The Return of Martin Guerre

This is the true story of a peasant in 16th century France who left his home village for almost a decade without saying a word to anyone, even his long suffering wife. When he comes home he's different; he's better. He's sweeter, more helpful, he smiles, hell - he laughs. Martin was never so good. Then comes the day a couple of drifters hit the village. They claim to know Martin but by a different name. That was the first chink in the armor. Things become so uncertain that he is finally put on trial to ascertain who this guy is. This is a loving microhistory intimately telling the story of life on a southern French farm after the wars of religion. It is superbly directed and acted, especially by the two leads, Gérard Depardieu and Nathalie Baye.

Brings to life intriguing and complex drama from middle ages. Brilliant acting, musical score (original instruments--well-researched), and costumes. Possibly one of the best Gerard Deperdieu films.

This definitive version of the story of Martin Guerre (remade in English with Richard Gere and Jodie Foster as 'Sommersby'; and musicalised in a misguided version by Boublil and Schoenberg) is amongst French actor Gérard Depardieu's greatest roles. As the bluff, romantic, sensitive soldier who returns to the village after years away (or does he?) he manages to provoke all sorts of reactions from his other on-screen characters as well as the film's audience.

As Bernadette de Rols, the wife seeking love and companionship, Nathalie Baye is superb; while a large and talented cast give flesh to the remaining characters. I defy anyone to see this adaptation and not be moved by it; try and see in the cinema, where it undoubtedly has more power than on a small screen; and avoid the version dubbed into English. 'Le Retour de Martin Guerre' need to survive with its language and poetry intact.

This is one of my most favorite movies of all time.

What makes this film so good? It is basically about this one universal truth, as said succinctly and poignantly by Bertrand, the wife of Martin Guerre: "As a woman, I have needs." Societies and civilisations that ignore this fact are the worse off for it.

Good acting, historical, and based on real events - these are some of the other positive aspects of the film.

The one thing that THE RETURN OF MARTIN GUERRE serves to do is prove positively and absolutely that not all the great film productions come from the USA.

This is an extremely well made movie, with extremely high production values. Great acting, great sets, great costumes, great score. Pure quality.