed.

Yes, sire. [cries]

Fersen, you have my gratitude.

This is a favor

that I will not soon forget.

- [Oscar gasps]

- Oscar!

- [Andr] Oscar!

- [Marie Antoinette] Oscar!

[music fades]

[Grandma] My goodness,

you received quite a horrid bruise

from that fall.

I have a special-made poultice

I'll bring out for you.

Thank you.

Oh!

- Oh, Andr!

- Oh, uh...

You will take Count von Fersen

and wait outside of the room.

- Right.

- [chuckles] Why for?

Do you mean to say French nobles are

unable to show their bodies to other men?

[sputters]

[Grandma] How dare you speak to my lady

in such a flagrant manner?!

[Andr] Whoa!

You mean he... he was a woman?

Yes. She is.

Makes sense...

That slender frame, the air of fragility.

But then...

[inaudible speech]

Oh. Now that is a man.

[gentle music plays]

[Andr] Oscar.

You saved me.

Taking a risk with your very life.

One day,

will I have that chance

to lay down my life for yours?

[narrator] It was April of 1774.

Louis XV suddenly contracted an illness.

A dreadful disease called smallpox.

ONE MONTH LATER

[herald] The King is dead!

- [sighs]

- [both gasp]

[all] Long live the King,

His Majesty Louis XVI! All hail!

[both gasp]

A heartfelt congratulations to you both,

Majesty, from this moment on,

you are Her Majesty, the Queen of France.

[whimpers]

[both cry]

[courtiers] Long live Their Majesties

the King and Queen!

All hail the...

[narrator] Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette,

barely 20 years old

when they ascended to the throne

as king and queen

to rule over all of France.

[Parisians] Our king and queen

They are the cause of our admiration

Peace and glory

As bright as the light shining on

We bid farewell

To the past and to poverty

No longer will we fear being ill

Or having nothing much to eat

Oh, rise again, Paris

To be glorious

We put our faith

In brighter days to come

It will be marvelous

[laughter]

The people seem to be in love

with our new king and queen.

They are.

A taste of the strong expectations

the people have for this new era.

[music fades]

[Marie Antoinette] Oscar. Thank you

for your impeccable service.

Becoming Major of the Royal Guard,

I hope you will continue

to faithfully serve at my side.

As thanks, I will have your wages

doubled from their current rate.

This is an honor far beyond what I deserve

for a noble not yet 20.

- Although...

- Uh...

[Oscar] ...France faces challenges.

The coffers of our country

are far from full.

Therefore, I request

that my wages stay the same.

- [Marie Antoinette] Oscar!

- If not the case, I will not advance,

and turn down this promotion.

[sighs]

I understand.

Although...

[sighs] Ah! But in this new position,

I have the ability

to grant any wish you have!

My dear Oscar, what is it that you desire?

I have but one wish.

That Queen Marie Antoinette will become

the wonderful queen the realm needs.

That is all I desire, Majesty.

Ah! [giggles]

This is one of the many things

I love about you, my dear Oscar.

[gasps] I have an idea!

Next time, you should bring Andr along.

Count von Fersen too.

How lovely! The four of us

could have a tea party together.

[courtiers giggle]

[captain] Forward march!

[foreboding music plays]

Shoulder arms!

Present arms!

[Oscar] Captain Girodelle.

Major. Congratulations.

[sighs] Major.

If I'm honest, I feel someone like you

would be better suited to the title.

No, no.

It is my firm belief

that you are the appropriate choice

to be a leader for others.

How kind.

- Is there something troubling you?

- [Oscar] Pardon?

[Girodelle] Your expression

seems somber today.

Perhaps a trick of the light.

[music fades]

Inviting a commoner like me to tea?

That's quite an honor.

Her Majesty is very kind.

When she feels something,

she feels it deeply.

When she likes someone, it's the same.

She acts on her emotions,

trying to be good to them.

That said, her candidness frightens me.

[Andr] Huh? What do you mean?

The money that Her Majesty spends

isn't directly hers.

Her subjects pay heavy taxes.

I worry that the people

could start feeling resentment toward her.

You have nothing to worry about.

The public are absolutely

infatuated with her.

I hope that will continue to be the case.

- And yet...

- Hm?

There's something I need to do.

Another situation that needs my attention.

- [horses hooves clatter]

- Hm?

[Fersen] Oscar, I came

to bid you farewell.

Huh?

I've decided to return to Sweden.

The queen's reputation depends on it.

Her reputation, you say?

Indeed.

Your keen eye likely noticed.

Luckily, no rumors have spread yet.

[sighs] Of course.

Her Majesty has shown

a special kind of interest in me.

Her Majesty is excessively kind.

[gentle music plays]

[Fersen] Just a minute, nothing much

But I remember all of it

Your eyes, your touch

Your candor gleaming everywhere

Captivated my soul...

I agree.

During her time as the crown princess,

she had little restriction

and could do as she pleased,

be around whomever she wanted.

Now, things have changed.

She is now

Her Majesty, the Queen of France.

I know. Which is why I must leave.

Before court starts rumors.

Before it becomes

something neither of us can stop.

You're a rose

That is so wild and free...

Then our thoughts are aligned.

In truth, I was actually on my way

to visit your home.

The advice I aimed to give you

was for you to leave France.

Thankfully, it seems

there was no need to broach the subject.

Ah, then, it was that apparent.

[chuckles softly]

Oscar, please keep her safe in my stead.

Provide the support she needs.

I will see it done. You have my word.

[Fersen exhales]

[music fades]

When I first learned you were a woman,

I was shocked.

Huh?

You are

a credit to your class,

regardless of what gender you are.

You are a valuable friend,

worthy of respect.

[exhales] What kind words.

As I feel the same with you.

[chuckles softly]

Is that right?

Oscar, we will meet again.

Won't we?

Yes, we will.

Until then.

Von Fersen left?

Back to Sweden? Oh.

[sighs]

Why do I feel so strange?

What is this?

I feel as though a gaping hole

has been torn in my heart.

[tense music plays]

[narrator] After Count von Fersen left,

Marie Antoinette began to surround herself

with her favorite courtiers,

most of whom exacerbated

her indulgent tendencies.

[tense music continues]

[inaudible speech]

Your courtiers have encouraged you

to engage in gambling.

You often dote on them,

giving titles and land as they ask.

Please, Your Majesty,

you must show more restraint.

[exhales] Oh, Oscar.

Being generous with my friends

is no great crime now, is it?

Merely friendly gestures.

Being kind is a good thing.

But, Your Majesty!

[music fades]

[dramatic music plays]

[narrator] Three years have passed,

and the lives of the common people

descended into the depths of poverty.

Marie Antoinette's extravagant spending

was not solely to blame

for this situation.

She was, however,

an easy target for resentment.

[inaudible speech]

[music fades]

- [woman 1] We have no bread!

