mymallbox-662
I have never read the book, but have always been fascinated by the story, which is, of course, famously known.Having never seen the other movie adaptations, I can't compare. However, I thought this version was terrific. Maybe it is more of a "woman's movie" but I could put myself into their shoes throughout the story. The initial love scenes were so much more sensual than in today's US movies where nothing is left to the the imagination. My favorite scene is of them unabashedly dancing in the rain, naked, happy, free and all with their boots on!!! It might be too "fairytale-ish" for some, but I say "Bravo!" and thank you Pascale Feran for creating this visual and sensual masterpiece.
minnich
This version of the often-shot story of Lady Chatterley is in French with English subtitles, and I found the "look" of many of the actors to be decidedly French (big surprise) rather than English. The plot development was decidedly leisurely in the first half of the film, but this was not a game-breaker as far as my enjoyment of the movie. However, compared to all the other versions on this story that I've seen, I found this French effort to bring an element of earthy realism (best way I can describe it) to the story that the others lacked. The scene where the gamekeeper and Lady Chatterley "decorate" each other with flowers and subsequently disport themselves outside in the field and woods is a particularly interesting and memorable sequence. One minor quibble: the film seemed to both begin and end rather abruptly...you'll know what I mean when you watch it.
Furuya Shiro
Secret rendezvous in a forest that shows beauty of nature season by season. They are no longer young, but the movie has innocent atmosphere as though I am watching an adolescent movie. And in fact, they behave like youths.The original novel 'Lover of Lady Chatterlay' had given special impact on Japanese society. In early 1960's, its Japanese translator and the publisher were indicted as disseminating an obscene book. It caused nationwide dispute about obscenity and freedom of expression. Finally the Supreme Court declared it is obscene. That was why when I read the novel by Ito Sei's translation, most of the parts that depict sex had been omitted. Still I felt it was a great novel. I thought it was a story of a woman who struggles for freedom from the suffocating class society when world is changing under industrial revolution. Now watching the movie without having removed sexual parts, I received the message that sex gives freedom and open their mind to others. It is the opposite portrayal of sex from the movie like 'Realm of the Senses', where sex ruins and destroys humanity.By the way, there is an important scene when Lady Chatterlay is moved with tears watching lovely chick on her palm. This is I believe very critical in the whole story, but I don't think it is acted convincingly. I think this is one of few flaws.Another question. While Lady Chatterlay is traveling in Europe, Lord Chatterlay suddenly becomes very active and the lady is surprised he can walk with crutches. What does it mean? Did Mrs. Bolton give him anything special?
James Owen
As you enter the cinema, I think there are several instructions certain viewers must first take heed of, as regards this film.Firstly, face facts, it's French, so don't be surprised if there are hardly four lines of dialogue in the first thirty minutes. This works marvellously as an introduction into the repressed yet sensual world of the characters, but if you know you're likely to get bored without having everything immediately explained, then please save yourself the bother.Secondly, it ain't all about the sex. If you're seeking XXXX thrills, again, don't bother.Finally, Lady Chatterley is based upon the second (earlier) version of the book, NOT the famously explicit and more widely published rewrite Lawrence ultimately settled on. Don't be expecting the clunky politics that isn't very relevant in the 2000's, instead enjoy a tale of love and freedom, of hope that two very different people can become a reason for one another's happiness within this overbearing world we're all inevitably a part of.As for the film itself, acting honours go to Marina Hands for an exquisite portrayal of Constance, truly from her performance every emotion can be felt without a hint of exaggeration. It's delightful stuff. Jean-Louis Coullo'ch's Parkin/gamekeeper is a good fit, for what really is the less starry role, and he handles everything, including a touching confessional scene, with an admirable strength and gentleness.Underpinning everything is the lavish production, sound and photography to make an audience feel as part of the forest setting, a tranquillity that intimates so much of what the story is trying to say.This is superb stuff.
AD
