Jean de Florette -- What Makes This Movie Great? (Episode 172a) 

Best two lines in the history of French movies: "Et il est né vivant ? Oui, vivant... mais bossu"

Watched this as a kid. Hurt my heart.

I love the duology so much. I watched it in high school French class and absolutely fell in love. My teacher was thrilled when I told him how much they impressed me, because he was expecting us to be bored.

The two films were introduced to me in my French class in high school over 30 years ago. I still suggest it to everyone I know.

I don't want to spoil the heart-breaking ending of this film, the second part, but to say the cost of what you have is more than the cost of what you want.

You are dead on in your assessment of Jean de Florette. I saw this first when it showed at the 12th Seattle International Film Festival in 1987 and was floored by it. On paper, the story is not one that would grab the interest of most people. But the characters are so engaging and the film narrative so compelling, you are drawn in quickly. I own the film and the second part Manpn of the Spring and have watched both multiple times since. Thanks for bringing this to everyone’s attention.

One of my all-time favorite films. The most heartbreaking scene; yelling to God “I am alone” It was playing on 68th St. on the east side of Manhattan for over one year.

Hi Dr. Josh. Quick primer in French pronunciations for Americans courtesy of Mr. Tanguay (my Latin teacher forty years ago who on Fridays would teach us his native French instead because he was bored with Latin). One pronounces every letter in a French word except the last letter of the word. There are exceptions. 1. If the last letter is a French vowel (a, e, i, o, u, h, y) then the last letter is pronounced as part of the beginning of the next word in the sentence. 2. If the last letter is a "careful" letter (c, r, f, l) then the last letter is pronounced at the end of the word. Here are some examples: 1. "Comment allez vous?" (How are you?) is pronounced "Comain tallay vu?" 2. "Répondez s'il vous plaît" (Respond, if you please.) is pronounced "Reponday si'l vu play." 3. "Jean de Florette" (John of little flower) is pronounced "Zhan de Florette." The "n" at the end of words is soft and nasal sounding.

It has been too long since I've seen these films. I was first introduced to them through the reviews of Siskel and Ebert and immediately loved them. Transcends language and nationality and cuts right to the heart of humanity.

The scene I remember: rain in the wrong place!

It's worth mentionning that Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources were written by the great Marcel Pagnol, he's really the French John Steinbeck.

Yes! Both films are tremendous and amongst my all time favourites. Great storytelling.

Thank you Professor for a great analysis of Jean de Florette! I saw this in the late eighties or early nineties and its companion film, Manon of the Spring is just as wonderful. Have you seen the films "My Mother's castle and My Father's Glory"? They came out in the '90's and both films are heartwarming and beautiful! You should review them!

Fantastic movie(s) - with unforgettable music, too! Actually, I liked "Manon of the Springs" even more!

In case you don't know, the movies are based on the novels by Marcel Pagnol. The original books came out in the 60s. There's an English translation that was published in 1988 that I got (used) after watching the movies. I'm not sure if there's a newer printing.

I love your reviews! I had not even heard of these films but your enthusiasm for them is so infectious I immediately bought the Criterion blu ray discs. Thank you!

I lived in a village not far from where the movie was filmed The actors were super stars Yves montand passed away Long time ago the others 3 principal actors still alive

Love those movies. I showed them to my Gr9 Core French class last year and they loved them

Wow . Thank you so much for this video. I honestly have seen the poster before but never thought about seeing it. Might be the best movie I’ve seen this year so far. I’m watching the sequel tonight.

2 best french movies of all time = "Cyrano de Bergerac" and "Jean de Florette" And DEPARDIEU is in both !

May I suggest "my father's Glory" and "my Mother's Castle" a duology based on 2 autobiagraphic novels by the same writer, Marcel Pagnol ?

Finally saw this movie after knowing of this video for months, and I loved it. Was in the mood for something centered around nature and I got what I needed from it. And I will see part two soon.

The music is great as well. The films should be watched in French with subtitles

Thanks! I really love your channel. This is a movie I’ve heard of but never was interested in watching it. Just finished the sequel and man thanks a bunch for the great series.

Good stuff Josh.

0:24 Well, okay then. Just as long as you know. I loved Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources, based on Marcel Pagnol's novels. Check out My Father's Glory (La Gloire de mon pere), and My Mother's Castle (Le chateau de ma mere) directed by Yves Robert, based on Marcel Pagnol's autobiographical novel, My Father's Glory.

So, this is my favourite film and I appreciate that you do not speak French but it would have been fitting if you had at least learned how to pronounce the names.

From books of the great Marcel Pagnol

I would love to see a review/retrospective on the Jacques Rivette film "La Belle Noiseuse" with Michel Piccoli and Emmanuel Beart. One of my altime favorites.

One of the most tragic storylines I have ever seen.

Chat how do I watch this movie without vhs/dvd

I enjoyed both "Jean de Florette" and "Manon de la Source" ("Manon of the Spring"). These were some of Depardieu's finest works although both "Danton" and "La Retour de Martin Guerre" ("The Return of Martin Guerre") are just as good. Interesting what has happened to him these last few years. I'm not sure if this is a hostage video or the entertainers (including Gerard Depardieu, Kevin Costner, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell) are actually enjoying watching Vladimir Putin singing "Blueberry Hill" by Fats Domino, but here is the video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-00JgUL57X7s.html

never heard about