This is a very gory account of the St Bartholomew Day massacre of Hugenots in 1572, and the aftermath. There are a number of notable performances, and Isabelle Adjani certainly throws herself with abandon into her role as the royal daughter sold off in marriage to the protestant king of Navarre. There is one howler scenically (are there white cliffs anywhere on the Dutch coastline?). However, the film is directed by Patrice Chereau with a sure hand, although a little less tomato sauce might have been better. ( )