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Poster for Story of Women

Story of Women

Seen it?

1988 | 108 min | Drama, History

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (85% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for history buffs. If you loved Schindler's List or Nuremberg, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 48 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

France, World War II. In order to somehow make ends meet, the mother of two children, Marie Latour, does underground abortions and rents a room to a familiar prostitute. She doesn't pay any attention to her husband, who returned from the war because of his injury, and lives her own life. Abortions gradually begin to bring a good income, and boredom can be easily dispelled by starting up with a young lover.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    85% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.3 out of 10

  • AwardsWeak

    0 wins and 1 nomination from smaller awards and festivals

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 13K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Claude Chabrol

  • Isabelle HuppertMarie Latour
  • François CluzetPaul Latour
  • Nils TavernierLucien
  • Marie TrintignantLulu / Lucie
  • Guillaume FoutrierPierrot 1
  • Nicolas FoutrierPierrot 2
  • Aurore GauvinMouche 1
  • Lolita ChammahMouche 2
  • Marie BunelGinette
  • Dominique BlancJasmine