39 Years Later, This French Masterpiece Still Has One of Cinema’s Most Shocking Endings!

SPOILERS – Warning, the following article contains potential spoilers. If you do not wish to learn details, please do not continue reading…

A decade after the tragic events of Jean de Florette, Ugolin’s carnation farming thrives at the Romarins farm. Now a young woman, Manon lives as a hermit in the nearby hills, tending to a herd of goats.

One day, as Ugolin spots her dancing through the scrubland, he falls hopelessly in love with her. However, Manon has not forgotten how the farmer and his Papet deceived her father.

• Movie night with friends: released 39 years ago, this film is one of the greatest masterpieces of French cinema

Emmanuelle Béart’s Breakthrough Role

Did you recently rediscover Jean de Florette on the Max platform? This extraordinary journey through Marcel Pagnol’s sun-drenched, copper-toned landscapes would not be complete without Manon des Sources.

As the second part of this absolutely magnificent diptych, which undoubtedly ranks among the greatest epics of French cinema, this sequel, also directed by Claude Berri, features nearly the same cast as its predecessor (the two were filmed concurrently). However, the expertise of Daniel Auteuil and Yves Montand is now enhanced by the talents of Emmanuelle Béart, who was at the very beginning of her career at the time.

A Stunning Final Sequence

Supported by a magnificent original soundtrack and breathtaking cinematography, Claude Berri’s film is particularly memorable for its compelling final sequence. A simple dialogue between Papet and the elderly Delphine, whose moving revelation still resonates powerfully nearly 40 years later.

Of course, we’ll avoid detailing the specifics of this powerful conclusion, and instead, simply invite you to follow the charming little path that leads to the wonders of Marcel Pagnol.

(Re)discover the film’s trailer…