Manon des sources (Manon of the Spring)

Released 1986
Stars Yves Montand, Daniel Auteuil, Emmanuelle Beart, Hippolyte Girardot, Elisabeth Depardieu, Gabriel Bacquier
Directed by Claude Berri

There is something to be said for a long story that unfolds with an inexorable justice. "Manon of the Spring" moves with a majestic pacing over the affairs of four generations, demonstrating that the sins of the fathers are visited upon the children. Although "Manon" is self-contained and can be understood without having seen "Jean de Florette," the full impact of this work depends on seeing the whole story, right from the beginning; only then does the ending have its full force.

Summary by Roger Ebert

Note: I think you must see "Jean de Florette" before "Manon of the Spring."

I think it's interesting how "Florette" held the audience at arm's length, while "Manon" draws us in emotionally. In "Manon" we feel many pains, including spurned love, betrayal, and utter defeat. "Manon's" ending is one of the most poetic justices ever delivered by a film, but there's no joy in it--only regret. --Bill Alward, September 14, 2001