davidgoesboating When one talks about the French New Wave, names like Godard and Truffaut would be the first to come to mind. And yet, I find that it is this severely underrated director, Eric Rohmer, who is probably the best of the lot. Rohmer's films are unique. I have never seen anything like them, and yet in a way they are all the same. The plots often contain similar outlines, and you pretty much know what you're going to get when you sit down to watch one of his movies. Perceval is different, to say the least. Not only has Rohmer left the settings of 20th century France to go back in time, he seems to have entered a parallel universe as well. Perceval exists in a world with painted backdrops, metal trees, fake castles and musical accompaniment to much of the dialogue. One of the things I love about Rohmer's films are that they are so unpretentious, yet remarkable. Such adjectives are definitely applicable to Perceval. It should appeal to all of those who have once had an interest in the legends of King Arthur, French cinema, for that matter cinema in general. Or, simply, just see Perceval if you want to see a brilliant and unique film.

nephromancer How many movies do you remember for 25 years and constantly look for the DVD release. This movie is impossible to explain, it requires a visit. I saw this in NY when it was first released and I never forgot it. At the time I had just finished reading several Aurthurian novels and myths as well as Richard Monaco's Parsifal and the excellent Mary Stewart Merlin Trilogy. It capture the myth in the same way that renaissance and medieval music portray the period with their beautiful simplicity. I have very little more to add except to watch it if it ever makes it to DVD. Unfortunately since the policy of this site is a 10 line minimum I have to waste space and time by typing until I reach the minimum number of lines. Good luck.

wobelix Eric Rohmer is a wonderful cineast and proves here to be a wonderful raconteur of fables too !Certainly Rohmer has his own remarkable way to tell the saga of Perceval, the knight who is here not so much naive but rather ignorant. This knight starts out as a twin brother of that other ignoramus: Siegfried, immortalized by Richard Wagner.What a stupendous crude, rude and totally dimwit idiot that one is and remains !! Not Perceval: he learns, grows ... all be it the hard way... And shines !!A truly unique film, I have not seen anything like it; combining so many different art forms in one, and excelling in all. Plus performances by marvelous actors (don't miss Dombasle in a small supporting role !!), guided by one of the truly gifted directors of the XXth Century.PS: Rohmer never used silly soundtrack-support, which has been in vogue thanks to the crushing influence of Hollywood. Here though he compensates by giving us a medieval ... musical !!Thank you very much, cher Maitre.

patate-2 First there was that medieval novel in verses. Then, there was this offbeat idea of making a film out of it. Cardboard trees and a castle impossible to mistake for the real thing. A lot of talking meant only for lovers of French language. You either love or hate it. If you a)ever read poetry, b)watched other Rohmer films and c)understand some French, you may love it, otherwise, avoid it at all cost. Video prints are nearly impossible to find. Years from now, long after Shakespeare in love is trashed and forgotten, this flick will still be enjoyed by many.