I really enjoyed this film tremendously. There were no grand special effects, dazzling action or exciting twists--just unbelievably beautiful film-making! This is a biographical tale based on the childhood of the great French director/writer Marcel Pagnol. In fact, it is because of my love of his films that I sought out this videotape. If you have not seen the Fanny trilogy (or the single film by the same title starring Leslie Caron), The Baker's Wife, Harvest, Manon of the Spring or any of his other films, try to see them!! What makes all these films so wonderful is the superb writing and how his characters come to life. They are charming, full of foibles and yet quite lovable! And this is definitely true in this movie as well.
Despite the occasionally mundane plot, you find yourself so wrapped up in their lives and caring for what happens to them. This is a truly magical film. I might have given this film a 10 had I not seen the sequel as well--the sequel is so much better and a MUST-SEE that I cannot rate this film quite as highly.
Despite the occasionally mundane plot, you find yourself so wrapped up in their lives and caring for what happens to them. This is a truly magical film. I might have given this film a 10 had I not seen the sequel as well--the sequel is so much better and a MUST-SEE that I cannot rate this film quite as highly.