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JEAN DE FLORETTE/ MANON DES SOURCE
Released by AV Channel 

Classic French storytelling.

Two of the most successful French movies of all time, Jean De Florette and its sequel Manon Des Source, are also two of the most attractive looking films you’ll see in a long time. Based on the novels by Marcel Pagnol, Jean De Florette comes on like a Provencal Darling Buds of May as the hunchback Jean De Florette (played by Gerard Depardieu) moves his 1920’s family to the beautiful Provence countryside after inheriting a property only to find himself at war with his neighbour Le Papet who covets mightily Jean’s land who even goes so far to block up the spring which flows through both their land to try and force Jean out.

The sequel follows along much the same lines except it is the very beautiful Emmanuelle Beart as Manon (daughter of Jean De Florette) who is warring with Le Papet. Director Claude Berri touches on the universal themes of deceit, envy, evil, greed and greed and cloaks it in the gorgeous colours of preovence. Yves Montand as Le Papet steals both films though, arrogant, sly and scheming but still likeable, Montand had a long cinema career appearing in such classics as The Wages of Fear and both Jean and Manon were among his last roles, also worthy of mention is Daniel Auteuil as Papet’s none too bright nephew Ugolin. The only extras on both discs are the original theatrical trailers. Watch and enjoy.