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Germinal Details

1993 Certificate 15
  • Rated:
  • 70
  • from 723 members

Set in 19th Century France, the story follows jobless Etienne Lantier who leaves his home in search of work and arrives in the mining town of Montsou where the workers are poorly paid while the ruthless mine bosses get richer. Disturbed by what he sees, Lantier starts to organise the miners into fighting for justice... French .. Read more

Starring Gerard Depardieu, Miou-Miou, Renaud, Jean Carmet
Director Claude Berri
Genres World Cinema

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Germinal

Set in 19th Century France, the story follows jobless Etienne Lantier who leaves his home in search of work and arrives in the mining town of Montsou where the workers are poorly paid while the ruthless mine bosses get richer. Disturbed by what he sees, Lantier starts to organise the miners into fighting for justice... French dialogue with English subtitles. Based on a novel by Emile Zola.

Starring Gerard Depardieu, Miou-Miou, Renaud, Jean Carmet, Judith Henry, Jean-Roger Milo
Director Claude Berri
Studio PATHE DISTRIBUTION LTD
Certificate Certificate 15
Genres World Cinema
Language DVD: French
Subtitles DVD: English
Released DVD: not available
Production year: 1993
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (3) of Germinal

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  • 3 stars out of 5

    Emile Zola's grimly realistic novel did much to alleviate the miseries of French miners in the 1860s, and in his pursuit of authenticity in making this screen version of the tale, director Claude Berri broke the budget record for a French film. There's no doubt that the mining village is a masterpiece of period design and Yves Angelo's photography is often breathtaking, but the scale and sheen of the production in many ways count against this dour study of exploitative capitalism and stoic (rather than heroic) labour. Gérard Depardieu turns in another towering performance, but it's Miou-Miou and Judith Henry as his wife and daughter who impress most.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006
  • 3 stars out of 4

    Detailed and sweeping epic evocation of Zola's novel, an impassioned portrait of exploitation and a plea for a more just society that retains much of the force of the original.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
    • Posted 02 Mar 2006

  • Most helpful member's review of Germinal

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  • 8 out of 9 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Makes you pleased to be alive today

    This is a film that makes you think. The set is very realistic and set the scene for the tragedy that slowly unfolded. There was a touching scene where Depardu fed the baby fresh from the mine. The acting was exceptional and film well cast. It was a bit drawn out and would be better on a large screen but one hardly needed the subtitles as it is a very expressive film. Certainly worth watching.

      • A customer from Benenden Kent
      • Posted 05 May 2007 20:03

  • Most recent members' review of Germinal

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  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    * * * This review contains spoilers * * *ShowHide

    Rated - 4 stars [Highly rated reviewer]

    very worthy but half hour too long

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Rating breakdown

723 Member ratings
  • 100
71
  • 90
60
  • 80
184
  • 70
162
  • 60
127
  • 50
49
  • 40
34
  • 30
17
  • 20
12
  • 10
7

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    • Germinal

    • Germinal
      Set in 19th Century France, the story follows jobless Etienne Lantier who leaves his home in search of work and arrives in the mining town of Montsou where the workers are poorly paid while the ruthless mine bosses get richer. Disturbed by what he sees, Lantier starts to organise the miners into ...