Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13233 in DVD
• Released on: 2006-07-31
• Rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: PAL, Import
• Original language: French
• Number of discs: 5
• Running time: 566 minutes

Synopsis
A collection of five films from acclaimed filmmaker Louis Malle. Includes BLACK MOON, MILOU ET MAI, LACOMBE LUCIEN, LE SOUFFLE AU COEUR (MURMUR OF THE HEART) and AU REVOIR LES ENFANTS.

Customer Reviews

Eclectic collection from a great director...
Louis Malle's filmography includes several masterpieces - and three candidates for that sort of praise are included here - Au Revoir Les Enfants, Lacombe Lucien and Le Souffle au Coeur. Personally I would only class the first of these, about a young boy experiencing the effects of the second world war while at school, as a great film, although the other two have their supporters too.

Lacombe Lucien is an unsettling story, again about a young boy, which deals with the impossible individual choices made during the Nazi occupation of France, and Le Souffle au Coeur is a drama about incest which caused controvesry at the time of its release in 1971 but seems quite old fashioned now; in fact, it's a subtle and interesting film.

The set is completed by Milou en Mai, a pleasant enough country house comedy drama, and Black Moon, which is so odd that it defies description. Together, these five films are varied but always watchable, complement the Malle vol.1 boxed set (of his earlier work) well, and form a worthy addition to any serious DVD collection. Useful little introductions to each film are included as extras in the set.

Burned in Subtitles. Don't bother buying it.
In a ludicrous attempt to spoil the film and rip-off the British customer, and make a nonsense of the DVD format, this box-set has been released with burned-in, NON-REMOVABLE subtitles. Buy the American discs instead.

Very eclectic, very rich, very French !
I bought this DVD first and because I was so impressed, I went on to buy Volume 1.
I must say, I prefer this one of the two, although volume 1 is also good, but for quite different reasons. The content of volume two is very varied, quintessentially French, and always extremely interesting. I like all of the films, each for perhaps different reasons.
Black Moon is a fascinating fantasy.
What is it about ?
Perhaps it is a little up to the viewer, rather as when one looks at an abstract painting !?
It is slightly quirky and very 1970's in it's content. I think to me it is saying something of the time in which it is made. We are at the crossroads, society is fragmenting, division is in the ascendent. What is happening is confusing and illogical [events don't necessarily always immediately make sense in real life !] and Lily [the main character] struggles to make sense of it all. It is set in the French countryside, there is conflict, exotic animals from all over the world appear, some friendly, some menacing. Naked children herd the local sheep.
A thread of Wagner's 'Tristan & Isolde' runs through the film -- Tristan & Isolde is a myth telling of death dealing Eros, of the breaking of the marriage bond, and DESTRUCTIVE PASSION. Such passion, as a sickness unto death, destroys those who succumb to it, body and soul ! -- could Louis Malle be comparing Wagner's theme to what is going on in the 1970's ? Change, uncertainty, and confusion sit well together. I like this film, and everytime I look at it I see something new. I am surely projecting my own thoughts onto it, but then, that's life !
'Lacombe Lucien' is I feel, one of the best films about the war in europe and the nazi era. It is realistic, tragic, and very human. It isn't excusing anything. It is simply telling a story. It is based on a true story. Perhaps it doesn't quite fit with the image of the period that many would have us believe. So what.
'Au revoir les enfants' is another [quite different] film set in the same era. Another very good, very sad film. Very real.
'Milou en Mai', visually rich, VERY French. Delightful film.
'Le Souffle au Coeur' explores darker themes.
A wonderful, varied collection.
If you like artistry and films that make you think then buy this DVD. You won't regret it.