AniInterview
Sorry, this movie sucks
WillSushyMedia
This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.
Guillelmina
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
SnoopyStyle
This is the sequel to "Jean de Florette". Manon (Emmanuelle Béart) lives off the land as a goat herder. Her father hunchback Jean died failing to find water on their land. Her mother was forced to sell the worthless farm to Cesar Soubeyran (Yves Montand) who actually blocked and hid the spring that would have saved Jean. He and his nephew Ugolin (Daniel Auteuil) become rich growing flowers. Manon's mother is away playing Aida. Manon falls for young teacher Bernard Olivier. Cesar is pushing Ugolin to marry since they are the last of the Soubeyrans. Ugolin is obsessed with Manon and willing to give it all to her for her hand in marriage but she wants nothing to do with him. When Manon overhears two villagers confessing the village's reluctant collusion with Cesar's scheme, she blocks off the spring as revenge against Cesar and the village. It all comes to head and old blind Delphine returns to reveal a shocking secret of Jean's mother and Cesar's lost love Florette.It's not quite as great as "Jean de Florette". There is something poignant about the devastation of the first movie. There is something poetic about the sad ending. The second movie has the bad players have their comeuppance and it's not quite as satisfying. There is a poetic twist at the end and it's a reminder of the first movie. This is a solid sequel and I would suggest watching it back to back with the first movie.
iamyuno2
When this movie ends, you will be devastated - and haunted forever by it. Here are the tragic consequences of pettiness, jealousy and evil scheming - graphically presented in a stunning two-part movie (Gerard Depardieu delivers a tour de force performance in Part 1, the movie Jean de Florette, which you need to see before seeing this movie, Manon Of The Spring). This brilliant French opus has been largely ignored and/or forgotten here in America but it sets a standard few American films of its time came close to achieving. I loved it so much I went out and bought the VCRs and recently (with great difficulty), the DVDs (which are hard to find, sadly). Few American movies come close to the greatness of this film duo and their memorable impact.
runamokprods
Two part film, that was 1st released as two separate features. Terrific telling of a complex story of intertwined farming families in rural France in the early part of the 20th century. The acting is mostly of the highest order. Yves Montand, one of the most suave men in history is completely believable as a rough hewn, self-centered farmer, Gerard Depardieu, also cast against type, as a gentle, educated city born man trying to make it as a farmer also is astounding. Almost as good is Daniel Auteuil as Montand's not-very-bright son. Only Emmanuelle Beart, gorgeous though she may be, doesn't quite convince me as the wild woman of the fields. Some of it is performance, some of it is how perfect she looks. The story is wonderful in a Dickensian sort of way, with clues and character elements showing up early, only to pay off three hours later. I love the first part even more, somehow it feels more truly tragic and dense, the 2nd part just a bit too neat by the end. But still a grand, intelligent, great looking entertainment.
brimon28
When this film was released in Australia, it preceded the release of 'Jean de Florette', the first episode in what really is a continuing tale. Therefore, viewers were mystified by the story, even if they were impressed by the performances. 'Jean de Florette' appeared some months later, too late for cineastes to see Manon again. Luckily, the two are now being presented as a package, giving filmgoers a chance to see the two in the correct order.The result is very impressive indeed. The French continue to give us lessons in movie-making, and this duo was a change from the New Wave that showed us all how movies can be made. Emotions are to the fore, and Manon has revenge imprinted on it. 'Jean de Florette' gave us a hint, as the young Manon listens - and sees. She doesn't say much, but her face tells us that she is thinking through a resolution.I'm reminded of Nicole Kidman, in 'Dogville'. The character, Grace, is put upon by the locals, just as is Manon. The American treatment of revenge is different, with a different kind of violence. Dogville's conclusion is shocking and heart-rending; Whether you regard Emmanuelle Beart's face as more expressive than Nicole Kidman's is probably a very personal thing. But Manon's cold fury is a cinematic masterpiece, and we are well-prepared for the finale. This movie is so good I've no desire to read the book!
