THIS sumptuous period comedy is loosely based on the life of French playwright Moliére Similar to 1998’s Shakespeare in Love, it sees our charismatic author fall for a woman he can not have and it is their impassioned affair, according to director and co-writer Laurent Tirard, that inspired Moliere to write his most famous satire, Tartuffe.

The film begins in 1658 when Molière (Roman Duris) returns to Paris after years touring the countryside with his acting troupe. He is famed for his crowd-pleasing farces but yearns to write tragedy.

Flashback to 13 years earlier - a young, penniless Moliére is taken in by wealthy Monsieur Jourdain, a stiff-lipped nobleman who wants Moliére to help him seduce a young widow, Célimène.

But while staying in Jourdain’s grand mansion, our passionate hero - pretending to be a priest - is drawn to the enigmatic Madame Jourdain.

It is a subtly stirring love story with a wonderful script. Director and co-writer Laurent Tirard makes the most of the luxurious settings without abandoning close-up shots of his small core cast.

The film relies heavily on visual laughs - Moliére climbing clumsily down a drain pipe, leaping through open windows and bumping into tables - without overdoing the farcical elements.

Proving why critics constantly describe his as Mr Versatile, Duris is an endearing lead; earthy, angry, heartfelt.

His effort is more than matched by Laura Morante as the strong, honourable Madame Jourdain.

While this 2007 film may not change the world, it is well worth watching.