The Taking of Power by Louis XIV (Film 1966)

The Taking of Power by Louis XIV (French: La prise de pouvoir par Louis XIV), also called The Rise of Louis XIV, is a 1966 French television film by Italian film director Roberto Rossellini. Audio in French with English subtitles.

The film was presented at the Venice Film Festival and also distributed in cinemas. This is the most accurate historical reconstruction of the rise to power of the Sun King.

The film revolves around the French king Louis XIV's rise to power after the death of his powerful advisor, Cardinal Mazarin. After the death of Cardinal Mazarin, young king Louis XIV decides to assert his power to control the aristocracy. To achieve this political autonomy, Louis deals with his mother and the court nobles, all of whom make the assumption that Mazarin's death will give them more power.