I decided to do my review/praising of Jean De Florette here on the Manon Des Sources board. After all, it is not a sequel, but a continuation of the same story.
Being made at the same time, the beauty captured in Jean De Florette flowed effortlessly into Manon Des Sources. I just find these two films so entrancing in every way. It's drama and tragedy of the highest order without a single ounce of melodrama to spoil its earthy and honest depiction of rural life in France. It is, as a friend on IMDb said, "the ultimate Greek tragedy, but in France". It is true that I have never seen tragic irony done so well as as at the end of this film. It's pure film-making at its very best set against the most rustic scenery and music one could hope for.
I am here speaking on behalf of both films, which at this late stage of the calender year, are currently my favourites this year. The effectiveness of the ending of Manon is owed in huge part to the way the character of Cesar is built throughout Jean De Florette, and so together I give these films a resounding 10/10
Being made at the same time, the beauty captured in Jean De Florette flowed effortlessly into Manon Des Sources. I just find these two films so entrancing in every way. It's drama and tragedy of the highest order without a single ounce of melodrama to spoil its earthy and honest depiction of rural life in France. It is, as a friend on IMDb said, "the ultimate Greek tragedy, but in France". It is true that I have never seen tragic irony done so well as as at the end of this film. It's pure film-making at its very best set against the most rustic scenery and music one could hope for.
I am here speaking on behalf of both films, which at this late stage of the calender year, are currently my favourites this year. The effectiveness of the ending of Manon is owed in huge part to the way the character of Cesar is built throughout Jean De Florette, and so together I give these films a resounding 10/10