Clevercell Very disappointing...

Grimerlana Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

Fatma Suarez The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

Jakoba True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

dbdumonteil This film is one of the most expensive films ever made in France but it was worthwhile. Even with such a huge budget, Jean-Paul Rappeneau is controling very well this epic film. Moreover, it shows numerous qualities which proves Rappeneau's confidence towards his film, for example: the beauty of the landscapes, the performance of the two main actors: Olivier Martinez who is very at ease in his role of soldier and Juliette Binoche who is ravishing and brave too, the briskly rhythm of the film itself and the quality of the screenplay which is sometimes ironic .I didn't read the novel by Jean Giono but I suppose that the film is very faithful to the novel. I noticed one thing in this film which is weird: very famous French actors have got only a little role: Gérard Depardieu who performs a policeman, Jean Yanne who is a hawker and François Cluzet who is a doctor. As a conclusion: an epic film which is worth to be seen

raymond-15 Provence provides a stunning locale for this romantic adventure. The camera work is exquisite and every opportunity is taken to capture the natural beauty of this region. The story is simple enough. Angelo, an Italian colonel (handsome Olivier Martinez) escapes from Austrian-oppressed Italy to raise funds in the continuing battle against Austria. He finds more than an unsympathetic acceptance in France. Most of the towns through which he rides are beset with cholera. The camera scenes of the dead and dying victims, horse-drawn carts packed high with bodies and funeral pyres are terrifying enough, but it is the fluttering of black wings as crows seek out the eyes of the dying victims that frighten most. Some of the close-ups are pretty grim. In lighter vein I liked the scene where a cat befriends our horseman and he talks to it on the roof about how wars are won with money as much as guns. The cat is a great little actor. The horseman an accomplished swordsman carves his way through many a desperate situation (What hero doesn't?) He acquires a bottle of medicine from a dying stranger who has taught him a massage technique to avert death from cholera. On his way back to Italy with a bag of gold coins, he gives protection to Pauline, a doctor's wife (Juliette Binoche)who is seeking out her missing husband in the cholera-infected area. The young 25-year old colonel who sends almost daily letters to his mother in Italy (they are really a diary of events) behaves as the perfect gentleman at all times, but his protegee is obviously drawn to him. Here is a love story where the lovers admire from a distance never submitting to the chemistry which is drawing them together. When the woman collapses with cholera, all existing barriers are forgotten as he works on her frantically with his acquired knowledge to save her life. One of the great joys of this film is to watch the handsome faces of Martinez and Binoche. Their beauty contrasts sharply with the agonised plight of the villagers and the devilish black crows which hover continuously about the dead, fluttering out through open doors and windows. The ending may not satisfy some, but it leaves us with the thought that somewhere sometime all will be well again.

blueboot In brief, I love this film because it is as close to perfection as a movie can be. If you are not too daunted by subtitles (in French) then you will find an original tale, superbly acted by both the leading characters and entire supporting cast. It will keep you on the edge-of- your-seat. Emotionally it's touching, gripping, packed with exciting swashbuckling action, and crammed full with beautiful photographic scenery or backdrops. Every scene or line spoken is tightly relevant to the story. At no point does this engaging film lose focus or become predictable.The period is set in Central Europe during the 19th Century, where Europe is beset by war and worse, disease. People are more wary of strangers, or mad with fright, should they be murdered or fall victim to the rampaging cholera. One crazed or inspired thing happens after another throughout the captivating story. However, there's a fine balance between the hectic frenzy and the subtle quieter moments, as an unspoken love develops between the honourable dashing young nobleman Colonel and his new companion, the confident aristocrat married woman (Juliette Binoche), in search of her lost husband. The manner by which he chances upon her to begin with is unique and amusing. Juliette Binoche and Olivier Martinez should have deservedly walked away with Oscars, as should everyone involved for script, cinematography, music, costumes and direction! To summarise, one of the best made films you or I will ever have the privilege see.

Zaxx-2 This movie is about honor, courage, and honesty.It is beautiful in many ways, including scenery and the typically French passion for precision of meaning in language.However, its greatest beauty is its display of honor and how it guides the lives of the protagonists, Angelo and Pauline, and directs the unfolding of the story.The epilogue suggests that Pauline's husband is also a man of honor.Such subject matter is particularly appreciated by Americans, who in the past decade have been sickened by widespread dishonor in public officials, journalists, and the intelligensia. When honor, honesty, and courage are openly scorned and ridiculed, and deceit and intimidation are openly accepted, a movie which displays the value, importance, and magnificence of honor, honesty, and integrity, and shows them so beautifully, is thrilling and reassuring.