Product: Manon of the Spring (1987)
Rating: 5.0
Precise and definitive look at society in provincal France.
Certainly, one simply MUST NOT view Manon of the Spring without first watching Jean de Florette...they are a pair that have to be viewed in tandem. The first episode sculpts the background and unveils all the social morés that round out rural France between the wars. Although Jean de Florette may seem rather inocuous at times, the deep interplay of the characters is a must to absorb. Humanity at its very worst is blatantly reinforced with seemingly no devil to pay for even the most dire of moral transgressions.Part two, however, sees the most evil of deeds repaid in spades. No film encompasses the play of emotions as do these two films. If you ever want to see an utter villain get well more than he deserves...and actually feel heartfelt sorrow for him...this is the movie to see.