iamyuno2
Gerard Depardieu fans will have to see this film - I believe this is the one that solidified his standing as a great actor. That notwithstanding, this is a gorgeously-filmed true historical tale that will rivet you to the very end, bringing to life characters you will care about deeply and a long-forgotten Medieval world that will absolutely fascinate you. And what a glimpse it gives you into an era that's not been brought to life this well hardly ever. This movie was remade in America as a forgettable movie with Richard Gere whose title I won't even mention; don't see that version. While you have to read subtitles if you don't understand the French, it's worth it because this is one of the best movies ever made - and it puts most American movies of its time to shame. This is how you tell a story. And the story keeps you guessing to the very end - and even then leaves you with questions. You won't soon forget this tragic story and you'll be glad you made the effort to see the movie.
FilmCriticLalitRao
Daniel Vigne described his film as a modern story that took place in 16th century.Le Retour de Martin Guerre is a wonderful historic romance that pertinently comments on an individual's role in society.The film is a beautiful illustration of 16th century pastoral life. Pancette had the nerve to assume Martin's identity as Bertrande constantly assisted him in deceit.His greed was responsible for his ruin as he claimed wealth which never belonged to him.A vast majority of viewers will not be in a position to form an opinion about Bertrande as she did not wish to spend her life with an impotent village resident.The entire storyline hinges heavily on Gerard Depardieu's captivating performance.His imposing aura makes us readily accept him as the real Martin Guerre even though,in reality,he is Martin's lookalike Pancette.Le Retour de Martin Guerre will fascinate not only the admirers of suspense genre but also those spectators who are attracted to drama.Daniel Vigne has effectively crafted a thought-provoking oeuvre which competently wrestles with major issues like identity and deception.
graycat-1
I can't find an attribution, but I think it was Mae West that said: . . . a hard man is good to find . . . Certainly that is the attitude of Nathalie Baye's Bertrande de Rols. The story begins in 1542, not the middle ages as stated, but the age of the Reformation, the Council of Trent and the turbulent religious wars. Though the original Martin Guerre (there is meaning in this name, St. Martin of Tours was actually Hungarian, I believe) is a veteran of the Battle of St. Quentin little of the days current events intrudes on Martin and Bertande's village, and contributes little to this romantic triangle. After two hours the two Martin Guerres cancel each other and what is left is Nathalie Baye's wonderful performance as Bertrande de Rols and her concurrence with Mae West.
BigFlax
I mean, I know there are, but come on.Martin and Bertrande got married. Martin was not a very good husband. They finally had a child. Martin left. Many years later, he came back. Or did he?The premise behind "Le Retour de Martin Guerre" ("The Return of Martin Guerre," obviously) is that someone has returned after many years saying he is Martin and that he has been at war. But is it Martin or Arnaud du Tihl? Bertrande says it's Martin. Martin's uncle says it's Arnaud. Whoever it is seems to know an awful lot about Martin's life, but on the other hand, his feet are a couple sizes too small.Depardieu (as the returned Martin... or is he?), Nathalie Baye as Bertrande, and Roger Planchon as Jean de Coras, the chief investigator into the matter, all give fine performances, and the matter of who Depardieu really is is in doubt right up until the last, a good sign. It's ironic that a 1500s period piece ends up turning into a whodunit courtroom drama, but it works well. The final ending is a bit of a letdown, but it's what had to happen, so it doesn't take too much away from the picture. (A-)
AD
