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Click above to purchase "Manon Of The Spring" at amazon.com
Manon Of The Spring
review by Anthony D.
Running Time: 114 minutes
Starring Yves Montand, Daniel Auteuil, Emmanuelle
Beart and Hippolyte Girardot
Screenplay by Claude Berri and Gerard Brach
Directed by Claude Berri
Retail Price: $19.98
Features: Theatrical Trailer
Specs: 2.35:1 Non-Anamorphic Widescreen, French Dolby
Surround, English Subtitles, French Subtitles, Spanish
Subtitles, Chapter Search
Retribution is given its due in Claude Berri's 1986
French drama "Manon of the Spring." Not necessarily a sequel
to "Jean de Florette," rather a follow-through, "Manon" is a
film which stands proudly on its own merits. Like its
predecessor, "Manon of the Spring" transports us to the
rugged hills of Provence for a multi-layered look at the
fates of, and ultimate punishments for, the characters so
vividly portrayed in "Jean de Florette." The events of "Jean
de Florette" have their consequences played out in "Manon of
the Spring," BUT this should not deter a viewer...all the
information needed to enjoy this film is presented vividly,
without once ever reverting to a flashback sequence from the
first film.
Ten years have passed since the events that ended "Jean
de Florette" occurred, and now with water flowing through
the village, and riches gathering upon riches, it is time
for the Florette family's revenge on those who brought about
their downfall. Manon, who was but a child when she
witnessed the final blow Le Papet (Yves Montand) and Ugolin
(Daniel Auteuil) struck against her family, is now a
beautiful adolescent on the very edge of womanhood; and it
is her mission to see that these villains are given their
just desserts. Her beauty has not gone unnoticed by the new
village schoolteacher (Hippolyte Girardot), nor by Ugolin,
who seeks her as his bride. Manon is vividly realized by the
ethereally beautiful Emmanuelle Beart (known to American
audiences for roles in "Mission: Impossible" and "Date with
an Angel"), and her growth from "child of the hills" to
vengeful vixen is both complex and believable. That Manon's
actions are only one portion of the retribution inflicted
upon the wealthy landowners, but that the past has ghosts of
its own to pay visits, make this a true classic film.
As part of MGM's exciting new WORLD FILMS series, "Manon
of the Spring" has been issued in a glowing, though
non-anamorphic, widescreen transfer with an aspect ratio of
approximately 2.35:1. Unlike "Jean de Florette," however,
the majority of "Manon of the Spring" takes place in the
lush, outdoor settings of Provence, in the actual locations
that Marcel Pagnol brought to life in his novel. Colors are
good, befitting a film from the 1980's. Occasionally, though
not often enough to detract from the film's enjoyment, the
reds blush slightly towards the orange spectrum. The film
itself is remarkably clean of artifacts, and the windswept
rocks, hills and lush green valleys are presented with
near-painterly precision. Subtitles are displayed, and quite
legibly, in the black bar beneath the picture.
No new Dolby 5.1 track here; MGM has elected to retain
the film's original Dolby Surround (2.0) French language
track, and though dated, is not an unpleasant experience.
The rear channels mostly bring the excellent score by
Jean-Claud Petit into play. I actually found the Dolby Track
on "Manon of the Spring" to be a fuller sonic experience
than its predecessor, "Jean de Florette."
As for the extras, MGM has given us one single release
Trailer which makes excellent use of Petit's score,
and fortunately gives away none of the secrets of the film.
"Manon of the Spring" is overflowing with incredible,
indelible images - - Ugolin's thriving carnation garden,
Manon's au naturel danse upon the rocks, Le Papet's knowing
look of despair when a major truth is revealed - - and
filled with characters carefully created and embodied
vividly on the screen by a true ensemble of actors making it
one of my personal favorite foreign language films. Prior
knowledge of "Jean de Florette" is not an absolute
requirement for viewing "Manon of the Spring;" rather like a
glass of good Cabernet, which can be savored alone, or as
part of a healthy meal. Fine French dining, indeed.
 (5/5 - NOT included in
final score)
 (4/5)
 (3.5/5)
 (1/5)
 (4.5/5, NOT an average)
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