Jean De Florette
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Movie Reviews of Jean De Florette
Movie Review: Part 1 of 2 parts....
Summary: 4 Stars
I like Gerard Depardieu, but JEAN DE FLORETTE is not one of my favorite films. As one New York critic put it, you get to watch Depardieu haul water in various containers for most of the movie. So, why see it or buy it? Because it is necessary to see this film to appreciate the second part of the story MANON OF THE SPRING. Jean de Florette returns to his home in Provence leaving his life in Paris behind. His wife, an opera singer (who warbles a few convincing notes from time to time) and his young daughter Manon accompany him. Manon is named for the operatic 'Manon' -- but of course. De Florette wishes to resume farming on his old family homestead -- growing carnations for the Paris flower market. His land adjoins that of his Uncle (Yves Montand) and cousin (Daniel Auteuil). But there is a problem. The water available for farming will not support the crops on both farms. So, the inevitable struggle for water begins.
I believe the screenplay and direction are by Pagnol, he of MY MOTHER'S HOUSE and MY FATHER'S CASTLE fame. The photography is wonderful, and the shots of De Florette in his garden surrounded by red carnations is beautiful. I bought the DVD because I want the matched pair, and I love MANON OF THE SPRING.
Movie Review: Good Storytelling, But Frustrating
Summary: 4 Stars
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
I'm not quite sure what the appeal is to this movie, but it's definitely there. I've watched this several times in the past 15 years and always got involved with it....and it's companion piece, "Manon of the Spring." If given a choice, I prefer the latter movie, only perhaps because this is a frustrating story, seeing a good man get ruined simply for greed.
Both stories are well-done.
This tragic tale of two greedy people driving a nice man and his family off their land is not only frustrating but sad, especially since their is no happy ending, with the man dying while trying to salvage his property. The second film is years later when the daughter, now grown up, gets revenge.
Gerald Depardieu is the nice guy here, the one we all root for while Yves Montand and Daniel Auteuil are the greedy jerks. These three are famous French actors who always give their audiences good performances.
A big plus in this film is the very nice cinematography, which is why I bought this when it first came out on DVD. This is a fine visual movie, not just good storytelling.
Movie Review: Great Movie, the DVD looks worn...
Summary: 4 Stars
This movie starts out slow. A man comes back to his farm village and he wishes to grow flowers, but there is an inadequate supply of water. The uncle wishes to purchase his neighbors land, which has a spring, but the neighbor is unwilling to sell. What happens next, I do not want to give away. The DVD is not that bad, but I had the feeling I was watching something which might have been a VHS tape. The lighting in the movie was at times a bit dark. But do not let this stop you from purchasing the DVD, just do not expect a showing with rich bright colors.
I give the movie 5 stars, and the DVD 3 stars, so I avarage it out to 4. If I could, I would give the movie more stars, and highly reccomend the follow up "Manon of the Spring". The movie stands up to multiple viewings, and in some ways is even better the second time around.
Movie Review: People seriously liked this movie?
Summary: 3 Stars
I saw this movie in my high school English class. I was very surprised to see that it had come out on video. I remember wondering what happened next. Now that I know the name of the movie, I can get the sequel. Even though I'm curious to find out the rest of the story, I wouldn't rate this as the greatest movie of all time. Still, if you don't have anything better to do, watch it. It is interesting, and it has its comical, and sad moments.Movie Review: jean de florette
Summary: 3 Stars
The story is wonderfully simple told in typical French style with
focus on the characters strengths and weaknesses. It deserves 5 stars. I downgraded because the dvd was from a Korean supplier
done in letterbox with no options.