Wow. I loved the first movie, Jean de Florette--probably because the original story by the great Marcel Pagnol is so terrific. I assumed that I would like this sequel but was pleasantly surprised that I liked it even more than the original. If I recall correctly, Leonard Maltin felt the opposite. Oh well,...at least one of us must be correct! This story is so exceptional because it took the intricate plot and machinations from the original and created the best plot twists and surprises. I won't divulge any more than that--it would ruin the movie for you! Although Gérard Depardieu is not in this movie (to find out why you'll need to see the first film) and that is a shame because his acting was so graceful and charming. However, he was only slightly missed as most of the same cast returns--with the major exception being Manon--ably played by Emmanuelle Béart. Watch it!

By the way, parents may want to watch the film before they let the kids see it. Ms. Béart does some nude scenes that are quite titillating.

Having adored Jean De Florette, of which Manon of the Spring(or Manon Des Sources) follows on from, I found this film every bit as amazing. Once again the cinematography shimmers and the scenery is some of the best I have seen in any film. There is also a haunting score, a compelling story and a genuinely moving script, and Berri's direction is paced perfectly to suit life under the scorching sun. The performances are every bit as impressive, Emmanuelle Beart is alluring and very believable, and Yves Montand and Daniel Auteuil are once again outstanding, particularly Auteuil when he tries to atone. Overall, an amazing and I think poignant film. 10/10 Bethany Cox

This is the sequel to "Jean de Florette". Manon (Emmanuelle Béart) lives off the land as a goat herder. Her father hunchback Jean died failing to find water on their land. Her mother was forced to sell the worthless farm to Cesar Soubeyran (Yves Montand) who actually blocked and hid the spring that would have saved Jean. He and his nephew Ugolin (Daniel Auteuil) become rich growing flowers. Manon's mother is away playing Aida. Manon falls for young teacher Bernard Olivier. Cesar is pushing Ugolin to marry since they are the last of the Soubeyrans. Ugolin is obsessed with Manon and willing to give it all to her for her hand in marriage but she wants nothing to do with him. When Manon overhears two villagers confessing the village's reluctant collusion with Cesar's scheme, she blocks off the spring as revenge against Cesar and the village. It all comes to head and old blind Delphine returns to reveal a shocking secret of Jean's mother and Cesar's lost love Florette.

It's not quite as great as "Jean de Florette". There is something poignant about the devastation of the first movie. There is something poetic about the sad ending. The second movie has the bad players have their comeuppance and it's not quite as satisfying. There is a poetic twist at the end and it's a reminder of the first movie. This is a solid sequel and I would suggest watching it back to back with the first movie.