Perceval (1979)
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100% of critics liked it
(8 reviews) -
65% of users liked it
(698 ratings)
This dignified and stylized film, set in the Middle Ages, follows the exploits of Sir Perceval, a legendary exemplar of knightly chivalry and one of the champions of King Arthur's Round Table. The story is based on the verse tale Perceval ou le Conte del Graal as recounted by the 12th-century… More This dignified and stylized film, set in the Middle Ages, follows the exploits of Sir Perceval, a legendary exemplar of knightly chivalry and one of the champions of King Arthur's Round Table. The story is based on the verse tale Perceval ou le Conte del Graal as recounted by the 12th-century French belletrist Chrétien de Troyes. While living with his widowed mother, the young Perceval (Fabrice Luchini) is much impressed by the grandeur of the knights he sees, and he undertakes to become one. In one respect his sense of honor is peculiar, because he rapes several virgins in accordance with an enigmatic command from his mother. Even in this, he practically quivers with a burning desire to do good. Though the story's language has been modernized to make it comprehensible to modern French speakers, Eric Rohmer's screenplay retains the verse forms of the original. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi
- Directed By
- Eric Rohmer
- Genres
- Art House & International, Drama
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Oct 8, 1978 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Geoff Andrew, Time Out
The film marries medieval passion with modern perspective and sires its own special magic.
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Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Eric Rohmer's least typical and least popular film also happens to be his best...
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Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide
The spirit of medieval drama lives in Rohmer's utterly unique, flagrantly theatrical adaptation… will enchant medieval enthusiasts and bewilder others.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The naïve Perceval's odyssey is depicted as a moral investigation, but is shot with a deft touch exhibiting great humor, wit and style.
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, Film4
Ultimately Rohmer's film is an intimate moral investigation, shot with an assured lightness of touch typical of the director.
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Cast
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Fabrice Luchini
as Perceval
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André Dussollier
as Gauvain
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Marie-Christine Barrault
as Guinevere
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Marc Eyraud
as King Arthur
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Clémentine Amouroux
as Pucelle
- Arielle Dombasle
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Anne-Laure Meury
as The Damsel with the Small Sleeves
- Marie Rivière
- Gerard Falconetti
- Pascale Ogier
