Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge 2017

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.