- [woman 2] No milk for my child.

[woman 3] That Austrian woman

is destroying France.

[commoners mutter]

[woman 4] How are we supposed to survive

if this keeps happening?

[gasps]

[chimes tinkle]

Four years already?

Hardly recognized you.

I hear talk of you even in Sweden now.

Chatter of a skilled woman

leading the Royal Guard.

Uh...

So, how long will you be staying

in France this time?

Unknown. It depends.

The reason I came

is to find myself a bride.

[Oscar] Oh?

Following my Father's orders.

I will succeed him as count one day.

Staying single forever

isn't an option, of course.

I... I see.

And what of Her Majesty?

Tomorrow, I will visit her at court.

Although, the days of casually

visiting with her are a thing of the past.

You are correct.

Finding a bride?

Fersen?

What is this pain in my chest?

[Marie Antoinette] Is that really

Hans Axel von Fersen?

[chuckles]

Your Majesty.

My visit is short-lived.

I intend to find a wife while in France.

[gasps]

[woman] I will see you later,

Your Majesty.

[melancholy music plays]

Fersen?

Getting married?

[sighs]

It was always bound to happen.

Why should I be so surprised?

Why?

My heart.

[cries]

I had to.

I know that staying away from her

is the right thing to do.

Had I followed my feelings,

I would be betraying His Majesty.

This is for the best.

Watching her from a distance,

where it's safe.

[gasps]

[gasps]

Fersen!

Uh...

Your Majesty. Apologies.

No, no.

So then, have you decided who you...

The one that you wish to marry?

[Fersen] There will be meetings

with some eligible ladies.

[Marie Antoinette sputters]

[Marie Antoinette] That is... very good.

Please do let me know who you decide upon.

We should celebrate, no?

[melancholy music continues]

[exhales]

Thank you. I look forward to it.

[exhales] I wish you every joy in life.

[cries]

- [Marie Antoinette gasps]

- [gasps]

[whimpers]

[music stops]

[sighs]

[cries]

[gasps]

- [Fersen grunts]

- [Marie Antoinette cries]

[gentle music plays]

[Marie Antoinette cries]

Fersen. Oh, my sweet von Fersen! [cries]

[gentle music continues]

[Marie Antoinette] It happened

That night

Was it destiny?

It felt like a new light

Something had changed so subtly

[Fersen] I know

What I'm feeling is true

Not sure how to say it to you

- All my emotions are growing stronger

- [Marie Antoinette] Growing stronger

[both] Cannot keep them in any longer

[Fersen] I love you so

[Marie Antoinette] I'll hold you tight

And never let you go

Tonight, our hearts are bound

And this love will be yours and mine

Together now, you and I will shine

[ both] And hold me tight

To never let me go

Our hearts are full of joy

As they're beating in harmony

With you, my life will be heavenly

Be honest just for now

With me, with me, with me

I hope you can see how

My love is true as can be

Be honest just for now

The truth is ours alone

We treasure it and vow

To share this love of our own...

[Fersen] I am so sorry.

Forgive me.

Even if a blade were at my neck

in this moment,

I would have no regrets.

There is nothing you need to say.

The joy that I feel

is all that I have wanted for so long.

[both] The resonance of love

Who knows what awaits ahead?

On Earth or up high above

I swear I meant what I said

It's you I'm dreaming of

[music fades]

[courtiers chatter]

The Queen seems to shine

with even more radiant beauty these days.

[woman 1] Are you not yet aware, then?

[woman 2] My understanding

is that Count von Fersen

is the reason for her glow.

- Quite so. He is her lover!

- [woman 3] Surely you jest!

[man 1] That is most troublesome news.

Has Her Majesty

forgotten her duties as queen?

[man 2] Betraying His Majesty the King

is tantamount to betraying

the whole of France.

- [sighs]

- [woman 4] How shameful.

[Oscar] Your Majesty. With utmost respect,

I beg to offer counsel.

Within the court,

there are rumors

of your relationship with von Fersen.

Did you forget what your position

as the Queen of France demands of you?

As the mother of our nation?

Aside from Fersen,

your indulgences and extravagances

are a danger.

The people suffer.

Resentment is brewing

among nobles and commoners alike.

I ask... No, I beg you to heed my advice.

Should this continue, I fear a grave peril

will befall you, Your Majesty.

Thank you, Oscar.

I am eternally grateful

for the deep concern you hold for me.

[Oscar] Does that mean--

- Although...

- [Oscar] Uh...

...I had hoped

a fellow woman would understand.

Yet it seems that you are fully unaware.

Uh...

[Marie Antoinette] When I was

but 14 years of age,

I came to this country to be married.

[gentle music plays]

What could I have known then of love?

I was still a child

who just wanted to play.

For an alliance, I became the dauphine.

Then I became queen of all of France,

called "The Mother of the Nation."

My life has been sacrificed for the good

of this kingdom and its people,

but I have needs as well.

So, why?

Why should I forsake

my humanity for title?

Do I ignore loneliness?

The cold? The quaking desire to be loved,

and to love in return?

Your... Your Majesty...

[Marie Antoinette] His Majesty the King

is a wonderful man.

His compassion, modesty,

and studiousness are admirable.

I hold him in the highest regard.

But love?

What he gives me is not...

We do not have love.

[music stops]

- With Fersen...

- [gasps]

When I see him,

I know that the rest of my youth exists

purely to love him.

- He is my first love.

- [gasps]

[Marie Antoinette] The love that soars

like Icarus in the sky.

The storm of yearning that struck my heart

like lightning in a storm.

Emotions that I had long since

forsaken ever getting to feel.

Now, I am enveloped in their warmth.

[breathes shakily]

[Oscar] What have I done?

We're human.

Women with shared burdens.

Yet I was oblivious

to her loneliness and suffering.

[Oscar] What I see is all there is

Always had a life of ease

How to really find myself...

It was my duty.

Protecting Queen Marie Antoinette.

Since childhood, my father told me

that task superseded my own life.

And yet, I see that I failed.

Despite all these years

where I was right by her side. [cries]

Oscar...

[Oscar] I see

How and what caused my heart to start?

Could it be a glimmer of hope

Burning deep within

Am I not who I used to be?

What does shake my heart?

I've made a decision.

I decided that I will never take a wife.

Fersen!

There is only one woman

who holds my heart.

I wish to spend my days with her.

To live in her light.

That said, the love I feel

is not one-sided.

This is a love that the two of us share.

Yet despite that,

marrying her is out of the question.

Therefore,

I will never marry anyone

for as long as I live.

[gasps]

God put her in my path for a reason.

[Oscar] Von Fersen...

However...

it is an unbearable pain.

Feeling this distance whenever I see her.

My queen, who I love so deeply.

[music stops]

To feel such love, and such pain as well...

[Marie Antoinette] The love that soars

like Icarus in the sky.

The storm of yearning that struck my heart

like lightning in a storm.

