A Summer Tale
A Summer Tale

Movie spotlight

A Summer Tale

1976
Movie
115 min
Romanian

The rise and fall of the opportunistic Tănase Scatiu, a boyar in 19th century Wallachia.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic85/100
Google Users85%
Director: Éric RohmerGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Gaspard, a young man with a degree in mathematics, is spending his summer vacation on the coast of Brittany. He hopes to meet his lover, Lena, but she is late to arrive. While waiting, he becomes involved with three other women: Margot, a waitress at a local bar; Solange, a musician; and Delphine, an old friend. Gaspard struggles with his desires and indecision, caught between intellectual pursuits and romantic entanglements.

Critical Reception

Éric Rohmer's 'A Summer Tale' is celebrated as a masterpiece of contemplative cinema, praised for its subtle exploration of human relationships, desire, and indecision. Critics lauded Rohmer's signature naturalistic dialogue and character-driven narrative, which allows viewers to intimately experience Gaspard's existential summer. The film is often seen as a quintessential example of Rohmer's 'Comedies and Proverbs' series, capturing the nuances of youthful romantic dilemmas with striking authenticity.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its realistic portrayal of youthful indecision and romantic entanglements.

  • Rohmer's keen observational skills and naturalistic dialogue are highlighted as major strengths.

  • The film's contemplative pacing and exploration of desire resonate deeply with viewers.

Google audience: Google users frequently praise 'A Summer Tale' for its authentic depiction of summer romance and the internal struggles of its protagonist. Many appreciate the film's understated charm and Rohmer's ability to capture the complexities of human connection with a light touch. Some viewers find the pacing slow, but most agree that the thoughtful exploration of relationships makes it a rewarding watch.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in the coastal region of Brittany, France, with Rohmer often allowing his actors significant freedom in their performance and dialogue delivery, contributing to the film's naturalistic feel.

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