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Jean (Gerard Depardieu) is a hunchback who has quit his job
as a tax collector to work on the land in a farm he has inherited.
The soil is good, but there is not enough water, and his neighbours
Papet (Yves Montand) and his nephew Ugolin (Daniel Auteil)
seal off an underground stream to ensure it remains that way.
Despite his planning and hard work, Jean's efforts seem doomed
but despite all he does his best by his family.
Jean de Florette is a wonderful, supremely moving film set
in a picturesque part of Provence. The photography is superb
and you can just about taste the freshness of the vegetables,
the aniseed of the glasses of pernod and smell the country
air. It was filmed in 1986 and I have to say I was surprised
at the quality of the DVD transfer.
The three lead actors are excellent - with little between
any of them - excepting the fact you cannot help to be drawn
to Depardieu's gentle character ahead of the ruthless other
pair.
Jean de Florette is a must-see movie for anyone who likes
a quality drama boosted by super photography. It's sequel
Manon des Sources will be reviewed soon.
Conclusion: Movie 90% Extras 30%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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