Germinal
Seen it?1993 | 160 min | Drama, Romance
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (75% 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 romantics. If you loved The Way We Were or High Fidelity, start here.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 40 min.
- What might put you off
- It's long: 2 hr 40 min.
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
It's mid 19th century, north of France. The story of a coal miner's town. They are exploited by the mine's owner. One day the decide to go on strike, and then the authorities repress them.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
75% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.7 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
2 wins and 2 nominations from smaller awards and festivals
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$36 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 14K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Breathe
Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Way We Were
Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
Life in a Year Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
High Fidelity Saturday SpecialAnother drama.
Safe Haven Weeknight WatchAnother romance, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Claude Berri
- Miou-Miou'La Maheude'
- RenaudÉtienne Lantier
- Jean CarmetVincent Maheu, aka Bonnemort
- Judith HenryCatherine Maheu
- Jean-Roger MiloAntoine Chaval
- Gérard DepardieuToussaint Maheu
- Laurent TerzieffSouvarine
- Bernard FressonVictor Deneulin
- Jean-Pierre BissonRasseneur
- Jacques DacqminePhilippe Hennebeau