Soaring love.

That's how it feels?

Then why...

Why is it so heavy?

[courtiers chatter and laugh]

[courtiers gasp]

[woman 1] There, in the white dress.

[woman 2] Oh my! What a stunning beauty!

I do not recall

seeing that young woman in court.

I heard whispers

that she is a foreign countess.

[gasps]

[gasps]

[chimes tinkle]

[Oscar] When I look in your eyes

Then I do realize

That you're looking far beyond

You leave no place for our bond

There's no room for all that I want

Wish you'd know you're the only one

That has my heart

Forever farewell, my true love

You'll always be so beautiful

Like a light from high above

And I just feel so lonely

When I'm longing for you and me

Because now I got a way

I must believe in my way

Accepting my destiny

By moving forward, I'm free

I'll hide my pain and my scars

I'll hold a sword to the stars

And from the moment that I saw you

I knew what I would have to pursue

[Marie Antoinette] Not a chance

To resist

No need to insist

With you, I'm out of the dark

My life got lit up with a spark

Now I know the meaning of love

Being this close to you

Is what I'm dreaming of

Royalty gives a sense of pride

But in your eyes, I see true love

One that cannot be denied

They're both a side of my life

They're the lights guiding me

Through the night

Because now I got a way

I must believe in my way

Accepting my destiny

By moving forward, I'm free

Without deceiving my heart

Or run away from my part

And I will hold my love all my life

Even if I must hold it inside

[both] I want to be myself

I want to be myself

I got to hold myself

Even in the storm and the rain

I want to be myself

I want to be myself

I got to hold myself

Blooming in a world free of pain

[Fersen] The truth is, here is my vow

I pledge my heart to you now

I put my heart on the line

For you and for all my life

[Andr] I'm not expecting a prize

Nothing to hope from goodbyes

Even if we are not united

I will live having love in my heart

[all] Because now I got a way

I must believe in my way

Accepting my destiny

By moving forward, I'm free

I will not lie or deceive

I'm not afraid to believe

This is the only path I can see

Be the man that I do wanna be

I want to be myself

I want to be myself

I got to hold myself

Even in the storm and the rain

I want to be myself

I want to be myself

I got to hold myself

Blooming in a world free of pain

[music fades]

[narrator] It was a time of upheaval

and dramatic changes.

Tensions between France and Great Britain

were reaching new heights

as across the Atlantic Ocean,

the American colonies were fighting

for their independence.

France viewed Britain as an enemy,

and decided to support the Americans

in their effort.

This aid strained

France's dwindling economy even further.

Simultaneously, a series

of natural disasters

ravaged crops and decimated cattle,

resulting in a food shortage.

SEVEN YEARS LATER

[tense music plays]

- [man 1] I didn't!

- I know you stole it!

[man 2] It hurts. [groans]

[moans]

[woman] Stop, thief!

The situation is worse than I thought.

[groans]

Commoners facing oppression

is the way of the world.

I was lucky.

If I wasn't adopted by Grandma

when I was a child, then...

Oh... I... I mean...

Nothing you said was wrong.

Sad and true.

But the nobility of Versailles

have no idea.

Not just the nobles.

The King and Queen

are oblivious to their people's plight.

[horses neigh]

[child sobs]

Please, I beg you forgive him.

That this boy would attempt to steal money

from the servant of a duke,

and with such an unscrupulous method!

[woman 1] It sounds like that boy ran out

into the street to stop the carriage.

[man 1] He knew a servant

would come check on things.

[man 2] The kid tried

to snatch his wallet out of nowhere.

It's the food shortage, my lord.

He likely hasn't been able to eat is all.

Please, he was just hungry!

Whatever the circumstance may be,

he must atone for his transgression

by forfeiting his life this instant.

- Hm.

- [crowd gasping]

- [woman 2 screams]

- [man 3] What's he doing?

Please put the g*n away, Your Grace.

[duke] Hm?

Stand down. Who are you to interfere?

Sir, please.

- [duke] Hold your tongue.

- Go to hell!

[grunts]

- Huh?

- Oh.

[commoners mutter]

I can't stand it anymore!

That you raised a g*n at a child.

You're more monster than human!

[commoners snarl]

[duke] Okay.

[commoners mutter]

Please stop.

What are you doing?

[man 4] You're siding with a monster?!

[woman 2] Stop it.

That soldier stepped in to save this boy.

All nobles are the same.

Well, we've had enough!

Calm your anger!

I beg you to hear what I say.

[duke mutters]

[man 4] Come back!

[commoners yelp]

They're running away!

[dramatic music plays]

Coward.

Well, they got away. But you won't!

- [man 4 grunts]

- Please calm down!

Heaven's sake.

[grunting]

- [gasps]

- [man 5 yells]

You nobles are all b*stards!

- Don't you dare!

- [gasps]

[music stops]

[dramatic choral music plays]

[Andr groans]

No, Andr!

Stay with me. Andr!

[music fades]

Why should we care?

- [man 6] Stop that!

- [gasping]

[commoners murmur]

[breathes shakily]

[man 6] If you strike them down,

you'd be as disgraceful as that duke.

- [man 5] Who the hell are you?

- [man 7] He works for the paper.

We are the people.

Bold, but not ruthless like the nobles.

Are we not?

- [man 7] That's right!

- [man 8] Nothing like them!

[commoners shout]

- [man 8] He is right!

- [man 9] Yeah! Be civil!

Well, you should go.

Thank you, sir.

- [Andr winces]

- Oh.

My name is Bernard Chtelet.

A newspaper reporter.

[Andr groans]

- Andr!

- [Andr groans]

It was severe.

He will likely lose sight in his left eye.

No!

Oh, Andr,

I'm so sorry.

You jumped in to save me.

[gasps]

If it's for you, I wouldn't care

what it was I had to sacrifice, Oscar.

[gasps]

[gulps]

Oh! Oh. Lady Oscar?

[somber music plays]

[Oscar] Andr... [inhales]

Oh God.

This is my fault. [sniffles]

[sniffles]

How could I not have known.

The citizens rage,

pushed to their breaking point.

And now Andr could lose his sight.

I want to know,

what can be done?

How can I help the commoners?

[Bernard] Jean-Jacques Rousseau

is an enlightened writer,

who says this

in his work The Social Contract.

It begins with, "Man is born free."

"But he is everywhere in chains."

[music stops]

[Marie Antoinette] What?

Resigning from the Royal Guards?

It is quite sudden. I apologize for that.

Do you really...

What do you plan to do after you resign?

At the earliest convenience,

I would like to be transferred

to the French Guards.

Why would you ever go there?

In the Royal Guards,

only the noble elites can be soldiers.

Whereas the French Guards

are less discerning.

I am aware.

- Then why?

- [captain] Shoulder arms!

In an effort to protect this country.

Protect the country?

