The Man Who Planted Trees (1987)

The story of a shepherd's single handed quest to re-forest a barren valley.

Director:

Frédéric Back

Writers:

Jean Giono (story), Jean Roberts (translator: English version)

Stars:

Philippe Noiret, Christopher Plummer

Won 1 Oscar. Another 9 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Philippe Noiret	...	Narrator
Christopher Plummer	...	Narrator (voice)

Storyline

This film tells the story of a shepherd who repairs the ruined ecosystem of a secluded valley by single-handedly cultivating a forest over a thirty year period.

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Plot Keywords:

forest | shepherd | france | based on story | reforestation | 

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Genres:

Animation | Short | Drama | Family

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Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

French

Release Date:

11 June 1988 (Japan)

Also Known As:

The Man Who Planted Trees

Company Credits

Production Co:

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), National Film Board of Canada (NFB), Société Radio-Canada

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film takes place in 1913, 1920, 1933, 1935, 1939, 1945 and 1947.

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Alternate Versions

Flashback scenes of an abandoned Roman Village's self-destruction cut from most versions.

User Reviews

Best animated film EVER, period!

When we played this short as part of the annual International Tournee of Animation back in the eighties, no one was prepared for this profound masterpiece. It flowed like a river, continually being painted by French Impressionist painter Renoir. Each image moved and dissolved like sand being blown across the desert. And the seemingly deceptive story slowly evolved into a mountain of wisdom. It speaks truths that are as old as the teaching of wise old Greek philosophers. An average man meets a stranger who quietly is planting the seeds of trees. Each time they meet years have passed. We get to see how the simple good acts of one person continue to grow and bless others until finally all is good as far as the eye can see. Not just one man's backyard but a whole country is green, alive and beautiful because a single human was preoccupied with the good of all mankind! The real evidence of this stories influence are hidden in the details which I will not divulge here, instead you must see the film for yourself. And when you find it please send me a copy and like the seed planter I too will pass it along. Based on a true story this inspiring tale is as important as Shakespeare or Victor Hugo and should be released so everyone can learn these truths. If this film were required viewing in schools the world would be a better place to live. If I could buy a hundred copies on video or DVD I would give them out as Christmas gifts to everyone I know and spread the love! Excuse me now while I go out to plant another seed. Rating 10 out of 10!