French director Claude Berri's stunning adaptation of the acclaimed Marcel Pagnol novel is the winner of numerous international awards and is the world's most popular foreign language film ever. City-dweller Jean de Florette (Gerard Depardieu) moves his family to the Provence countryside in the 1920s to forge a new life as a farmer. But his proud, cocky neighbouring rival Le Papet (Yves Montand) schemes with his simple-minded nephew Ugolin (Daniel Auteuil) to acquire some nearby land ensuring the novice owner never discovers an all-important natural spring on the property. A wholly captivating, emotionally powerful and beautifully photographed classic epic of innocence, evil, greed, envy and revenge.
Directed by
Claude Berri
Written by
Claude Berri (adaptation); Gérard Brach (adaptation (as Gerard Brach)); Marcel Pagnol (novel).
Starring
Yves Montand (Cesar Soubeyran / 'Le Papet'); Gérard Depardieu (Jean de Florette (as Gerard Depardieu)); Daniel Auteuil (Ugolin); Elisabeth Depardieu (Aimee Cadoret); Margarita Lozano (Baptistine); Ernestine Mazurowna (Manon Cadoret); Armand Meffre (Philoxéne); André Dupon (Pamphile (as Andre Dupon)). Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
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Both Tough, and Touching, to Watch
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Recommended
Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources are both tough to watch, and touching to watch. Tough due to the spiritual battle between good and evil that takes place between Jean, Cesar and his sidekick Ugolin. And touching most poignantly of all when Manon learns the truth of the reality of her father’s fate, and with it too the harsh reality of the dark side of life. Ultimately though, as God promises us will happen, the truth is uncovered and Manon is the one that triumphs – albeit at great personal cost. Set against the backdrop of rural Provence the films flow along at a relaxing pace and keep the viewer engaged in one of the greatest adaptations of a novel ever to be brought to screen.
