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I can't stop thinking how Maximilian knowing that he's losing his sight and having decided to sacrifice himself for the future of his country, finally made one selfish choice.To be close to Jean whom he'd loved for so long and share intimacy, even under pretense in those circumstances. His painting didn't even really require him to be looking at Jean for his likeness. He just wanted to spend as much time relishing the last chances he had to see him, to undisturbedly stare at him to his heart's content, while he still had his vision and his life.
The pacing of the developments and revelations are near perfect to evoke the whole range of emotions. And a character like Maximilian is devastatingly beautiful.. It hurts :(