Le Retour de Martin Guerre (1982)

Le Retour de Martin Guerre is a French period drama film first released in 1982, directed by Daniel Vigne.  The film is based on a novel by Janet Lewis and stars Gérard Depardieu, Nathalie Baye, Maurice Barrier, Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu and Isabelle Sadoyan.  It has also been released under the title: The Return of Martin Guerre.  Our overall rating for this film is: very good.


In 16th century rural France, a young couple, Martin Guerre and Bertrande de Rols enter into a loveless marriage.  A short while later, Martin leaves his village to join the wars.  He returns, nine years later, to a rapturous welcome, particularly from his wife who has remained loyal to him.  Then, doubts begin to surface.  Martin’s uncle, Pierre, questions whether this really is Martin Guerre or just a clever impostor...

One of the better period dramas of the 1980s, this film is particularly noteworthy because of the exceptional performances of its too stars, Gérard Depardieu and Nathalie Baye.

Despite the simplicity of its plot, Le Retour de Martin Guerre makes a compelling film, laden with suspense and intrigue. The quality of the set and costume design is also worth mentioning because these contribute greatly to the atmosphere of the piece.

The film was so popular that it inspired a bland remake (the American film Sommersby in 1993) and, some would argue, an even shoddier stage musical.  Only Daniel Vigne’s attractive film really does justice to the touching Martin Guerre story.

© James Travers 2000

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