Product: Manon of the Spring (1987)
Rating: 4.0
Not As Good As Its Prequel
This film is the continuation of Jean De Florette and deals with the grown daughter's(Emmanuelle Beart) revenge on the unsuspecting farmers who deceived her father. This continuation develops the original plot further. The deceitful farmers played by Yves Montand and Daniel Auteuil soon realize that they've deceived themselves as much as the innocent Jean de Florette. The theme is a complex study of human nature and is somewhat akin to Caine's dilemma, 'Am I not my brother's keeper?'The cinematography and script are excellent but I was rather disappointed in Emmanuelle Beart's performance. She's the weakest actor in this film and, because she's unfortunately also the central character, her inept skills have a significant impact on the film altogether. Her acting is forced and the emotions she attempts to express don't leave a very strong impression. Other than that, the story is great with an impeccable supporting cast.