Monday Morning Maybe

Add your email and we'll match picks to the services you stream at home.

Poster for The Return of Martin Guerre

The Return of Martin Guerre

Seen it?

1982 | 107 min | Drama, History

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little 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 The Count of Monte Cristo or Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages, 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 47 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Village of Artigat, southern France, summer 1542, during the reign of Francis I. Martin Guerre and Bertrande de Rols marry. A few years later, accused of having committed a robbery, Martin suddenly disappears. When, almost a decade later, a man arrives in Artigat claiming to be Martin, the Guerre family recognizes him as such; but doubts soon arise about his true identity.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.7 out of 10

  • AwardsBelow par

    Nominated for 1 Oscar.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $4 million worldwide on a $4 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 38K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

More like this

Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks

Cast & crew

Directed by Daniel Vigne

  • Gérard DepardieuArnaud du Tilh
  • Nathalie BayeBertrande de Rols
  • Maurice BarrierPierre Guerre
  • Bernard-Pierre DonnadieuMartin Guerre
  • Isabelle SadoyanCatherine Boëre
  • Rose ThiéryRaimonde de Rols
  • Chantal DeruazJeanne
  • André ChaumeauDominique Caylar
  • Maurice JacquemontJudge Rieux
  • Roger PlanchonJean de Coras