Movie spotlight
In France, before WWI. As every Sunday, an old painter living in the country is visited by his son Gonzague, coming with his wife and his three children. Then his daugther Irene arrives. She is always in a hurry, she lives alone and does not come so often... An intimist chronicle in which what is not shown, what is guessed, is more important than how it looks, dealing with what each character expects of life.
Set in 1936, the film depicts a summer day in the life of Gonzague, a retired and somewhat cantankerous Parisian bookseller, as he visits his country estate. He is accompanied by his family, including his wife, children, and grandchildren, each grappling with their own lives and relationships. Through conversations and observations, the film explores themes of family dynamics, memory, mortality, and the passage of time against the backdrop of a changing France.
A Sunday in the Country was highly acclaimed by critics for its gentle pace, beautiful cinematography, and poignant exploration of family and memory. Audiences appreciated its nuanced character portrayals and nostalgic atmosphere, though some found its deliberate pacing challenging. It is widely regarded as one of Tavernier's most personal and accomplished films.
Praised for its exquisite cinematography and evocative portrayal of a bygone era.
Commended for its sensitive exploration of family relationships and the complexities of memory.
Noted for its contemplative pace and thoughtful meditation on life and mortality.
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Won the Grand Prix du Festival de Cannes in 1984, and received César Award nominations for Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Sound.
The film was shot entirely on location at Tavernier's own country home and its surrounding areas in France, lending an authentic and deeply personal feel to the production.
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