Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #23263 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-05-31
• Rating: G (General Audience)
• Format: NTSC
• Original language: French
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 200 minutes

Customer Reviews

Good movie, but...
I am a French teacher, and I was hoping to use this movie in class and for different levels. I would have done this by showing the original version (spoken in French), but with the option of using subtitles in either French or English (depending on the level of the students)

When I looked up the title, the description did not either say it was or was not subtitled in either of these languages. I took a chance, hoping that it would be in at least one language. It was not.

I was disappointed that the movie did not have any subtitles at all. So all I am left with is the original French version (which is great), but I really wanted it to be subtitled as well.

It is a good movie, but I am disappointed that Amazon did not adequately describe its contents.

Two French classics
These two movies are based on the classic, highly autobiographical, coming-of-age novels by Marcel Pagnol. The story takes place nearby Marseille in southern France at the turn of the century (1900's). As an ex-pat, these two movies are a great way to reminisce about my own vacations at my grand-parents in Provence in the 60's. The acting is mainly good but at time is a bit dated. Some of the younger actors have progress to make. (The hand waiving is almost hilarious as it resemble more that of Queen Elizabeth than that of kids) But those are details in an otherwise extremely enjoyable movie. For non-native speakers it might be difficult to follow, as the accent from the Marseille area (l'accent du Midi) can be tough to comprehend. In addition some of the actors tend to mumble, and there are no sub-titles. Definitely a General Audience movie, absolutely nothing offensive. A MUST for any French club.

My Father's Glory
I hear the book is boring. I can't read the DVD jacket at all. However, I can thoroughly enjoy this movie. The setting is France, beginning of the 20th century. This time has always been fertile ground for the thematically inclined. This film gives us stunning visuals, strong acting and characterization, and a subtly and wickedly funny indictment of hypocrisy. I'd also swear it's autobiographical, covering several years in the author's early life without being entirely about the author. The title isn't the only thing to imply it's his father's story. Fantastic scenery and natural beauty, which for some reason I've never associated with France.