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Jean de Florette

Name: Jean de Florette
Genre: Drama
Released: 1986-08-27
Cast: Yves Montand, Gérard Depardieu, Daniel Auteuil, Elisabeth Depardieu, Margarita Lozano

1986 | 122 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (91% on Rotten Tomatoes). 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 anyone who loves a strong drama. 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 2 hr 2 min.
What might put you off: Rated PG: peril. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).

In a rural French village, an old man and his only remaining relative cast their covetous eyes on an adjoining vacant property. They need its spring water for growing their flowers, and are dismayed to hear that the man who has inherited it is moving in. They block up the spring and watch as their new neighbour tries to keep his crops watered from wells far afield through the hot summer. Though they see his desperate efforts are breaking his health and his wife and daughter's hearts, they think only of getting the water.

How it earned its rating

CriticsVery strong
91% on Rotten Tomatoes
AudiencesSolid
7.7 out of 10
AwardsSolid
Won 1 BAFTA: British Academy Film Awards: Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 70K people sought it out in the past year