If commoners, who make up over 80%

of this country, can't live in peace,

then the country has no future.

To protect this country,

we must protect the commoners.

Through that, we would essentially

be protecting the royal family.

That was my line of thinking.

My decision is firm.

I will not dissuade you.

Your eyes,

they always look straight ahead,

following the path

you believe is right and just.

Uh...

[exhales]

[General Jarjayes] Andr?

Where is that boy?

You will join

the French Guards with Oscar.

- [Andr gasps]

- Special enlistment should get you in.

Look out for my overconfident idiot

until she faces reality the hard way.

She'll run back soon.

[breathes deeply]

Sir. As you wish.

[jaunty orchestral music plays]

[Andr winces]

Are you certain that your eye's all right?

It is. With time, I've gotten used

to seeing the world with only one eye.

Is that so?

You know, I've a penchant

for putting you through a lot of trouble

while doing whatever I want.

[chuckles] I'll stay by your side

no matter what,

even if it takes us to the French Guards.

[chuckles]

[man] Commander.

Ready. Everyone is at the parade ground.

[music stops]

Shall we?

Colonel d'Agoult?

Why are these grounds empty?

[d'Agoult] The soldiers were perfectly

formed up a few minutes ago, Commander.

[huffs]

[laughter]

Trying to make us take orders

from a noblewoman? That's hilarious!

[laughs] I bet

she's off crying her eyes out.

[scoffs] If that's enough

to make her leave, then all the better.

[laughter]

[Oscar] Anyone care to explain?

Sure! We refuse to obey any orders

that come from a woman, girl.

While we both guard the court,

the French Guards

aren't just pretty ornaments like you lot.

- [man 1] Hear, hear!

- Pretty ornaments, you say?

[man 2] That's exactly right.

A woman commander

won't even know what she's doing!!

[man 3] Where's your husband?

What an honor. Being treated as a woman

out of the gate is quite refreshing.

[man 4] What was that?

Here, you complain of me being a woman,

but can you fight?

Could a single one of you here

outclass me in combat?

How dare you?!

You will face Alain, and I will beat

those haughty words out of you!

I do hope you'll try.

And if I should win this contest,

you'll all attend training.

[soldiers yell]

Colonel d'Agoult, even if he beats me,

you are not to punish the soldiers.

[Alain] So move along

We are warrior

Never surrender

We fight every day courageously

Facing the danger fraternally

We are warrior

Never surrender

Looking for fame's unacceptable

For true fighters

We'll show you how we are powerful

Hand in hand, brothers in battle

We're not here waiting for you

Or your approval

We're fighting hard for our survival

We have to be brutal and cruel

Together, losing's impossible

Let's have a duel

[music stops]

[breathes heavily]

[soldiers murmur]

[panting]

Oh!

Good fight.

Never fought a swordsman like you before.

[Alain grunts]

[chuckles]

[soldiers murmur]

Commander, we really should

punish them for this.

There's no need.

[soldiers murmur]

[Oscar exhales]

[laughter]

- [Marie Antoinette] Be careful.

- [boy] Follow me!

Hurry, Father, Mother.

You both walk so slow!

The Petit Trianon's pond has ducks in it.

I was the one who found them there!

[children laugh]

It is hard to believe

how quickly our children have grown.

It does feel as though time

is in a hurry to pass by lately.

Oh!

My apologies, but could you go on ahead?

I had received a letter earlier

that I still have yet to read.

[gasps]

[somber music plays]

Darling? The children are waiting for you.

[gasps]

- [whimpers]

- [Marie Antoinette] Your Majesty?

Did something happen?

[Louis XVI sighs]

[gasps]

[man] Your Majesty,

for over a decade, the Queen of France

has been in a romantic relationship

with Count von Fersen.

They regularly meet in secret,

and maintain a relationship.

Believe what you will,

but Prince Louis-Charles

is the son of Count von Fersen.

[Marie Antoinette gasps]

Oh...

[whimpers]

Your Majesty...

Your Majesty,

forgive me for this,

but I am in love with von Fersen.

[gasps]

Please believe me when I say this.

Fersen and I have never been intimate

as the letter suggests.

Never! Not a single time!

And I assure you that Louis-Charles

is your own son, Your Majesty.

Hm.

The very first time that I met you,

there was a charm about you

that shone like the sun,

as if the goddess of love

had bathed you in her light.

Words could never express

how dazzling you were to me.

[giggles]

[Louis XVI] There was always

a beaming smile on your face.

You were lively, cheerful,

and had a kind playfulness.

[children laugh]

[sighs]

I, on the other hand, could not compare.

I am not handsome or fit.

I cannot dance.

My conversational skills are bland

at their best.

My King...

[Louis XVI] Despite what I lack,

you married me.

You were kind. You gave birth

to a princess and two princes.

How could I ever chastise you

for seeking your own happiness?

How could I possibly blame you for that?

[music fades]

[cries]

Would I be able to say those three words

if I were thinner,

or better looking for her?

Could I have said "I love you"?

[narrator] The economic situation

in France worsened each year,

putting the royal family

on the brink of bankruptcy.

[dramatic music plays]

Those in the provinces faced dire straits,

and descended on Paris.

The once prospering city

was now dangerous.

Riots erupted.

Looting out of desperation became rampant.

[music fades]

It's not often that Father has guests.

[gasps] Lady Oscar, you're home!

Lord Jarjayes, he said he was...

After all this time,

a marriage arrangement.

Huh?

Marriage?

- Uh...

- [gasps]

That cannot be.

My father would never say such a thing.

[Grandma] Oh, I wish it weren't true,

but he's quite serious.

The man who would be

your husband is upstairs.

[grunts]

[breathes shakily]

Huh?

Captain. It has been far too long.

Girodelle?

Your father gave me permission

to visit you,

seeing that I am a suitor

who seeks a beautiful bride.

Uh... Father!

I want the two of you

to ensure our succession.

Give birth to a boy with strength and wit.

Having an heir

would give me peace of mind.

Father, have you lost your mind?

Mademoiselle Oscar.

[Oscar grunts]

From the moment I first saw you

in the Royal Guards, I knew.

So many years pass, yet I still adore you.

[gasps]

Back then, and every day since then,

I have only ever seen you as the beautiful

and incredible woman you are.

You see me as a

beautiful woman?

Mademoiselle,

even in a military uniform,

your beauty is only magnified.

But you should not face

such heavy burdens.

Why, do you not want

the warmth of home and hearth?

A family of your own?

[gasps]

What nonsense!

I will reject any marriage offer!

She rejects?

[plucks string]

[gentle music plays]

How could I start living as a woman

after all this time?

Why?

What would've been the point

of living as I have until now?

[Oscar] Every time...

[Oscar] In front of von Fersen,

I was made to act as a man

without acknowledging my feelings.

What was that for?

[Oscar] ...all I'm thinking of

My own life brings us apart

So my heart's...

