Le Retour de Martin Guerre (1982)
Directed by Daniel Vigne

Film Review

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.

Film Synopsis

Early in the 1500s, there is a mood of celebration in the small village of Artigat in the Ariège region of southwest France.  A wedding is taking place between Martine Guerre and Bertrande de Rols, two children who come from two of the wealthiest families in the district.  The marriage proves not to be a happy one.  Even though the couple have a son, Sanxi, their feelings for one another soon cool and they are barely on speaking terms.  One day, on the spur of the moment, Martin walks out of his home, departs from the village, and is seen no more.  Eight years later, a man arrives at the village and Bertrande recognises him as her long-lost husband.

It is apparent that Marin has changed quite a bit since he was last seen in the village but he manages to convince the villagers that he is the same man who went off eight years ago to fight in the wars.  Within no time, he and Bertrand have resumed their former relationship, but with a noticeably reinvigorated passion.  It isn't long before doubts as to the newcomer's identity begin to surface.  Some of the villagers suspect that the man claiming to be Martin Guerre is an impostor.  If this is so, he and Bertrande are guilty of committing adultery, which in these times is a capital offence.  Despite Bertrande's insistence that the man who shares her bed is indeed her husband a trial is arranged to establish whether or not he is who he claims to be.  The verdict looks as if it will go in his favour, but at the last moment another witness shows up, claiming that he is the real Martin Guerre...