As the Provence countryside is painted in golden sunshine, Jean de Florette seems like a straightforward period drama, celebrating the beauty of provincial life. It makes sense. Considering that this is the first half adapting classic French novel The Water of the Hills, this sunny time sets up the childhood of Manon of the Spring. Jean and the Cadoret family are depicted as honest people, city folk who unexpectedly inherit a family farm and who perseveres to work with it. However, this golden light mostly sets up the tragedy that is to follow, the Soubeyran’s greed, and their scheming that undermines the Cadorets. It’s only with this half that Manon’s later story can fully soar.
"The conceit is interesting and funny, even when it doesn’t feel authentic."
— David Jenkins
"Trips over its own feet in its final act, stumbling between daydream sequences and multiple storylines before finding a final, underwhelming resolution. But the attentive lens that the film devotes to its concept and themes is what will be remembered."
— Peyton Robinson
In a rural French village, an old man and his only remaining relative cast their covetous eyes on an adjoining vacant property. They need its spring water for growing their flowers, and are dismayed to hear that the man who has inherited it is moving in. They block up the spring and watch as their new neighbour tries to keep his crops watered from wells far afield through the hot summer. Though they see his desperate efforts are breaking his health and his wife and daughter's hearts, they think only of getting the water.
In a rural French village, an old man and his only remaining relative cast their covetous eyes on an adjoining vacant property. They need its spring water for growing their flowers, and are dismayed to hear that the man who has inherited it is moving in. They block up the spring and watch as their new neighbour tries to keep his crops watered from wells far afield through the hot summer. Though they see his desperate efforts are breaking his health and his wife and daughter's hearts, they think only of getting the water.
Golden Globes
1 nomination
BAFTA
4 wins, 5 nominations
Nat. Board of Review
2 wins
NYFCC
1 nomination
César Awards
1 win, 7 nominations
