Based on the novel "The Moon and The Sun" by Vonda N. McIntyre, The King's Daughter is a historical fantasy movie that follows the young girl and secret daughter of the king, Marie-Josèphe, as she arrives at Versailles after living the first part of her life in a convent. The French court offers insurmountable beauty and grace to Marie - who has never been anywhere but the convent she was raised in - until she realizes that everything is not what it seems to be.

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Though the movie was originally slated to release in 2014, it was delayed to 2022 and released without promotion in January. While the movie may not have been received well by critics, it has a lot of moments that inspire hope. These moments are made better with the movie's standalone quotes that are worth remembering long after the movie is over.

When King Louis Finally Cares For Someone Other Than Himself

"It's something terrible. To care for someone."

Split image of Marie Josephe and King Louis XIV in The King's Daughter

Throughout the movie, King Louis XIV - Marie's father - is only concerned with his own well-being. Even after meeting his daughter, who he has affection for, his focus remains on his own goal of attaining immortality. It isn't until the climactic scene that he finally lets himself care for someone other than himself.

This quote remains relevant to real-life as well because it can be so much easier to be self-centered and not care about anyone. However, as realized by the King when he states this line, while it may make one more vulnerable to care about others, there's a certain beauty that comes with loving another human being, and that feeling is irreplaceable.

When The Head Abbess Calls It

"To a lavish and glimmering hell."

King Louis walks through the halls of Versailles in The King's Daughter

This line is stated right in the beginning of the movie by the Head Abbess at the convent when news arrives that Marie must go to the French court. Versailles forms a breathtaking picture, but like most royal courts, it is full of deceit and lies. Everyone residing there has their own vendetta to fulfill, proving the Abbess's quote to be unfortunately accurate.

As Marie and the viewers come to realize, all that glitters is not gold. This is heavily applicable to daily life as well because it can be very easy to get duped by something or someone just because they present a pretty picture.

When The King Gives Marie Credit

"Life is filled with suffering ... and you have suffered with such grace."

Pierce Brosnan as King Louis in The King's Daughter

Said by the King to his daughter, this quote is reflective of how much he admires Marie's tenacity and bravery in The King's Daughter. Marie hasn't let her past make her bitter, something that the King is guilty of. Moreover, she faces every challenge life throws at her with the hope of perseverance.

As seen in the movie, it is very easy to become angry with how one's life has turned out and this quote is a simple reminder that suffering, while painful, is a universal experience. While one may not be able to control what or how much they suffer, each individual can choose how they react, which makes it ironic that these words come out of the King's mouth.

When Marie Speaks About Freedom

"I'd choose my cello, my freedom."

Marie-Josephe talks to Yves in The King's Daughter

Marie is not only gifted with the cello but also passionate about playing it. As she tries to prepare a piece for the King, she realizes that she's struggling with creativity. Moreover, it's mentioned that she hasn't played for years. She is only able to play the cello to her best abilities when she meets the Mermaid, making her and the Mermaid inextricably linked to each other.

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This elevates the meaning behind the quote, going beyond playing an instrument to become a metaphor for the freedom of the two women held captive. Not only does it show the importance Marie gives to free will, but it also foreshadows the movie's ending.

When Marie Reminds The King Of Her Mother

"You are something they can never be ... an individual."

King Louis talking to Marie in The King's Daughter

This is spoken, yet again, by the King. Seemingly, most of his quotes appear uncharacteristic as he himself seems to lack the insight to follow through on them. However, they hint at a past where he may have once lived by them. What makes this quote one of the best is the fact that, while talking to his daughter, he is referring to her mother.

Marie's uniqueness and originality shine through in the court of Versailles, where everyone copies each other, reminding the King of how her mother used to behave. He is shown a glimpse of his past in his daughter and he recognizes the importance of being an individual rather than a member of the crowd.

When The King Finally Gets It

"Only love is immortal."

King Louis with Père Le Chaise in The King's Daughter

Père Le Chaise is one of the most intelligent characters in The King's Daughter and the voice of reason and sanity for the King, though most of his advice falls on deaf ears. Despite trying his best to make the King understand the importance of love and life, it isn't until the ending that his efforts find fruition.

After chasing the idea of becoming immortal for so long, the King finally lets it go for the sake of his daughter's life and the memory of his wife. The fact that it is the love he still feels for his wife combined with a newfound love for his daughter that makes him finally let go of his altruistic nature, is all the proof that this quote needs to substantiate itself.

When Magali Delivers Marie Some Hard Truths

"You must stop hoping for a perfect world when we live in this one."

Magali stands behind Marie Josephe in The King's Daughter

Said by Magali, this line gives the fairytale movie adaptation a very dark undertone. Not only is she speaking from a place of negativity and sadness, but also from a place where there seems to be no hope.

What gives this quote a lot of weight is the fact that despite hearing the truth in Magali's words, Marie doesn't give up. No matter what happens to her, she is fuelled by her strong will and optimism. This is also what helps her not only free the Mermaid but also bring her father's sense of humanity back.

A Fundamental Question

"What makes your desire to sail the sea more important than her right to live there?"

Marie-Josephe face to face with the Mermaid in The King's Daughter

In the movie, it is easily understood that the Mermaid has been ripped away from her home and just wants to go back, something that Marie understands very well.

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Moreover, this question makes Yves De La Croix realize the full extent of what he did when he captured the Mermaid. This realization makes him a better person and tells the viewers not only that no one has the right to take what isn't theirs but also that one can always acknowledge that they made a mistake and try to make amends for it.

When Marie Owns Her Life

"Do not assume that because I haven't lived as broadly as you that I haven't lived as deeply!"

Marie-Josephe and King Louis dance in The King's Daughter

Spoken fiercely by Marie, this moment in the movie is a true mark of understanding that each person's life is measured by different experiences. Meaning, one could have traveled to every continent in the world and not found true joy, while another could have gone for a walk in the park and returned feeling fulfilled.

While Marie may not have traveled to many places or had the chance to experience many things, that doesn't mean she doesn't value and enjoy every moment of her life. The realization of the truth in her statement is visible on De La Croix's face and this is another example of how she gets him to look at life through a different lens.

Magali Teaches An Important Lesson

"Trauma at the start of life often inspires greatness."

Magali comforts Marie-Josephe in The King's Daughter

This is another profound line by Magali that speaks the truth, not just in the movie but in real life, as well. Marie's life taking a turn for the miraculous after years of challenges parallels how life can happen in the real world, and there are numerous examples of people who have etched their name in history, despite having tough beginnings.

For Marie, this comes with her realizing that magic and Mermaids exist in the world. Not only that, she gets to discover a whole world under the sea, something she never imagined possible. It is because she persevered through life that she reached a stage of such joy and greatness.

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