Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8499 in DVD
• Released on: 2000-03-27
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Letterboxed, PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: French
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 116 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
A truly impressive French film destined to become a modern masterpiece, Jean de Florette is an evocative adaptation of the highly regarded French novel. Two 1920's farmers engage in a bitter rivalry as one tries to tend to a plot of land and the other deviously undermines his efforts in order to conceal a valuable spring. The peasant farmer (Gérard Depardieu) who comes to the countryside to tend the land he has inherited is a naive and trusting soul seeking only to provide for his wife and daughter, while his neighbour (Yves Montand) is intent on doing whatever he can to discourage and demoralise the farmer so that he can take the land for himself. This simple tale unfolds in a wrenching fashion to a tragic conclusion, bringing forth questions about human nature and the prevalence and price of greed. Along with its follow-up, Manon des Sources, this film will leave an indelible impression on anyone who sees it. --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
Trailer
English

Synopsis
The first of two parts of the classic Marcel Pagnol story set in southeast France in the mid 1920's. A tragic tale of two greedy men who conspire to stop the well of a farm owned by a hunchback city man during a regional drought. Followed by "Manon des Sources."

Customer Reviews

A tragic tale of greed
"Jean de Florette" is a classic French film about the tragic consequences of greed and envy. Jean (Gerard Depardieu) leaves his job in the city and brings his wife and little daughter, Manon, to live on the farm he has just inherited. He does not know that there is an excellent spring on his land, but his neighbour Cesar (Yves Montand) and his nephew Ugolin know, and they want it for themselves. They plug up the spring, planning to force Jean to sell the property (to them). Jean is an idealist and happily begins raising rabbits and planting vegetables, but they will soon die without water.

The story unfolds at a leisurely pace, allowing plenty of time to get to know loving Jean, unscrupulous Cesar, and simple Ugolin. The three lead actors are all excellent and so convincing you'll be mesmerized. The photography is quite lovely. The ending may come as a surprise if you don't know that this is part one of two films; the second, "Manon of the Spring," continues the story.

A marvellous and moving film
This is one of my favourite films - coupled with the sequel Manon des Sources. Along with all that very special French style, it is a fascinating story set in southern France under that hot sun that drives people mad ..... and the story has a savage kick in its tail but you'll have to see Manon des Sources to find out what it is - or perhaps you'll guess. But if you do, it doesn't make it any less fascinating. Read the book too.

A lovely hutchback...
If you do not know anything about Pagnol and his wonderful books, here is a very easy and wonderful way to discover his universe. Pagnol mainly painted in his novels the quality of life from the South of France. Life is there very warm and full of colour of which pagnol manages to define and enhance the beauties. This movie is the story of a hutchback moving to the south of France in order to change his life and start a new business in the hills somewhere in provence where life flows nicely with in the background the sound of grasshoppers so recurrent when walking though the country in Provence. His main character, Jean will create some jealousy around him and starts a nightmare in which he will struggle. This movie is full of colour and like a pianting will give you smile and tears.

For all the foreigners watching this movie, the language is not so easy to understand and definitely the subtitles will be of great help. All the actors speaks with the accent of the south of France of which you have to listen carefully in order to understand the full meaning. I would recommend this movie for advanced learners in French.

Beautiful!