Review of The Well Digger's Daughter (2011) by Jim H — 18 Apr 2013

After a lower class man's daughter becomes pregnant, he must reconcile the mores of his time with his love for his family.

Daniel Auteuil's directorial debut is a delightful, life-affirming film with an understated complexity. The film encounters class issues deftly, as the main conflict involves two nouveau riche men assuming that they should feel a put-upon shame greater than they feel a real love. Sweeping shots of beautiful countryside and finely crafted scenes (though too talky at times) worthy of the stage abound, and Auteuil proves himself to be a very good director. Auteuil and Astrid Berges-Frisbey deliver compelling performances as father and daughter.

Overall, this is a nice film to see with nice people to spend time with -- a fine end to a tough week.