bnicholls

If you have seen the live stage play, the movie version has no resemblance to it whatsoever in terms of overall concept, other than the basic plot. The stage play, or reading might be a better description, forces the audience to listen, and use their imagination. It is a unique and fascinating production. If you liked the movie, there is no guarantee that the stage version would be your cup of tea.

There are many aspects of this movie which make it quite enjoyable, including some very nice performances by those in several of the main roles. For those who have travelled to France, the village may even bring back some memories of small town France. It might even conjure up feelings one hears expressed in France of less-than-welcome gypsies (though they are not called that in the movie). Overall, as a movie, it stands well on its own. However, if you have read the novel, the movie is very disappointing. With the main antagonist changed and the key conflict lessened, and several sub-plots either poorly written or omitted, the end product is unsatisfactory. The main conflict is weakened considerably as are some of the minor ones. As is so often the case, the novel wins again.