[Oscar] My homeland is France.

I have loved it my entire life.

It was my belief that the path I followed

was right and just.

[Oscar] No room for love...

[Oscar] Regardless...

[Oscar] ...I'm the queen

High is the price

Every...

Why should I forsake

my humanity for title?!

You are our pride and joy,

to the Jarjayes, and to me.

Not showing up

means we refuse to obey your orders.

[General Jarjayes] I want the two of you

to ensure our succession.

Having an heir

would give me peace of mind.

[Oscar] ...to nothing...

Is the life I've been living

the right one?

[Oscar] ...pain and sorrow deep inside

Like a cut, so sharp in my mind

It is blunt as love at first sight

I can't stand it

Stand it anymore

Yet I see my shadow dancing

I can't stand it

Stand it anymore

Dancing on...

[Oscar] Is this life the right one?

[music fades]

[Andr] Oscar.

Being near you was all I ever wanted.

To always stand by your side,

closer than anyone.

Never saying how I felt

was something I could bear.

A burden I would have carried until death.

I wanted...

I only wanted to stay near you.

[sniffles]

Was I just living in denial

that this day would ever come?

[gasps]

[grunts]

[eerie whooshing]

[breathes shakily]

[whimpers]

Is my sight...

[gasps]

[breathes heavily]

Julie; or The New Heloise.

The love story between a young noblewoman

and a young man born a commoner.

Their marriage wasn't allowed.

Only in death was their love fulfilled.

Love fulfilled by death.

[knocking on door]

[breathes sharply]

[sniffs]

Oscar...

[chuckles]

I have no idea how to explain my tears.

They started a while ago, and I have

no clue how to get them to stop.

[gasps]

[Oscar] Julie; or The New Heloise.

When last I read this,

I have to say, I wasn't fond of it.

[sniffs] Why do I feel different?

It's strange.

Have you brought me some wine?

[Andr] Did you already

say your prayers for tonight?

Yes.

I wonder why

all thought this evening

returns to our old days together.

Old days together?

It started with the day

that Grandma adopted you.

It was the first time

you had ever seen this place.

[gasps]

[gentle music plays]

[romantic chiming]

[grunting]

[Oscar] When we trained, sparring

with each other for the first time.

- [laughs]

- [young Andr] It's rude to laugh!

[Oscar] Before graduating

military academy,

when I was chosen to one day

protect the princess for the Royal Guards.

That whole time, you've been there for me,

standing right at my side.

- [Andr sighs]

- So thank you. Here's to you.

[Andr gasps]

[foreboding music plays]

[gasps]

Don't do it. Stop.

[inhales sharply] Don't drink it!

- [Oscar gasps]

- [glass shatters]

[music fades]

[Andr breathes shakily]

[both breathe shakily]

[Andr] I can't think, I can't breathe

All I want is you

All these thoughts in my head

Nothing much I can do

Like a fire in my mind and my soul...

[Andr] Apologies.

[Andr] What I feel for you is so strong

That I'm out of control

Your hair shines

Like a light made of gold, it's divine

Just a strand, so refined

I think you're so sublime

This fierce desire for your touch...

[Andr] You fool!

How could you forget?

Then as his master,

Andr's responsibility is mine.

So please allow my life

to be the first to atone.

Right here and now.

[Andr] Can you hear my call?

Urgent and uncontrollable

I'm in trouble...

I swore that my life

would be spent protecting you!

Oscar.

What was I...

I almost...

[Andr] Overwhelmingly

[music stops]

Andr.

[d'Agoult panting]

Brigadier General Jarjayes!

And you're certain?

Indeed!

I was informed they sold off the g*ns

issued to them through the French Guards,

so General Bouill

is headed their way now!

[gasps]

- [grunts]

- [footsteps]

Selling off your g*ns

is a crime against our country!

You will be sentenced

to immediate punishment.

[Oscar] General Bouill! Please wait.

[Bouill] What is the meaning of this,

Brigadier General?

Do we know with certainty

that it was them?

I would find that hard to believe.

Hm. You never fail to show

how naive you are, Commander.

He's right. We sold our g*ns in the city.

Huh?

What's more, none of us

feel a shred of regret.

I have no regrets for it, and never will!

Why would I ever feel guilty,

selling off those g*ns?

My mother ate warm soup and bread

for a week!

I could help my father

afford medical treatment!

For the first time in his life,

my little brother has shoes!

He won't have to cut his feet

on shards of glass now.

So go on, throw me in jail!

- [soldier 1] I agree. Do what you will!

- [soldier 2] Punish us however you want!

[soldiers shout]

[Oscar] Oh God...

What is this?

[shouting]

[Oscar] How did I not know

that their families were...

[shouting continues]

They even started making excuses.

Their actions are unforgivable.

General Bouill!

I swear to give my soldiers a thorough

reprimand and address this situation.

So, please, General.

[soldier 3] You...

You stay out of this, woman!

[soldier 4] How could a noble

understand how we feel?

[soldier 5] Go ahead, General.

Punish us and get it over with!

And you, Commander?

Are you not our leader? No discipline?

[gasps]

That is enough!

The lot of you will be sent to the brig

and detained for a week.

[gasps] General, please! Wait!

General!

[laughs] Is the brig the worst of it?

Locked up for a holiday!

[laughter]

[grunting]

[panting] Why do you choose not to think?

Sentencing any of you

with a punishment is easy.

I have the authority

to do whatever I want.

So why? Why choose not to suppress you?

Do you think using a whip

would truly make you hear me?

All of you,

your hearts have the freedom of choice.

Background has no bearing on who you are.

You are human first and foremost.

The freedom of your heart is not property.

So think!

Why refrain?

Why not use my authority

to crush you at every turn?

Why have I never punished you?

Why do you make my every effort

be in vain?

- [soldiers gasp]

- [Andr shudders]

[dramatic music plays]

I apologize for striking you.

Also, as the officer in charge,

I apologize for my negligence.

I should have known

about your families' situations.

You were correct. I do not need

or have the right to be here.

Effective immediately, I will resign.

[soldiers gasp]

I appoint Colonel d'Agoult

for the interim.

He will take charge

until he finds a suitable leader.

Brigadier General!

Andr. My horse.

Oscar...

Now then, please follow

Colonel d'Agoult's orders.

[soldiers murmur]

- [soldier 5] Commander!

- Hm?

[soldiers panting]

Commander, please don't go!

We'll choose the brig

and walk there ourselves.

Yes, Commander!

We'll go of our own free will.

You won't have to use force

to make us go either!

- It'll be our choice!

- By our own free will!

[soldier 6] Please!

You would... Everyone?

[uplifting music plays]

I don't know...

I... Everyone...

[cries]

[sobs]

[Andr] Oscar.

You won their hearts.

To think that I almost took this from you.

What a moment of triumph.

[music fades]

[Oscar] Andr. Some wine.

