22/19
The story behind the Veuve Clicquot champagne family and business that began in the late 18th century.. The comet that Barbe Nicole mentions in his letters, and later uses as inspiration to name her Champagne brand, is The Great Comet of 1811, formally named C /1811 F1. It was visible to the naked eye for around 260 days that year.. At the end of the movie it's stated that Barbe Nicole passed away at 89. But in fact she passed away at 88.. Relatively dry period drama " ;Widow Clicquot" is the true story of how in the late 16th century the titular Barbe Nicole Clicquot (rising star Haley Bennett – excellent) inherited the Clicquot vineyards of Champagne from crazy genius husband Tom Sturridge, and with steely determination (and the support of Sam Riley) fought off largely chauvinistic pressure from those around her (including Ben Miles & Paul Rhys) AND oppressive Napoleonic laws, to forge a legacy living on today through Veuve Clicquot. Thomas Napper directs solidly, and Erin Dignam's screenplay (cut with flashbacks) is interesting, tho perhaps only REALLY interesting to wine enthusiasts.