****(Already there are many, many insightful Comments, but the following is my take.)These are the basics on the acting levels and production values for this film:-In our main character, Olivier gives us someone who is young and brash and beautiful.....and that's all he had to do; he gives us someone who is swashbuckling.....and that's all he had to do; he gives us someone who, above all else, is protective of the one he single-mindedly loves.....and that's all he had to do.-In the character of our Lady in Distress, Juliette gives us someone who is lovely, who is true and who, in all things, keeps heart.....and that's all she had to do.-In Directing and Cinematography, Rappeneau and Arbogast have given us a picture which is sweeping and stunningly beautiful.....and that's all they had to do.PS--Yet another Love Story for the Ages.****

Two superstars of the french cinema: adorable Juliette Binoche and hot Olivier Martinez, love and save each other from lost, sickness and death, while horse-riding through the stunningly beautiful Provence. An adaptation of the famous novel by Jean Giono. They are there: on the screen, on their horses, in this magnificent landscape, he tries to become a man, she tries to stay a woman, they are smiling, and soon you'll express the wish of being with them on this screen, to be one of them, maybe both, if this happens, Rappeneau gets to his goal: grace. A great tale about love, renouncement, youth, passion, courage and Honor. A famous novel of the french literature. Patriotism, romanticism, and grace. Rappeneau is the master, Binoche and Martinez are the gifted pupils.

This is a beautiful movie. The sets, cinematography, acting, editing, writing, development, everything is just about perfect. It has the depth of character and narrative development you expect from European cinema, and the action and flash of Hollywood; with no bitter aftertaste!The best part is how the flurry of narrative leads to a simple conclusion, or "pre-conclusion." Though simple in principle, the events leading to it give it a depth and richness. In this sense, the movie is like effective opera, except (thank god) that it's not sung.A very interesting portrait of gentlemanly honor. A key strength is the tension cunningly struck between, on one hand, the obvious erotic interest between the two leads and, on the other the channelling of that energy into the working out of their mutual and individual fates.See it.

Another excellent job by Juliette Binoche. Set in early 19th century France. An Italian patriot, Olivier Martinez, fled into Aix-en-Provence, France. He is befriended by the Marquess De Theus (Binoche) while trying to get back to Italy during cholera epidemic. Together they make their way across southern France. Excellent story supported by magnificent scenery and superb acting.