The Well-Digger's Daughter (2011)
Mild themes
| Director: | Daniel Auteuil |
| Actors: | Daniel Auteuil, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Sabine Azéma, Jean-Pierre Darroussin |
The directorial debut from French actor Daniel Auteuil is a WW2-set romantic drama based on the works of Marcel Pagnol, the beloved author of Manon des Sources and Jean de Florette.
On the cusp of the World War 2 in France, 18-year old Patricia (Astrid Berges-Frisbey) cuts across the fields to take her well-digger father (Daniel Auteuil) his lunch. On the way, she meets a handsome young man, Jacques Mazel (Nicolas Duvauchelle). She is pretty, with the fine manners of a young lady; he is a fighter pilot about to be called to the front. They meet only twice but fall madly in love. However their romance is curtailed as Jacques is called away to fight in the war. Still pining over her missing love, she finds herself pregnant, and in the middle of a rift between her father and Jacques’ upper-class parents (Jean-Pierre Darroussin and Sabine Azéma). The Mazels refuse to acknowledge their grandchild, accusing Patricia of blackmail. But when Jacques is reported missing, will the bond of family triumph over class division?
| Status: | HighDemand |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 107mins |
| Origin: | FRANCE |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (9)
9 Member
Reviews
carolyne
says
I thought it was just beautiful , watched it twice and could have watched it again if I had have time
JeffK
says
‘The Well Digger’s Daughter’ is an insight into the traditions of rural France at the beginning of WWII. It examines morality and ‘proper behaviour’ while exposing inherent hypocrisy. The film is beautifully shot taking advantage of the idyllic French countryside as a metaphor that says all is not as it seems on the surface. Some excellent performances, coupled with tight direction make this film a delight. There are discrepancies in the script to do with its timeline that should have been corrected, which unfortunately, make the story a little confusing.
Senorita K
says
A delightful French movie. Usual storyline but so well acted
Isabella
says
Beautifully crafted French movie with a polished performance by veteran actor Daniel Auteuil as the Well Digger and introducing the exquisite Astrid Berges-Frisbey as his beguiling daughter, Patricia.
The cinematography is balanced and sharp and transports the viewer into a world being remoulded by war and social change all set in the beautiful French countryside.
MELODRAMA IN PROVENCE
says
French film with English subtitles. The landscapes of Provence are nice and acting of D. Auteuil is very good. The melodramatic story turns into a really good comedy towards the end (when the gender and the surname of the infant is known).
Not as good as Jean de Florette or Manon des Sources simply because the story is more conventional, bordering on a chick flick. It is a very "safe film", by which I mean you can probably watch it with your mother in law and old aunts and teenage daughters if you have any and most likely nobody will get offended or upset. Having said that, the world has changed a bit in the Western world (at least) and there is more gender equality this day, the society is slightly less patriarchal nowadays.
says
This beautiful movie enriches the heart and lightens the spirit.
says
If you enjoyed Manon des Sources and Jean de Florette you are guaranteed to enjoy The Well Digger's Daughter. A great performance by Daniel Auteuil.
Irene King
says
Very enjoyable. Up there with Manon des Source. Fabulous characters and great family story. Worth a look!
Denise-Perth
says
I just saw the Well-Diggers daughter at the French Film Festival and loved it so I am adding it to my queue so that I will see it again eventually. This is a French film in French with sub-titles so for those who frequently complain because they did not realise a film has sub-titles this definitely has them. It is the story of a Father whose wife has died and who is unfortunate enough to have six daughters. He gives one daughter away to a wealthy woman to be raised in Paris however the woman dies and his well-spoken daughter with a good education is then returned to him. Although she assists to raise her younger sisters she stands out amongst them due to her cultured up-bringing. He refers to her as a Princess seeking a Prince. The film is light and the father is very funny in the way in which he views his misfortune. The difference in the classes is also evident. If you enjoy French comedies you will love this. My husband also loved it so it isn't just a chick-flick.