The Red And The Black

The son of a carpenter, Julian Sorel is inspired by the writings of Napoleon to conquer the heights of society. His init... (more)

The son of a carpenter, Julian Sorel is inspired by the writings of Napoleon to conquer the heights of society. His initial plan to work his way up through the church is, however, thwarted when he is forced to accept employment as a tutor--and this rash social entrepreneur certainly has not considered the dangers of falling in love. Stendhal's novel is an amusing and piquant study of hypocrisy and free will in post-Napoleonic France. (less)

"Handsome and ambitious, Julien Sorel is determined to rise above his humble peasant origins and make something of his l... (more)

"Handsome and ambitious, Julien Sorel is determined to rise above his humble peasant origins and make something of his life-by adopting the code of hypocrisy by which his society operates. Julien ultimately commits a crime-out of passion, principle, or insanity-that will bring about his downfall. The Red and the Black is a lively, satirical picture of French Restoration society after Waterloo, riddled with corruption, greed, and ennui. The complex, sympathetic portrayal of Julien, the cold exploiter whose Machiavellian campaign is undercut by his own emotions, makes him Stendhal's most brilliant and human creation-and one of the greatest characters in European literature."--P. 4 of cover. (less)

Handsome and ambitious, Julien Sorel (Kim Rossi Stuart) is determined to rise above his humble peasant origins and make ... (more)

Handsome and ambitious, Julien Sorel (Kim Rossi Stuart) is determined to rise above his humble peasant origins and make something of his life by adopting the code of hypocrisy by which his society operates. Driven by passion, principle or insanity, Julien ultimately commits a crime that brings about his downfall. The red and the black also stars Carole Bouquet (Cesar Award, Best Actress - Too Beautiful For You) in an epic, satirical picture of the French Restoration and a society that is riddled with corruption and greed. (less)