Watch Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge

Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge is a 2016 biographical drama film that chronicles the life and work of the pioneering scientist who, along with her husband Pierre Curie, made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of radioactivity. Directed by Marie Noëlle, the film stars Karolina Gruszka, Arieh Worthalter, and Charles Berling in the pivotal roles.

The film is set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when women were still struggling for recognition and respect in the male-dominated world of science. Marie Curie, a brilliant physicist and chemist, defied the odds and went on to become the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and the first person to win two Nobel Prizes in different fields.

The movie begins with the young Marie Salomea Sklodowska arriving in Paris from Poland, determined to pursue her studies in science. She struggles to make ends meet, working odd jobs and relying on the kindness of her sister and brother-in-law, who are themselves struggling artists. But Marie's intelligence and determination catch the attention of a prominent scientist, Pierre Curie, who recognizes her potential and offers her a job in his laboratory.

Pierre and Marie soon fall in love and get married, forming a partnership that would lead to some of the most important discoveries in the history of science. Together, they work tirelessly to isolate the elements of radium and polonium, eventually discovering radioactivity and its potential uses in medicine.

But Marie's success is not without its challenges. She faces discrimination and skepticism from her male colleagues in the scientific community, who are threatened by her intelligence and success. She also struggles with personal tragedies, including the death of her husband in a tragic accident, and the loss of her daughter Irene to illness.

Despite these setbacks, Marie remains steadfast in her pursuit of knowledge, determined to make a difference in the world through her work. The film culminates in Marie's acceptance of her second Nobel Prize, where she delivers a powerful speech about the importance of science in advancing human understanding and progress.

Overall, Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge is a moving and inspiring portrait of one of the greatest scientific minds of the 20th century. Gruszka's performance as Marie is gripping and nuanced, capturing both the strength and vulnerability of this pioneering woman. The film's stunning visuals and period costumes also lend an authentic feel to the historical narrative, transporting the audience back in time to witness the struggles and triumphs of this remarkable scientist. The film serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Marie Curie, and a reminder of the power of knowledge and perseverance in achieving greatness.

Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 100 hours. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 49.