Thank you.

Oscar.

I... Last night...

Since childhood,

you have always been there,

by my side, and closer than anyone.

Do you remember what I said?

I... do.

- Nothing will change.

- [gasps]

Andr,

what I want is for you

to always be by my side.

Not just for now. For all time.

[gasps]

[cries]

[Girodelle] What is it

that you wished to tell me?

There is a man I have known for some time.

I think, or presume,

that if I were to marry another man

while he yet lives, it may end him.

That is how deep

the love he has for me runs.

And I...

If he were unable to live on

because of that...

If it were to make him unhappy,

then I am certain

the weight of his despair

would cause me endless suffering.

[gasps]

[Girodelle] Is it Andr Grandier?

Should I infer that you refuse

to marry anyone for his sake?

Mm.

Andr. Do you love him?

[gasps]

I do not know.

My thoughts of him

had never strayed into that light before.

We were like siblings.

Well, no. A sibling isn't quite right.

We shared our joys and pains.

Experienced many things

throughout our youth.

We were confidants for each other's soul.

So we never noticed

the strong bond that we had formed.

[dramatic music plays]

If he were to face unhappiness,

then you would share that pain.

- That was all I needed to know.

- Hm?

If you despaired,

then I would share in what you felt.

Your unhappiness would make me

the most miserable man alive.

You, Girodelle?

Then please accept this.

It is a gift.

The first and final proof of my love.

My proposal is withdrawn.

[dramatic music continues]

I thank you, Girodelle.

[music fades]

Hm?

What is it?

Father, I am grateful to you.

Huh?

The life I have been

able to live is thanks to you.

I was born a woman,

yet my gender never restricted me.

I was human, struggling with human issues.

Oscar...

I no longer have any regrets.

My life?

I will choose how to live the rest of it.

My heart will guide my path.

A sword in one hand, a g*n in the other.

I'll live as a child of Mars,

the god of w*r!

[Oscar] Now it is time

for us to break the chains

No one can stop true love flow

In our veins

No more will I put down myself again

Believing only in myself and not them

No matter what others may say

I'll cherish all of my memories

Closer to my heart they will stay

Treasure them all like trophies

Now I know how to live my life

Chains of steel

Around my soul

Couldn't tie me down

Not now that I believe in me

No more doubts

For now I fight

It's my choice

I know this is how I can be free

'Cause I am a child of Mars

Doubts are in the past

[music fades]

[narrator] The economy in France

was on the verge of collapse.

In an effort to recover, the government

tried yet again to raise taxes.

Naturally, this triggered fierce backlash.

Louis XVI was forced to summon

the General Estates,

a general assembly that consisted

of delegates from three social classes.

The clergy, nobility, and commoners.

The delegates for the commoners faced

difficulties in attending the assembly,

but kept unflinching determination.

It's time!

Each one of us here shall take a vow.

United. Our actions must be as one.

That will lead us all to victory!

[cheering]

[Oscar] What boundless passion.

- It ignites my soul as well.

- [crowd shouting]

They can see it.

The future they all believe in.

They chose it.

Each heart following their own path.

Oscar, you will return

to the Royal Guards.

Staying in the French Guards is unsafe.

[Oscar] May I ask what you mean?

Troops of His Majesty the King assemble.

They will gather from all over France

and then head for Paris.

[gasps]

They have been gathered

to handle the commoners

incited into vulgar behavior

by those commoner delegates.

With all due respect,

our troops should be used

to keep the people of France

safe from harm.

They should never live in fear that

their protectors would point g*ns at them.

Oscar...

[Oscar] Your Majesty, the way you spoke

of the commoner delegates

paints them as villains.

However, I do not agree,

and I will not vilify them.

[chuckles] I see

that you feel pity for them.

[exhales] No. I merely--

It is the right of the king.

And that authority is from God.

There is one person in all of France

who can lead this country.

His Majesty the King.

If the commoners were to lead the way,

then this country would not survive.

[Oscar] What unwavering confidence

she has. Such great pride.

Her Majesty is truly queen by nature.

She knows of no other way to live.

[gentle music plays]

Oscar, return to the Royal Guards.

Your Majesty, I am

the Commander of the French Guards.

[gasps]

[gentle tinkling]

[gentle music continues]

[Oscar] So this is it.

Adieu, Marie Antoinette.

[music fades]

JULY 10TH, 1789

[narrator] It was July 10th, 1789.

From all over France,

several regiments from far and wide

had finally arrived in the city of Paris.

[Parisians] Anger and pain

We've had enough

Someone needs to be blamed

Days in deep darkness

Look at us now

So depressed and helpless

Listen, all of you!

We can't wait!

The time is now.

The king has challenged the people

of France, and threatens our very lives!

[Parisians] Burning of rage within us

Listen, rise up and take arms everyone

It's over, this time is done

Listen, we're born to be free

It's our basic right

It's why we fight

Our lives we claim

End this regime

Cut off these chains

[all] We stand up straight

Stand our grounds

Hold our heads up high

Together here and now, we are strong

Our future is well worth the try

New rules and laws

For a proud and so mighty France

We dream of being free

And not controlled

Under no circumstance

Oh, vive la France

Liberty, equality, fraternity

- We could never agree to that!

- [soldier 1] How could you ask that?

If we go into the city, it means pointing

our g*ns at the people we serve!

[Oscar] No one has said

where we must point our g*ns.

The orders are to go there.

We were not told to attack.

- [Alain] You know they're the same!

- Is... Is it your noble blood saying this?

My blood as a guiding light?

You think I'm devoid of any feeling?

[soldiers gasp]

Do I have any soldiers who will follow me

without questioning intent?

You will not march there alone.

I'll lead you there myself!

- The commander's going?

- She's coming with us?

You mean you would be going

to the front lines with the rest of us?

Of course I would.

Hm. No more questions, then.

- If you lead, we'll follow.

- [soldier 2] Yeah.

- [soldier 3] Hear, hear!

- [soldier 4] Lead us, Commander!

- [soldier 5] We'll face whatever comes.

- [soldier 6] We trust you, Commander!

[soldier 7] Yes, Commander!

- [Oscar] Andr.

- [Andr] Hm?

- [Oscar] You should stay here.

- [gasps]

Your vision is limited.

Paris is dangerous.

Uh...

We stay together.

Not just for now, but for all time.

Those were your words.

Oscar, I live as your shadow.

Without you, I cannot exist.

So take me.

We'll go through hell together.

Andr.

Yes.

A request?

If you would allow me to be selfish.

Be sure that you never leave my side.

Then I know I can be strong.

Yes. I swear never to leave your side.

[Andr gasps]

You're so warm.

It's comforting to me.

[Andr breathes shakily]

[exhales] It's weak.

I can't let them stop me from going.

They can't know.

No one can.

- Oscar.

- [Oscar] Yes?

There was a reason

I had hoped you would marry.

