Justine
Justine

Movie spotlight

Justine

1976
Movie
90 min
English

A series of non-dramatic tableaux representing scenes from De Sade's novel.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes45%
Metacritic58/100
Google Users72%
Director: George CukorGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Set in the late 19th century, the film follows Justine, a young orphaned woman who navigates the complexities of love, marriage, and societal expectations. She experiences a series of tumultuous relationships and encounters various characters who shape her destiny. Despite facing numerous heartbreaks and betrayals, Justine maintains a resilient spirit as she searches for happiness and security in a world that often seems to conspire against her.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Justine' received a mixed reception from critics. While some praised its lush cinematography and period detail, many found the narrative to be slow-paced and melodramatic. The performances were generally well-regarded, particularly by the lead actress, but the film's overall impact was often described as underwhelming.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visual elegance and strong lead performance.

  • Criticized for a meandering plot and excessive sentimentality.

  • Found to be a somber, albeit beautifully crafted, drama.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's aesthetic qualities and the emotional depth of the main character. However, some viewers found the pacing to be too deliberate, and the story's tragic elements left them feeling unsatisfied.

Fun Fact

The film is based on Lawrence Durrell's novel of the same name, which is part of 'The Alexandria Quartet'.

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