The Well Digger's Daughter (2011)

In 1930s southern France, a father is torn between his sense of honor and his deep love for his daughter when she gets in trouble with the wealthy son of a shopkeeper.

Director:

Daniel Auteuil

Writers:

Marcel Pagnol (early screenplay), Daniel Auteuil (adaptation)

Stars:

Daniel Auteuil, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Nicolas Duvauchelle

2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Daniel Auteuil	...	Le Puisatier (Pascal Amoretti)
Kad Merad	...	Félipe Rambert
Sabine Azéma	...	Mme Mazel
Jean-Pierre Darroussin	...	M. Mazel
Nicolas Duvauchelle	...	Jacques Mazel
Astrid Bergès-Frisbey	...	Patricia Amoretti
Emilie Cazenave	...	Amanda
Marie-Anne Chazel	...	Nathalie
Coline Bosso	...	Isabelle
Chloé Malarde	...	Marie
Brune Coustellier	...	Léonore
Ilona Porte	...	Roberte
Jean-Louis Barcelona	...	Le commis
Patrick Bosso	...	Le garçon
François-Eric Gendron	...	Le capitaine

Storyline

Provence, the days before World War I. Rustic well-digger Pascal Amoretti, a widower, encourages fellow laborer Félipe Rambert to date his virgin eldest daughter Patricia, the only of his five who attended a Parish finishing school. Getting drunk, Felipe unwittingly helps her date wealthy general store owner Mazel's handsome, womanizing son, dashing air force pilot Jacques, who gives her a motorbike ride home, make love and get her pregnant. Shortly after, both men are called for military service. On leave, Felipe finds out the truth and still proposes. Jacques is reported missing in action, his family refuses to recognize the baby, so Pascal sends Patricia with it to his outcast sister.

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Plot Keywords:

large family | four word title | occupation in title | provence | year 1939 | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jacques motorcycle is a Triumph Speed Twin 5T.

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Goofs

When Pascal is preparing to meet the Mazels, Patricia ties his tie very short, with the back extending several inches beyond the front. You then see him moments later with it tied correctly.

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Connections

Remake of The Well-Digger's Daughter (1940)

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Soundtracks

MARCHE DES ENFANTS DE TROUPE
Written by Armand Tournel
© Gérard Billaudot Editeur
Interprétée par la fanfare "LE REVEIL TARASCONAIS"

User Reviews

Terrific...as you'd expect from a Pagnol story.

Marcel Pagnol was a wonderful French writer, director and playwright. His stories are indeed classics and have been filmed, re-filmed and even re-filmed again. So, it's not at all surprising that Daniel Auteuil has decided to take a stab at Pagnol's classic stories--not just starring in them but writing the new screenplays and directing them. I say that's not surprising because not only are these wonderful stories, but Auteuil also has previously been in a couple other Pagnol stories--"Jean de Florette" and "Manon Des Sources". His four new films consist of this film, "The Well-Digger's Daughter" as well as the wonderful trilogy consisting of "Marius", "Fanny" and "Cesar"--which just recently debuted and which are not yet available here in the States. I cannot wait to see these three most recent movies.

"The Well-Digger's Daughter" is a story with many similarities to the Fanny Trilogy Auteuil made following this film. All are set in Provence, concern ordinary folks and are about the complications that arise from an unplanned pregnancy.

The story begins with the daughter, Patricia (Astrid Bergès-Frisbey) meeting a handsome young man, Jacques (Nicolas Duvauchelle) when she's on her way to bring her father, Pascal (Daniel Auteuil), his lunch. The audience KNOWS based on their meeting that the two are destined to be a number. However, there are some complications---such as Felipe (Kad Merad) wanting to marry Patricia. But, of course, much more serious complications arise--and I don't really want to get to them here--just see the film.

I love films about ordinary people--and Pagnol's are about as ordinary as you can find! Some may not be quite so captivated by these folks-- they aren't exactly rich, cultured or the Hollywood types. But, I am pretty ordinary as are 99% of movie viewers! So why not enjoy the lives and loves of folks we can relate to?! Plus, the story is so nicely written, lovingly directed and enjoyable that I strongly recommend you give it a try.

By the way, Pascal's grandson, who he treats as if it's HIS kid is actually Zachary Auteuil--the actor/director's real life son!

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

20 April 2011 (France)

Also Known As:

The Well Digger's Daughter

Filming Locations:

Cavaillon, Vaucluse, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$10,273, 22 July 2012

Gross USA:

$386,368

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$13,194,167

Company Credits

Production Co:

Les Films Alain Sarde, Zack Films, Pathé

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1