Jean de Florette

There's nothing very extraordinary about any single facet of Jean de Florette (except maybe the writing, which really stands out), but there's nothing at all wrong with any single facet of it either. The acting, the characters, the direction, whatever else you can think of: all are more than competently handled. It's an original, believable, well-realised story, and there's nothing not to like about it.

Sublime, deeply moving drama, and indictment of human nature, pits sunny and likable Depardieu (who is extraordinary) against schemers Montand and Auteuil. Blind-sides the viewer by beginning almost as a comedy, as we suspect the sweet natured Depardieu will leave his enemies in the dust by blind optimism, but switches to intense drama, leading to an unbearably sad deneumont. Exceptionally well shot and written, and marked by precise characterisations by every member of the cast.

Very interesting characters, simple but engaging story. Beautiful pastoral setting, warm color palette with lots of green. Just by looking at this film, like Florette I feel the urge to reconnect with nature.

Every facet of the film is wonderful and even while it doesn't feel particularly original the execution is unimpeachable. Wonderful visual contrasts, excellent writing and superb performances create characters that deliver depth in their simplicity. The commentary is ever present but never in your face and the twists of the plot are all very appropriately handled.

A very satisfying small-scale epic in 2 parts. Berri seems particularly interested in exposing the close-mindedness and nastiness of a certain breed of rural hick while giving them a small amount of redemption. Things get a little goofy in the third hour (i.e., the first half of Manon) and it's far too easy to root for the heroes, but it's generally made up for by other aspects, particularly the plot construction, Depardieu's earnest but naive performance and the beautiful pastoral atmosphere.

I don't know if there's a term for it, but I love films that have a locale that almost feels like it is its own character. Here, the Provence countryside is so beautiful to look at, even when there's nothing really happening with the plot. There's also a perfect cast for the small-town rivalry with the transplanted city people who just won't give up, even when it appears that God himself is against them. Fav scene: Jean talking wildly about raising hundreds of rabbits.

This beatifully chronicled tale of two scheming, greedy men (Montand and Auteuil) and their prey (a hunchbacked Depardieu) is hugely enjoyable from beginning to end.

The serene, melancholic and peaceful portrayal of the Provence and nature's purity in this masterfully paced period drama is set against the contaminated nature of man. The characters are wonderful as one would expect from literary characters, with their potrayals on screen being top-notch by what is a perfect - and proving to be timeless - cast: Depardieu, Montand (Danny Day Lewis must have taken inspiration from him!) and Auteil. Great story with fulfilling character arcs and ending.

Despite a thin premise, a plodding mid-section and a somewhat cheap "ending" from a narrative standpoint, Jean de Florette is admittedly a sweeping film; for all its flaws it is still that involving, immersive and well executed, and judged as the first part of a duology it certainly leaves one curious to watch what happens after. I loved Montand as the scheming old bastard above all, but the acting is good across the board.

normally i think hunchbacks are hilarious but this one was just sad and dumn.

Breathtaking visual images, rural life and great music (inspired by Verdi).

Beautiful, great acting... but did I really have to go through all that? And there's a second one? Hmmmm, I don't know.

Father of the ''There Will Be Blood''!

It's quite a simplistic story, but very endearing and enchanting. The score was really good too.

What a beautiful movie. One of those that perfectly fits my taste.

A great film with lots of heart, it's a two-parter, so rating it separately from its second part is very difficult, however, what's here works as a cohesive story all on its own. It's a beautiful film, not so much because of its excellent framing, but rather because of the gorgeous backdrops, there's very little in Jean De Florette's locales that don't inspire a sense of peacefulness, even when contrasted with the film's two conniving villains. Touching and always entertaining. Recommended.

Depardieu raises this film from an engaging and somewhat dispiriting morality tale into something great.

Well written and well paced, the film is a treat that goes down easy. It doesn't really end, as it's really just the first half of a longer film. But that's hardly a criticism. The film deals in elemental things, where water brings life and abundance to those who have access--righteous or wicked. There's something of a mythic quality to the whole thing, with its downpours and windstorms and cataclysms. While the celebration of life remains incomplete in this first part, the ground is ably laid.