Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge 2017

Biography

Drama

Romance

Box Office

$1.9M

Runtime

100 min

Language

French

Directed by

Marie Noelle

Made by

Kino Swiat

Test your knowledge of Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge with our quiz!

Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge (2017). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

As the film unfolds, it takes us through the remarkable life of Marie Curie, portrayed by a talented actress, during the significant years of 1904 to 1911. Together with her devoted husband, Pierre Curie, she embarks on an innovative journey to isolate the elusive element radium, a follow-up to their earlier discovery that ignites the beginnings of harnessing radioactivity for cancer treatment. However, tragedy strikes when Pierre suffers a sudden and fatal accident involving a horse-drawn wagon, plunging Marie into profound grief. Despite her heartache, her unwavering commitment to science drives her to take over her husband’s prestigious lectures at the University of Paris.

In this new chapter of her life, Marie captivates audiences at the inaugural Solvay conference, where she stands out as the only female participant. A serendipitous meeting with the charming Albert Einstein brings laughter and joy to her during a time filled with challenges.

Upon returning to Paris, Marie sets her ambitions on securing a place in the French Academy of Sciences, an institution stubbornly dominated by men. Even though she faces a disappointing loss, her spirit remains unbroken, prompting her to intensify her efforts. In the midst of her endeavors, her close friend, Paul Langevin, becomes the focus of her affections, leading to a secretive romantic relationship that ignites a public scandal when his wife discloses their affair to the press.

As the tumult of this period begins to settle, Marie’s steadfast dedication to her work is recognized with the award of the 1911 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, marking her second Nobel honor after her Physics award in 1903. Upon hearing of the scandal in Stockholm, the Swedish ambassador pressures her to decline the prize; however, Marie’s unwavering strength and determination shine through. She travels to the city to deliver an acceptance speech that cements her status among the revered scientific elite.

Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge (2017) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Discovery of Radium

Marie Curie and her husband Pierre set out on an innovative journey to isolate radium. This groundbreaking work follows their earlier discoveries and lays the groundwork for harnessing radioactivity for cancer treatment.

1904

Tragic Death of Pierre Curie

A sudden and tragic accident involving a horse-drawn wagon claims the life of Pierre Curie. Marie is plunged into deep grief, facing the loss of her partner both in life and in groundbreaking scientific endeavors.

1906

Marie Takes Over Pierre's Lectures

Despite her heartache, Marie Curie steps up to take over her husband's prestigious lectures at the University of Paris. This transition marks a significant milestone as she grapples with the challenges of being a female scientist in a male-dominated field.

1906 University of Paris

Inaugural Solvay Conference

At the inaugural Solvay conference, Marie becomes the only female participant among a group of prominent scientists. This event establishes her as a significant figure in the scientific community and showcases her contributions.

1911

Meeting with Albert Einstein

During the Solvay conference, Marie has a serendipitous and light-hearted meeting with Albert Einstein. This encounter brings laughter and joy to her amidst the personal and professional challenges she faces at this time.

1911

Ambitions at the French Academy

Upon returning to Paris, Marie sets her sights on securing a position within the French Academy of Sciences. This institution, however, is disparagingly dominated by men, leading to significant challenges in her quest.

French Academy of Sciences

Disappointment and Resolve

Despite her enormous efforts, Marie faces disappointment when she loses the opportunity to join the French Academy. Rather than succumbing to despair, her spirit remains unbroken, and she resolves to push harder for recognition in her field.

Romantic Involvement with Paul Langevin

During this whirlwind of professional challenges, Marie embarks on a secretive romantic relationship with her close friend Paul Langevin. This affair, however, ignites a public scandal when his wife discloses their relationship to the press.

Scandal and Public Pressure

As the scandal surrounding Marie and Paul Langevin unfolds, she finds herself in a challenging societal position. The Swedish ambassador pressures her to decline the Nobel Prize in Chemistry she is about to receive, adding further strain to her circumstances.

1911

Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Marie Curie is awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1911, marking her second Nobel honor after her Physics prize in 1903. This achievement underscores her unwavering dedication to science and cements her status among the scientific elite.

1911 Stockholm

Acceptance Speech in Stockholm

Despite the public scandal, Marie travels to Stockholm to deliver her acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize. Her courage to accept the award amidst adversity showcases her resilience and determination as a pioneering scientist.

1911 Stockholm

Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge Characters

Explore all characters from Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge (2017). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Marie Curie

A brilliant scientist determined to push the boundaries of knowledge in a male-dominated field. Marie's tenacity and intellect lead her through personal losses and societal challenges, ultimately culminating in her receiving the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Her journey is one of inspiration, marked by both scientific triumphs and personal sacrifices.

