Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7340 in DVD
• Released on: 2000-03-27
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: French
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 109 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Less a sequel than a seamless continuation of its predecessor, Jean de Florette, Manon des Sources brings with it a more epic scope as it depicts the growth to womanhood of the daughter (Emmanuelle Béart) of the doomed farmer of the first film. As she discovers the truth of what happened to her father as a result of the scheming of their neighbour (Yves Montand), who took the land for himself, she vows revenge, realising that the neighbour's deeds have irrevocably shaped the course of her life. Her moves toward avenging her father's demise provide an ironic twist to this harsh and thought-provoking saga, and French director Claude Berri perfectly illustrates the lasting consequences of deceit, greed, and revenge. Manon des Sources is a very special subtitled film-choice, destined to be revered for years to come. --Robert Lane

Special Features
1.85 Wide Screen
16:9 Wide Screen
DVD 5
French
Region 2
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Dolby Digital 5.1
Theatrical Trailer
English

Synopsis
The second of two parts of the classic Marcel Pagnol story set in France in the mid-1920's. The daughter of a ruined farmer discovers the identity of the men who stopped up her father's well and plots revenge, eventually uncovering long forgotten family secrets. Follows "Jean De Florette."

Customer Reviews

A beautiful, heartbreaking tale set in Provence
This film finishes the story that was begun in "Jean de Florette." Ten years ago, Cesar (Yves Montand) and his nephew Ugolin plugged up the spring on Jean's farm, causing him to lose his crops and die in a tragic accident. They then bought his land, reopened the spring, and became successful flower growers.

Manon was just a child when her father died, and is now a beautiful young woman, living alone in the hills with her goats. Ugolin falls hopelessly in love with Manon on first sight, and Cesar, desperate for his family name to go on, encourages his nephew to court her. She, however, despises them both when she learns they blocked her father's spring, causing his death. She takes her revenge, Ugolin takes a pitiful step, and, too late, Cesar learns a heartbreaking secret.

This very moving story has been compared to a Greek tragedy; it shows the pain of unrequited love, the power of vengeance, and the irony of fate. Yves Montand is wonderful as the greedy, clever, and lonely Cesar. I recommend seeing "Jean de Florette" first, and then you can enjoy the story's surprising and touching resolution.

Kona

Best sequel of all time
I loved the first film (Jean de Florette) but this is, if anything, even better. This is clearly one of the very best films ever made. The acting is sublime. The storyline superb and the direction very high quality. The scenery is also wonderful. Obviously you need to also see Jean de Florette first but don't hesitate for a second about that. This is quality cinema at its very best. An absolute masterpiece.

Stunning, beautifully filmed and acted
Having read the books (Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources) for A-Level French, I've known and loved the story, and the imagery portrayed by Marcel Pagnol through his loving descriptions of the Provence countryside, for a long time.

Claude Berri has wonderfully captured the essence of the books in both films. The cinematography is unequalled in modern films, and the acting puts most Holywood actors to shame. Yves Montand plays the part of the scheming Cesar Soubeyran with absolute conviction and Daniel Auteuil continues to excel as Ugolin. This film also benefits from the abilities of Emmanuelle Beart (Manon) and Hyppolyte Girardot.

You need to have watched Jean de Florette first to fully understand this film, however that does not detract from the fact that this is an absolutely brilliant film, one that is already a classic. It is all too easy to make a bad film of a good book, this is not the case with Jean de Florette and Manon des sources, these films do justice in every sense to the books.

The sleeve claims that these two films are the best French films of the past three decades, I say they are the best films of the past three decades from any country.