Marius and Jeannette (1997)
"Marius et Jeannette" (original title)

Marius is the keeper of an abandonned cement works staying high above the quarter of l'Estaque in Marseilles. Jeannette is bringing up her two children alone with her poor checkout operator... See full summary »

Director:

Robert Guédiguian

Writers:

Jean-Louis Milesi (scenario and dialogue), Robert Guédiguian (scenario and dialogue)

Stars:

Ariane Ascaride, Gérard Meylan, Pascale Roberts

6 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ariane Ascaride	...	Jeannette
Gérard Meylan	...	Marius
Pascale Roberts	...	Caroline
Jacques Boudet	...	Justin
Frédérique Bonnal	...	Monique
Jean-Pierre Darroussin	...	Dédé
Laetitia Pesenti	...	Magali, Jeannette's Daughter
Miloud Nacer	...	Malek, Jeannette's son
Pierre Banderet	...	Monsieur Ebrard
Monique Meylan	...	Avec l'amitié de
Michèle Camizuli Bonneveau	...	Avec l'amitié de (as Michèle Camizuli)
Marc Bordure	...	Avec l'amitié de
Blanche Guichou	...	Avec l'amitié de
Jacques Menichetti	...	Avec l'amitié de
Marie Darroussin	...	Les enfants

Storyline

Marius is the keeper of an abandonned cement works staying high above the quarter of l'Estaque in Marseilles. Jeannette is bringing up her two children alone with her poor checkout operator salary. Their meeting won't be without trouble, since besides material difficulties, both of them are wounded by life. They have to learn how to be happy again.

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Plot Keywords:

working class | love | humanist | tongue in cheek | unemployment | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

5 December 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Marius and Jeannette

Filming Locations:

L'Estaque, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

DEM 97,128 (Germany) (30 January 1998)

Gross:

$284,607 (USA) (19 February 1999)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Agat Films & Cie, La Sept Cinéma, Canal+

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Jeanette is at Marius's place, they remove the foil wrap from a bottle of Pastis on the outside table. Then they get inside and we see the bottle fully wrapped on the table by the window.

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Quotes

Jeannette: Old people should be shot at birth.

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Connections

Followed by Charge! (2000)

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Soundtracks

"Les quatre saisons"
Music by Antonio Vivaldi (as Vivaldi)
Performed by Camerata Academia Salzburg
(Sonimage)

User Reviews

A pleasant French love story

This movie kind of reminded me of a cross between "Life is Sweet" (a humorous examination of the lower-middle class), "The Bridges of Madison County" (an examination of how middle aged people actually continue to have libidos and emotions), and a random French romantic love farce.

The director tries to give this film a political slant, showing the perils of capitalism in favor of socialism, and dedicates this film "to all of the workers of the world." Ignore it. Focus instead on the characters, most of whom are people much like people you have met in your life, with French sensibilities. The love story between the main characters is basically an excuse to get to know this small community of neighbors and show how they interact.

This is not one of the great films of all time, but I enjoyed it. It was a pleasant way to spend a little under two hours.