👩‍🔬 Scientist 💪 Determination 📚 Innovator

Pierre Curie

Marie Curie's devoted husband and research partner whose tragic death profoundly impacts her life. Pierre's passion for science and contribution to their discoveries in radioactivity set the stage for Marie's subsequent achievements. His character embodies the spirit of collaboration and support that fueled their groundbreaking work.

👨‍🔬 Partner 🌟 Innovator 🔍 Researcher

Albert Einstein

A charming and iconic physicist whose brief meeting with Marie infuses her challenging times with joy and levity. This interaction showcases the solidarity and camaraderie among scientists of the era. Einstein represents not only a kindred spirit but also the supportive network within the scientific community.

👨‍🔬 Physicist 🤝 Support 📖 Collaborator

Paul Langevin

Marie's close friend who becomes the object of her affections, complicating her personal and professional life. His character adds layers of emotional complexity to Marie's journey, as their affair leads to public scrutiny. Langevin represents the personal sacrifices made by scientists pursuing love and recognition.

❤️ Friend 🔍 Scientist 🌪️ Controversy

Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge Settings

Learn where and when Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge (2017) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

1904-1911

This time period marks significant advancements in science and technology, as well as the burgeoning role of women in academia. It witnessed the early exploration of radioactivity, resulting in its eventual application for medical uses, particularly in cancer treatment. The early 1900s were also laden with personal and societal challenges, especially for women striving for recognition in male-dominated fields.

Location

University of Paris, Solvay conference, Paris, France

The University of Paris, known for its prestigious educational legacy, serves as a backdrop for Marie Curie's lectures and groundbreaking research. The Solvay conference, a notable gathering of scientists, highlights her role as the first woman among eminent intellectuals. Paris, the vibrant capital of France, is not only a center of culture but also pivotal in the advancement of scientific thought during the early 20th century.

🏛️ University 🌍 Science 🇫🇷 France

Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge Themes

Discover the main themes in Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge (2017). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

💔

Grief and Resilience

Marie Curie's life story is steeped in grief following the tragic loss of her husband, Pierre. Despite her heartache, her resilience shines as she channels her pain into her scientific endeavors. This theme speaks to the struggle and strength required to overcome personal tragedy in pursuit of one's ambitions.

🔬

Scientific Pursuit

The film emphasizes the relentless pursuit of knowledge and the innovative spirit that defined Marie Curie's research. Her groundbreaking discoveries in radioactivity not only advanced science but also opened doors to future medical applications. Her dedication serves as an inspirational narrative for future generations in the scientific community.

🌪️

Scandal and Integrity

The secretive relationship between Marie and Paul Langevin brings forth themes of scandal that challenge societal norms. Despite the public outrage, Marie's integrity and commitment to her work prevail. This theme reflects the tension between personal choices and professional reputations amid a conservative society.

Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge (2017). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

In the luminous world of early‑twentieth‑century Paris, a city alive with salons, lecture halls, and the flicker of new scientific ideas, the film follows the remarkable ascent of a woman whose curiosity reshapes the very definition of possibility. Marie Curie steps into a realm dominated by men, her brilliance paired with an equally passionate partner, together chasing the invisible threads of radioactivity that promise both wonder and peril. The atmosphere is one of restrained elegance—gas‑lit streets, bustling cafés, and the hushed reverence of university chambers—creating a backdrop where intellect and emotion intertwine.

The narrative’s tone balances quiet determination with moments of luminous joy, highlighting the partnership that fuels both discovery and devotion. Pierre Curie—her devoted husband and collaborator—brings a steady, grounding presence, their shared pursuit becoming a dance of equal minds. Their camaraderie is showcased against the grandeur of groundbreaking experiments, the glow of radium vials, and the fervor of intellectual gatherings where ideas crackle as vividly as the elements they study. A fleeting encounter with a charismatic thinker, hinted at through a lively conversation, adds a sparkle of levity amid the weight of their work.

Beyond the laboratory, the film gently gestures toward the societal hurdles that test Marie’s resolve. The world she inhabits is one where brilliance can be eclipsed by convention, and where personal grief looms like a quiet storm on the horizon. Yet the story remains rooted in her unyielding curiosity, the quiet strength of her relationships, and the subtle, ever‑present promise that knowledge itself can become a beacon—guiding her through both the luminous and the shadowed corridors of her extraordinary journey.

Movies with Similar Twists and Themes

Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.