Jean De Florette/Manon Des Sources [DVD] [1986] |
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Staring:
Yves Montand, Daniel Auteuil, Emmanuelle Beart, Hippolyte Girardot, Gerard Depardieu
Director:
Claude Berri
Average Customer Rating: 
List Price: £19.99
Our Price: £5.98
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 Jean De Florette/Manon des Sources, 2010-01-22
I purchased this twin pack to add to my library for future viewing. I have seen both films before and consider them to be masterpieces of French film making. The plot, while simple has much in the way of detail to add body to the stories while the acting is superb. As a set, these films belong to that unique tradition of excellence through modesty. No big budget epics here; just honest to goodness good story telling. If you have a taste for French rusticity then you will surely return to these stories to slake your thirst - pun intended.
 Luberon Travelogue?, 2010-02-03
These films are visually stunning and slow-paced as a walking holidy in the Luberon countryside (north-eastern Provence if you just must visit after watching).
I am pleased they come as a set because you need to watch both to understand the story and why the music is so apt (Verdi, translates as "The Power of Destiny").
The acting is excellent throughout, Gerard Depardieu and Daniel Auteuil almost goes without saying, plus Yves Montand's best performance I have seen, Elizabeth Depardieu's patient, supportive resignation to the inevitable, and even Emmanuelle Beart (one of France's best looking but not most powerful actresses) is spot-on here. The characters actions and motivations are easily understood, inevitable even, because the characterisation is so well done.
The plot does rely a little heavily on coincidence, but that may be the book rather than the film, and the story is not as complex and multi-layered as many French films. It is probably more akin to "The Go-between", "Dr. Zhivago" or "Women in Love" (the film, not the book) than "Betty Blue", so may not satisfy cinematic francophiles. (Also unlike "Betty Blue" they keep their kit on, apart from one memorable moment.)
I can't give it five stars because neither are truly great films, but it is wonderful, and you, like me, will want to watch both several times. So buy this double set, it is very good value.
Definitely two of the best films ever produced, 2010-01-30
The films were wonderful.Emotionally draining with great insight into human nature.
It also helped me with the audio aspect of the french course I am at present attending. The sub-titles,which can be used on or off, were invaluable.I would recommend this DVD set to all my friends.
Great films tous les deux., 2010-03-03
I think Manon des Sources is better than Jean de Florette part 1, but they really are different parts of the same whole. Memorable in so many ways - Yves Montand is brilliant as is Daniel Auteuil as the backward nephew, these films are witty, sharp, poignant and with the most memorable plot twist at the end - better even than the usual suspects. Top drawer.
Jean De Florrette / Manon Des Sources, 2010-02-16
These films are so moving , beautifully acted and directed, I viewed them 1st in the early 90's and have watched them a few times as they came on the TV. It is so wonderful to have my own copies and such good value too.
Many people may be put off by subtiltles , me too but the films hold your focus so much that you don't notice you are reading.
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Audience Rating: Parental Guidance
Binding: DVD
EAN: 5060002824283
Format: PAL
Label: Pathe Distribution
Manufacturer: Pathe Distribution
Number Of Items: 2
Publisher: Pathe Distribution
Region Code: 2
Release Date: 2005-11-21
Running Time: 225
Studio: Pathe Distribution
Theatrical Release Date: 1986 |
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