The greatest movie ever made..!

Memorable, crazy movie

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Simenon adaptation, it is remarkable for the lead actors performance. for the images from a France who seems be lost today. for the force of message. and, sure, for the silence slices. a beautiful film, splendid artistic duel between Simone Signoret and Alain Delon, bitter, cold, fragile, delicate, demonstration of high talent and wise discover of story nuances. a young man, a middle age widow and few days. a love story in different form , not just as forbidden one but as image of a fundamental change. one of films who can seduce the viewer not for story or for acting but for something who defines the frame of details. a reflection support. and one of really good acting demonstrations.

This is a mood piece verging on Checkov-lite that lays out its effects like pieces of a jig-saw puzzle - the floor-standing clock prodigal with precious time, the scything, the hewing, the raising and lowering of the bridge, the local bus - and then assembles them meticulously and lovingly into a time-capsule of rural France. In the early seventies the writer director enjoyed a good run including a remarkable trio of consecutive splendour via La Horse, Le Chat and this one. Signoret and Delon represent not only different generations but different acting styles and what could have been a car crash of epic proportions is instead a bittersweet blend of heady wine that leaves a pleasant aftertaste. We have, of course, been here before - Goupi Mains rouge set the bar back in the days of the Occupation - but then we've been everywhere, Man, cinematically speaking and just because I've spent one April in Paris doesn't mean I'm replete and have no eyes to return. This is an exceptional film and almost fit to be mentioned in the same breath as Le Grand Chemin it certainly belongs in any self-respecting collection of French movies.

Being a tutor in French I found this film now almost 40 years old fresh and appealing.The director's hand is evident in every little detail. Two bickering families living on opposite sides of a canal with a drawbridge that had to be raised with every passing barge created the unpleasant atmosphere of harsh words and bitter remarks. It's a wonderful setting of simple pleasures like scything the grass and feeding the hens and chopping the wood and filling the lamps with kerosene. Simone Signoret as the bitter widow Couderc who claimed she had to do all the work around the place was most convincing in her role as she went about her daily chores. Even her walk to the bus showed a certain animosity. She was indeed an unhappy creature yearning for love.How fortunate for her that Jean a handsome prison escapee(Alain Delon) happens along to lend a hand in running the farm and eventually comforts her in her bed. Jean proves to be a real handy man when he sets up an egg incubator to provide lots of chickens in the future. The incubator plays a pivotal role in the whole story. It can be said that the story began with the incubator and ended with the most tragic consequences.As much as I loved the story the overwhelming quality of this film was the sight and sounds of the village atmosphere and how well the actors melted into the daily living. I have never lived in a French village but what I observed in this film seemed pretty authentic to me.The plot takes a nasty turn when Jean's presence is reported to the police by a couple of the spiteful villagers. Excitement takes over as the chase to capture him runs to a thrilling climax. I did wonder though why so many police were involved in his capture. A little bit over the top, methinks, but great for a dramatic finish.

Pierre Granier Deferre is a famous director of thriller films.Apart from scoring admirable box office success most of his films have also been hailed by critics.In the history of French cinema it can be said that "La Veuve Couderc" will be hailed as one of the most successful adaptations of a George Simenon novel.It is a film in which nothing is left to chance.As there is a strong emphasis on the portrayal of characters both small and large,we get to see some remarkable acting performances.Much of the film's brilliance comes from its portrayal of a French village.It is a nice thing that Pierre Granier Deferre has covered every minute detail of French provincial life.Alain Delon and Simone Signoret appear wonderful as ill fated lovers who revolt against old fashioned values of French society.La Veuve Couderc is a film for those people who value the importance of love.In many ways it is similar to Ali fear eats the soul directed by Fassbinder.