Madame Bovary
Seen it?1991 | 143 min | Drama
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With a lukewarm 6.2 out of 10 from audiences and soft box office, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 23 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
In 19th-century France, doctor's wife Emma Bovary seeks to escape her dull provincial life through various extramarital affairs and extravagant spending, leading to tragic consequences.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
63% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.2 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$2 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 17K people sought it out in the past year
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Cast & crew
Directed by Claude Chabrol
- Isabelle HuppertEmma Bovary
- Jean-François BalmerCharles Bovary
- Christophe MalavoyRodolphe Boulanger
- Jean YanneM. Homais
- Lucas BelvauxLeon Dupuis
- Christiane MinazzoliLa veuve Lefançois
- Jean-Louis MauryMerchant Lheureux
- Henri AttalMaître Hareng
- François PérierNarrateur
- François MaistreLieuvain