Manon of the Spring
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Movie Reviews of Manon of the Spring
Movie Review: A beautiful, heartbreaking tale set in Provence
Summary: 5 Stars
This film finishes the story that was begun in "Jean de Florette." Ten years ago, Cesar (Yves Montand) and his nephew Ugolin plugged up the spring on Jean's farm, causing him to lose his crops and die in a tragic accident. They then bought his land, reopened the spring, and became successful flower growers.
Manon was just a child when her father died, and is now a beautiful young woman, living alone in the hills with her goats. Ugolin falls hopelessly in love with Manon on first sight, and Cesar, desperate for his family name to go on, encourages his nephew to court her. She, however, despises them both after learning they inadvertently caused her father's death. She takes her revenge, Ugolin takes a pitiful step, and, too late, Cesar learns a heartbreaking secret.
This very moving story has been compared to a Greek tragedy; it shows the pain of unrequited love, the power of vengeance, and the irony of fate. Yves Montand is wonderful as the greedy, clever, and lonely Cesar. I recommend seeing "Jean de Florette" first, and then you can enjoy the story's surprising and touching resolution.
Kona
Movie Review: A beautiful sequel
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie is the sequel to JEAN DE FLORETTE, which really should be seen before viewing this one. It's 10 years later, and the little girl Manon (Emmanuelle Beart), who knows the secret of the spring, is grown up now. Ugolin (Daniel Auteuil) has fallen madly in love with her, but she repels him and then reveals the secret. He commits suicide. Then it's revealed, though it's no surprise, that Mannon's father was actually the son of Ugolin's uncle Le Papet (Yves Montand). We could figure this out from he beginning of JEAN DE FLORETTE.
Again, though, this is a folktale expressed on film and surprises are not important, only the telling is - and that is done excellently. The portent of magic is even introduced when the town's well dries up in a drought; a "ceremony" is conducted and the water flows again. The characters are simple and direct and do only what they have to do to further the story. There is evil committed and evil avenged. Hans Christian Andersen or the Grimm Brothers would be proud of this movie. It's a beauty to watch. Definitely worth checking out.
Movie Review: Revenge is Sweet
Summary: 5 Stars
Set in the picturesque countryside of France, Manon, the daughter of Jean de Floret, remains behind being cared for by a neighbor while her mother goes to the city to find work. The death of her father keeps her from leaving the countryside to seek vengeance on Ugolin and his uncle Cesar, both of whom are responsible for his death.
Manon tends to the land keeping to herself. Captured by her beauty is Ugolin. To keep the family line from fading, he seeks out the young woman picking up the ribbon she has left behind sewing it to his heart.
When she discovers that both Ugolin and his uncle are responsible for the death of her father, she commits the perfect act that not only ruins both uncle and nephew, but wakes up the townspeople who have allowed themselves to be manipulated and controlled by Cesar.
The rural landscape of "Manon of the Spring" is a sigh of relief from the bustle of the city but it does explore the attitudes of the people that inhabit the place and their appreciation for the land and culture.
Movie Review: A classic
Summary: 5 Stars
This film is the sequel to Jean de Florette. "Sequel" is a poor description of the film though because this film is more of a continuation and conclusion (think Lord of the Rings series) to the story. The story is beautifully filmed and compellingly told. It contains a tragic sense with a strong almost Dantesque sense of justice. (In the Inferno, those who suffer, suffer in accordance with the "sins" that brought them to hell. For instance, Count Ugolino's story of his starvation and the starvation of his children at the hands of Ruggieri. Ugolino gnaws perpetually on the nape of Ruggieri's neck: Ruggieri starved Ugolino and his sons so he is eaten by Ugolino eternally.)The author, Marcel Pognol, grew up in Provence where the story is set and has essentially created a classic greek tragedy in Catholic Provence. It is a beautiful, haunting story. You will watch it numerous time. One of the best films ever made. The two part series may be better than Babette's Feast.
Movie Review: The sweet smell of revenge
Summary: 5 Stars
In the first part of this sequel, Jean de Florette, there has been a murder. So remeber Emerson statement: Commit a crime , and the world is made of glass.Emmanuelle Béart is one of the most beautiful actress in the world, his charm is so arresting that gives us the perfect role for this work. She made her debut in the screen in this one.
She knows more than Daniel Auteil believes, he falls in love with her but...
The second part of this work is extraordinary. You can miss the absence of Depardieu, that's why the director makes a clever less lineal with more surprises and even satirical approach. Remember the miracle water, for instance.
Yves Montand may well have done the best achievement of his long career in this role.
Watch this enjoyable film, and remember this is the second part of the story.