Manon of the Spring

Most of the positive points of the first part remained, no need to address them. This applies especially to the actors to the last letter. But in fact it is all just a little pointless. The characters don’t develop in any direction, the “what, when, who and why" is basically obvious long in advance and even the story is not particularly interesting. It goes by like a long, stifling day in Provence. Because in fact it ignores the ending of Jean de Florette and waits until “that" character comes again. From the moment when he gets his revenge it is absolutely first-rate and criticism free, just a little superfluous. Although, Pagnol’s novel is more to blame for that here. Personally I would have preferred to see one perfect three-hour movie rather that two very good two-hour ones, but... Better than a jab in the eye with a sharp stick, though? (25/05/2008)