It was my effort to protect you

by keeping you

from this political tempest.

Now, though, I support you.

Whatever path it is that you now choose,

wherever it is your passion takes you.

Regardless of my choices from here,

you should know

the person that you raised me to become

is not dishonorable.

I pray you know that.

[sighs]

But,

Oscar, you must promise.

Come home.

Please be sure

that you return here safely.

Mother...

[cries]

[knocking on door]

Oscar. I brought you wine.

[door closes]

I'll leave it here.

Andr.

[Andr] Hm?

I wondered

if you would stay

with me.

Huh?

The two of us,

tonight,

where I could be

your wife.

[gasps]

[gentle music plays]

[Oscar gasps]

You're saying

you want this?

Give me your love,

and me give you mine?

Despite how I am?

[exhales]

[music fades]

[cries] Oscar...

[gasps]

Oh!

[Oscar breathes shakily]

- [Andr] Oh!

- [Oscar gasps]

Please. I waited.

We waited in agony.

No more waiting for either of us!

[Andr] Waiting so long

[Andr] Oscar.

We can't wait any longer.

[Andr] ...will come our way

The time is now

I pray I'm not...

No fear.

Only love.

[Andr] ...something to say

[both] You gently come in secret...

Make me your wife, Andr.

[Oscar] I feel your warmth so subtly

[both] When you stand close to me

For you, I'll shine a light

[Oscar] I feel the time is right

[both] I give you my all...

[Andr] I love you.

Through times of joy, times of sorrow,

we have shared our lives in full.

Now? We can share everything that we are.

For now, and all time.

[Oscar] You've been there.

In the fleeting moment of spring,

in the dazzling light of a summer's day,

for the changes of autumn,

and the bitter cold of winter.

We have always run in tandem

as Castor and Pollux in Gemini.

[both] We were meant to be...

[Oscar] You were always there.

[Oscar] ...finally comes true

[both] We become one

I love you

I love you.

[Oscar] Andr.

Andr.

[music stops]

My husband.

I love you too.

Mm.

Soldiers, forward!

[dramatic music plays]

TUILERIES PALACE

[narrator] It was 13th July,

the year 1789.

The beginning of the end.

Where starving crowds threw a stone

at the Royal Allemand regiment,

starting a skirmish.

[screaming]

[man groans]

[Oscar] Soldiers!

Troops have opened fire on civilians.

[all gasp]

There was a time when I told you all

each of your hearts are free.

No matter who you are,

we all have the freedom

to follow our hearts.

No one can force you to live by their law.

Now, allow me to correct a mistake,

for I misspoke that day.

Your hearts are free, but that is not all.

Each strand of hair and fingertip,

it is every part of us.

All of humanity should be equals.

Equal, and free under God.

[soldiers gasp]

[Oscar] Our people of France are rallying.

They are rising

for their brothers and sisters

under the flag of liberty,

equality, and fraternity.

[metal clangs on ground]

From this moment forward,

I renounce the title of comtesse,

along with all of the land and privileges

it ever gave to me.

Now it is time to choose!

Are you free?

Or an instrument of the nobility

with a bayonet to point?

Will you stand free

with your fellow Parisians?

Will you fight in this glorious battle

for the country you know and love?

You! We're with you!

Commander, we'll follow

wherever you lead us!

[soldiers cheer]

- [soldier 1] Long live the commander!

- [soldier 2] Long live France!

Well, then, it is time, brave soldiers.

Let us fight

for our people and our homeland!

Our history will not be made

by a single hero or general,

but by us, the people.

We soldiers will be unsung heroes

of our homeland!

[soldiers cheer]

Our destination is the Tuileries Garden!

Now charge!

[soldiers roar]

[dramatic music plays]

- Andr.

- Oh.

After we win this battle,

we'll have a wedding.

[gasps]

[breathes deeply]

[Oscar] Farewell

to the different yokes

I've carried in life.

The days I cherished, now gone forever.

[dramatic music continues]

[music fades]

[crowd shouting]

[man 1] Take that!

[man 2] The French Guards are here.

Forward!

[soldiers roar]

[Oscar] And fire!

[dramatic music plays]

They're not sh**ting at us?

Are they on our side?

[tense music plays]

- [Marie Antoinette gasps]

- The French Guards? How could they?

Oh! Oscar?

[tense music plays]

And fire!

[soldiers groan]

[Oscar] Do not break rank!

Advance!

- [dramatic music plays]

- [g*nf*re]

Quickly, fan out!

Surround the enemy troops.

Keep the citizens safe!

[soldiers roar]

[soldiers groan]

Make sure to hold the line.

If a woman is leading,

they should be easy to stop!

Ha! Noble dogs.

You don't know our commander.

Let's hear it for the French Guards!

Let's make sure

the French Guards have cover!

[clamoring]

And fire!

[tense music plays]

Ready, aim, and fire!

- [groans]

- [gasps]

Jean! Jean!

- Jean!

- [gasps]

[captain] Ready, aim!

[gasps] Oscar, look out!

Andr!

[captain] And fire!

[gasps]

[tense music slow down]

[music fades]

[g*nf*re]

Andr!

b*stards! And fire!

[soldiers groan]

How dare they? Damn it! Retreat!

Retreat to the Champ de Mars at once!

[soldiers panting]

[distant clamoring]

[breathes weakly]

[Oscar] Stay with me. You're all right!

[Oscar breathes shakily]

[wheezes]

Don't... Don't leave the front line.

[Oscar] Don't talk.

[Andr] Why would...

[groans] ...the commander...

[groans] ...leave the front?

I said don't talk!

[Andr wheezes]

[distant clamoring continues]

Andr!

Let me stop the bleeding.

- [Andr breathes shakily]

- Huh?

[Andr gasps]

I feel your... cheek.

Huh?

And right there...

[gentle music plays]

...your nose. [cries]

Oh. [breathes shakily]

And there, the lips I know.

You can't see.

Nothing at all?

For how long? Andr!

- [cries] Why didn't you say?

- [Alain] Commander!

[Oscar] Why?

Why would you not tell me? [cries]

How could you come here blind?

How could... How could you, you idiot?!

[breathes weakly]

[gasps]

[Oscar cries]

[cries] Andr...

[gentle music continues]

Is that you, Oscar?

Ah.

Ah!

[chimes tinkle]

Those blue eyes.

That elegant strength.

Like the wings of a Pegasus.

Mystical beauty

that makes my heart flutter.

Your blonde hair dancing in the wind.

Soft as a breeze...

[Oscar breathes shakily]

Andr!

[breathes shakily] Don't go now.

Don't you leave!

- [music fades]

- [Oscar cries] Don't you leave me!

Please don't leave me here all alone!

[man] Get off the road! Get out already!

[Oscar] Andr!

[man] Get the hell out!

[cries]

[distant shouting]

[Oscar] Andr!

