Product: Manon of the Spring (1987)
Rating: 5.0
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 after learning they inadvertently caused her father's 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