The King, the Squirrel and the Grass Snake

The King, the Squirrel and the Grass Snake

To shine too brightly is to challenge the sun.

Limited Series 2011 · 2 eps · ★ 8.0 · Drama

Ended

"The king, the squirrel and the grass snake" is a two‑part French historical drama set in 17th‑century Paris, following the intense rivalry between Nicolas Fouquet, the brilliant and flamboyant Superintendent of Finances, and Jean‑Baptiste Colbert, the calculating administrator determined to bring him down. As Fouquet rises in power, wealth, and prestige—building the magnificent château of Vaux‑le‑Vicomte and securing Mazarin’s favor—his influence begins to alarm the young Louis XIV. Colbert seizes the opportunity to undermine his rival, weaving a political trap that will reshape the future of the kingdom. Through court intrigues, shifting alliances, and the growing authority of the Sun King, the film portrays the fall of a man who shone too brightly and the birth of absolute monarchy in France.

Created by Laurent Heynemann

Network: France 3

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Cast

Lorànt Deutsch Fouquet
Thierry Frémont Colbert
Sara Giraudeau Marie-Madeleine Fouquet
Laurent Natrella D'Artagnan
Carole Richert Madale de Sévigné
Davy Sardou Louis XIV
Anne Loiret Anne d'Autriche
Marie-Christine Adam Marie de Maupeou
Marie-Julie Baup Catherine de Manneville
Lizzie Brocheré Louise dela Vallière
Jean-Pol Dubois Mazarin
Dominique Frot Brigitte Lalloy

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