Set in 1820s Paris during the Restoration. The Duchess of Langeais, Antoinette (Balibar), is sought after by general Armand de Montri-veau who falls for her as in lover at first sight. She's a smart socialite, adept at the ways of high living, the pursuer is a handsome Napoleonic war hero with stories of bravery. Although she is married, she's flattered by his attentions and engages him in a skillful game of cat and mouse.
Montriveau eventually is angered by her game and attempts to exact his revenge, which finally piques Antoinette's interest. But now it may be too late. The politics of the period are palpable as the social constraints of the would-be lovers stand sentinel to their unrequited love. This is set in a period of forbidden love and romance of the early 19th century.
