Winner of four Canadian Academy Awards (Genies), this lusciously filmed romance set in Quebec's upper Gatineau region tells the story of a backwoods farmer's daughter who must choose between three suitors. Maria (Carole Laure) is being wooed by a local farmer named Gagnon, but is in love with a fur trapper/logger named Francois Paradis (Nick Mancuso). To add to her troubles, a dandy from Boston offers to take her away to the big city. She patiently waits for Paradis until tragedy forces her hand. There's nothing here that would be out of place in a three-hankie love story set in the sticks; but the fine attention to beautiful details, both in terms of character and landscape, raise this film above similar fare. Recommended. (R. Pitman)
Maria Chapdelaine
color. French with English subtitles. 108 min. Cinematheque Collection (Media Home Entertainment). (1984). $59.95. Not rated. Library Journal
Maria Chapdelaine
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