“Jean de Florette,” a 1986 film directed by Claude Berri, is a profoundly emotional and tragic drama set in the picturesque countryside of Provence, France, during the 1920s. Based on Marcel Pagnol’s novel, the film explores themes of human greed, ambition, and the harsh realities of rural life. It stars Gérard Depardieu as the titular character Jean Cadoret, alongside Yves Montand as César Soubeyran and Daniel Auteuil as Ugolin, delivering powerful performances.
The story begins with César Soubeyran, an aging and wealthy landowner, and his nephew Ugolin, a simple-minded yet determined man eager to cultivate carnations on their family land. They need a nearby farm’s spring water to irrigate their fields. The farm next door is owned by an old man, but after his death, the land is inherited by his distant relative, Jean Cadoret, a hunchbacked tax collector from the city.
Gérard Depardieu plays Jean, who arrives with his wife Aimée (played by Elisabeth Depardieu) and their young daughter Manon, full of hope and optimism. He dreams of becoming a farmer and leading a simple, self-sustaining life. Despite his lack of farming experience, Jean is determined to succeed. He meticulously plans to raise rabbits and grow crops, relying on rainfall and the nearby spring to water his land.
However, César and Ugolin have other plans. Wanting the land for themselves, they secretly block the spring on Jean’s property, cutting off the water supply he so desperately needs. Unaware of their sabotage, Jean struggles through increasingly desperate measures to irrigate his land, including attempting to build a cistern and collect rainwater. He endures one hardship after another, but his resolve remains strong.
As the summer heat intensifies and the land dries up, Jean’s health and spirit deteriorate. Despite his perseverance and hard work, Jean is crushed by the forces beyond his control. Financially ruined and physically exhausted, he succumbs to the pressure and dies in a tragic accident.
After Jean’s death, César and Ugolin easily purchase the land at a fraction of its worth. The story, however, does not end here, as the sequel Manon des Sources (1986) reveals the devastating consequences of their actions. Jean’s daughter Manon, now grown, becomes the central figure in the unfolding drama, seeking justice for her father’s untimely demise.
The film poignantly explores human ambition and the cruelty of fate, with stunning cinematography that captures the harsh beauty of the Provençal landscape. The cast, led by Gérard Depardieu, Yves Montand, and Daniel Auteuil, delivers unforgettable performances, embodying the complex emotions of their characters.
The Other Cinema 