[narrator] The year was 1789, July 14th.

This day would be immortalized

in global history,

yet the sun rose like the day before.

It was a fine summer's day

with slightly warmer weather.

My soldiers!

The Bastille positioned their cannons,

all of which now target the city of Paris.

- [man] To the Bastille!

- [Oscar] The people are enraged.

Their hearts burn with anger.

They move as one to the Bastille.

- [shouting]

- [woman] You can't do this to us!

[dramatic music plays]

If our people are fighting,

then we should join them.

[soldiers] Huzzah!

[soldiers clamor]

- Shall we, Andr? Ready to go?

- [soldier] For the people!

[all gasp]

[gentle music plays]

I... Just a moment.

[cries]

[music fades]

My apologies.

[uplifting music plays]

[cries]

To the Bastille!

[soldiers roar]

- [man 1] Lower it, cowards!

- [man 2] Surrender!

Come out of that prison peacefully!

[man 3] Lay down your arms!

[screaming]

Commander! Your orders?

Nothing more than disorderly crowds

it would seem.

Show those peasants who we are.

Ready your aim!

And fire!

[screaming]

[clamoring]

[man 4] Move the wounded!

Where are the cannons?

[clamoring continues]

[man 5] God save us!

[man 6 panting]

- [screaming]

- [gasps]

[whimpers]

- [marching footsteps approach]

- [gasps]

[man 8] We're saved!

Thank God!

[breathes shakily]

[crowd cheering]

[man 7] The French Guards are here!

[cheering continues]

[suspenseful music plays]

Aim the cannons!

And fire!

[Oscar] Now's the time

To free us from the chain

We had enough pains

Broken by the strain

It seemed too high and tough

To break the walls...

- We did it!

- Spot on!

[cheering]

Position and aim the next round.

Make sure they go down in one go!

[groans]

[Oscar] ...to get through

And you know that's a no-brainer...

Fellow citizens, set fire to the carts

that are carrying straw.

Use the smoke as a shield,

then attack the drawbridge.

[Oscar] ...else, but for yourself

So brave it out

Just follow my heart and fight...

Alain! Focus on the cannoneers.

Don't let up for a second!

[Oscar] What a crime

They favor to ignore...

Pierre! The drawbridge!

Lead the soldiers down there

with the citizens.

Charge when ready!

[Oscar] ...just a fantasy in my head

It's not a kind of a revenge

We're all just living on the edge

Gotta say goodbye

To the extremes of glory days...

[groans]

And I know that's a no-brainer

Brave it out...

Great work. Keep sh**ting and stay steady!

Once the Bastille's doors are down,

begin with cover fire at once!

[sputters]

[Oscar] Rise up for freedom...

There! They have a leader.

sh**t down their leader right now!

[Oscar] ...on to your faith...

Move up!

La Salle, we need

to blow the castle gate open,

so move cannons forward!

[g*nsh*t echoes]

[Oscar groans]

[gasps] Commander!

[groans]

[Oscar] Just follow your heart

And fight

Not for anyone else...

[Oscar wheezes]

[wheezes]

...follow my heart and fight...

Again! Why are you waiting?

Commander!

[Oscar] ...for my love

Rise up for freedom

Hold on to your faith

Rise up for...

- [soldier 1] Commander!

- [soldier 2] Commander! Commander!

[soldiers panting]

[soldier 2] Alain, your arm...

[Oscar] Keep... Keep fighting.

[Oscar wheezes]

You have to

keep sh**ting.

Just... Just a little more...

[breathes shakily]

The...

The Bastille must fall.

[all gasp] Right!

[all grunt]

[music stops]

[distant clamoring]

[Oscar breathes shakily]

- [Oscar] Andr!

- [gasps]

My sweet husband.

My Andr.

Did you suffer?

I hope it was quick.

[cries] Take me by the hand, Andr.

I would have nothing to fear

if you were with me.

Commander. Hang on.

[Oscar] Put me down here, Alain.

[Alain] Commander,

we'll tend to your wounds.

No further.

Please just set me down now.

[Alain] Uh...

[Oscar groans softly]

[breathes weakly]

[Oscar] Andr is

waiting.

Waiting for me.

[cries]

[commoners roar]

[exhales deeply]

[Oscar] My mind is at peace.

I got to live

without a single regret in life.

My heart always led me.

I was following my guide.

[breathes shakily] I even knew

the warmth of love.

[cannon fires]

[gasps]

[gasps] They... Commander!

The white flag of surrender!

[gentle music plays]

[breathes weakly]

[Oscar] Finally... it's over.

[cheering]

[Oscar] Oh, France, how I love you.

And its citizens.

The brave and courageous French people.

Liberty. Equality. Fraternity.

I hope this honorable ideal

will prevail,

and lay a strong foundation

for all of humankind.

[gentle music continues]

[breathes heavily]

Yes.

L-Long live

France!

[Oscar exhales slowly]

[gasps]

- Commander!

- Commander!

- Commander!

- Commander!

[commoners shout]

[woman] They surrendered!

[man 1] Hooray!

We turned it straight back on them!

[cries]

[shouting continues]

[man 2] We did it! We won!

[man 3] We did it, everyone!

[shouting and music fade]

[uplifting music plays]

[music stops]

[gentle ballad plays]

July 14th, 1789: Fall of the Bastille.

That moment was the beginning

of a new chapter in history.

August 26th, 1789: Declaration

of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

This declaration, honoring freedom

and equality of all people,

became a lasting monument

in human history.

October 5th, 1789: the October March.

Angered by food shortages,

Parisian women marched on Versailles.

October 6th, 1789.

The royal family left Versailles forever

and made their way

to the Tuileries Palace in Paris.

June 20th, 1791: the Flight to Varennes.

Aided by von Fersen, the royal family

failed in an attempt to flee the country.

Anger grew stronger among the citizens.

August 13th, 1792.

Royal authority was rescinded.

The royal family

was imprisoned in the Tour du Temple.

September 21st, 1792:

Abolition of the Monarchy.

Louis XVI abdicated,

and France was declared a republic.

[ballad continues]

January 21st, 1793.

Louis XVI was ex*cuted.

August 1st, 1793.

Marie Antoinette was separated

from her children

and moved to the Conciergerie.

October 16th, 1793.

Marie Antoinette was ex*cuted.

June 20th, 1810.

Hans Axel von Fersen was k*lled

by a mob in his native Sweden.

True to his promise to Marie Antoinette,

he never married.

The French Revolution,

beginning with the fall

of the Bastille on July 14th, 1789,

led to the Reign of Terror,

which ended after Napoleon's

coup d'tat on November 9th, 1799.

These roses lived

through those tempestuous times,

resolutely pursuing their own will.

[music stops]

[narrator] To this day,

their brilliant flowers are blooming.

Each one stands noble and proud.

Their bold petals never fade.

Everlasting radiance,

bathed in warm light.