Review of Jean de Florette (1986) by Betsy B — 12 Jan 2012
In a rural area of France in the early 1900s, there is a piece of property that two men (Daniel Auteuil and Yves Montand) want to buy for growing a flower crop because it's near their home and has a stream for water. The owner comes to a tragic end, so the two men think it's available. Unfortunately for them there is an heir, Jean de Florette (Gerard Depardieu), who has decided to bring his wife and small daughter from the city to start a new life surrounded by nature and living off the land. He was a tax collector and his wife a concert opera singer. They are quite sophisticated and have pretty furnishings and clothes. They also have some money, plus there was a bit of money in the inheritance in addition to the house and property. They are a happy, sweet family, charmed by the beautiful acreage and home and very hopeful for their future plans.
Central to the story is some trickery that is done unknown to Jean de Florette. Also involved are the struggle over the property, the family's efforts to succeed in their new undertaking, and a shortage of water. It's a great story and you have no idea what's going to happen.
This movie ends in a cliffhanger and must be followed by the sequel Manon of the Spring. I give them each a 10.
This review of Jean de Florette (1986) was written by Betsy B on 12 Jan 2012.
Jean de Florette has generally received very positive reviews.
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