Jacquou - Der Rebell

I have just read the other reviews and must say I loved this film enormously because it is so beautiful and authentic to the period, and not in the mindset of those hideous films the American's churn out like popcorn, with Hansel and Gretel with machine guns or whatever. I didn't find the pace slow at all, watching the lead character grow up was sad and gut-wrenching, a beautiful performance by the child actor. This film is filled with subtle tender moments, and also moments of horror early on, when the boy loses his beloved pet dog. The arrogance and non feeling for others less fortunate by the aristocrats set the tone for the film. The sets and country scenes are superb, and once Gaspard Ulliel appears as the boy grown up, you really are aware of a great performance, by one of France's hottest young actors. (soon to be seen as Yves Saint Laurent in the biography picture of that name). I actually wanted more, and wondered what happened to the characters after the film had finished. Its hard to explain how I feel after seeing a good French film. But if you have visited Paris and truly felt its magic, then you are halfway there. This film sweeps you away to another time and place, makes you feel empathy for the characters, makes you shed a few tears, and long for the hero to win. In the end, when Gaspard remembers his childhood dog running through the grass... in his mind, that really got to me.... as all the best classics do. Robert. Australia.

I saw this movie in the avant-premiere in a little cinema in the Dordogne. The music in this movie is very enchanting, the images are almost like paintings, so beautifully shot, such a fantastic nature. This movie is very powerful with lots of drama and love. Laurent Boutonnat has definitely evolved artistically since his last movie Giorgino (1994). Also the music, besides the classical Boutonnat elements, like arpeggios of violins, synthesizers mixed with acoustical instruments, ethnic instruments, in-versed chords and simple melodies, has definitely evolved. The main character (Jacquou), played by Gaspard Ulliel is very believable. The title song is sung by the French icon Mylène Farmer.

If cinematography and period settings were not present, this film wouldn't be able to get any attention. Why? OK, here I go. First thing, above all others, is that when anybody attempts to make a popcorn flick outside of the States, the product will fail, for sure.

Second, the idea is good, but the rendering of it came out pretty lame with the thankful exceptions of a few shots, especially when Leo (the younger Jaquou) is present. But, all in all, it's a very predictable, un-original and so-so film.

Third, it's an action film so full of clichés that, with a grain of imagination, it turns out to be as dull as a Big Mac.

French films, when they're true to their origin, are usually reflective, deep, difficult, full of drama and demanding for most audiences. But, in this particular occasion, joining some other flops, enormous amounts of money went down the drain -literally, if you've already seen this film.

Olivier Gourmet, one of the most talented actors in France, could make some people, like me, watch this film. Please, if you like Olivier's previous work, don't. He's, to say the least, sketchy.

I have just seen that movie (3 years later after it's release on big screen) and was wondering who was the maker of it. So by curiosity I decided to have a look on IMDb.

Anyway I needed to come back on the comment of "charlesxgonzalez" Please do not take in consideration the review of that person that obviously is a joke...

Jacquou le croquant is a GREAT movie, beautiful actors, beautiful scenery, enchanting musics and great acting.

I would like to know how that kind of comment "Gaspard Ulliel is okay as far as french actors can go" can be a "positive comment" except being a RACIAL and useless comment made by someone that obviously live in the US??

Of course there is not a single "fuck" contains in dialogs every 5 minutes and neither any special effects or some poor classic Hollywood scenario of saving a blonde bimbo from bad guys as USA movie specialty can be...

Obviously "charlesxgonzalez" was expecting for more "skin" which have nothing to do with that kind of movies and should definitely go back to watch some "Baywatch" episodes staring wonderful actors such as "The Hoff" or "Pamela Handerson"...

When I read such poor main comment published on IMDb about a beautiful movie like this, it does make me doubt of the veracity of that reknown website... Come on administrator do something it is a scandal to read that!!

I won't go back on the scenario as people earlier on described it better than I would but on a scale of 1 to 10 I would give it an 8 to the all movie and on a scale of 1 to 10 about "charlesxgonzalez" comment I would give it a -1...

Please people do watch it, please administrator do get rid of charlesxgonzalez comment... It is not constructive and it is RACIAL...(and I am trying to stay polite!!!).

Cheers.

Excellent story, narrated in a strong raw sentimental way. With great performing from everyone in the cast as well as every cinematographic aspect. Photography, more than beautiful. Even though the picture is quite long, it didn't turned me off one second. It made me feel sad and happy, it made me cry, it made me wish hope for the character "Jacquou". It gave me weird/good deep feelings,(whatever that means). It is also impossible not to fall in love with the petite Jaquou and Lina and their performances.

Laurent Boutonnat did and excellent film that entertains and enchants. As usual, you couldn't expect less from French Cinema.

Don't miss it!