Review of The Well Digger's Daughter (2011) by Ray H — 25 Oct 2012
I enjoyed this movie. It is beautifully filmed. Many of the outdoor scenes are very attractive. The movie has the look of a film made in the 40s or 50s. It seems to be set abt the time of the beginning of WWI. All of the major actors are competent, to very good.
The story is fairly predictable. Its a simple romantic comedy. But, the unfolding of the story is still entertaining. The director, and lead actor, is Daniel Auteuil. He is in virtually every scene, and is very good as the well-digger of the title, Pascal. The daughter of the title is Patricia (Astrid B-Frisbey). She gives a subtle, believable performance.
Some problems arise w/ some of the other actors. Another daughter appears much older than her nominal teenage years. Pascals younger, employee/apprentice, appears much older than Patricia and does not fit very well into his part. The supposedly, dashing and handsome pilot, Jacque Mazel, is slight of build, a bit short; and is not particularly handsome.
The story revolves around the unwed pregnancy of Patricia. This event is rendered in such an oblique manner; it is not clear that any love-making has occurred. It is surprising that a European film about physical passion, would be rendered in such a conservative way.
It was an OK trip to the flics. It could have been better.
This review of The Well Digger's Daughter (2011) was written by Ray H on 25 Oct 2012.
The Well Digger's Daughter has generally received positive reviews.
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