Germinal

REVIEW
Based on Emile Zola's gripping novel about coal miners in the 19th century, Germinal provides director Berri with yet another exquisite literary adaptation. Miou-Miou and Depardieu are wonderfully type-cast as the working-class hero and his wife who struggle through the tense conditions that lead to a workers revolt. With sweeping camerawork and a pervading sense of doom, the film expertly captures the feeling of claustrophobia as to recall the power and anxiety of Das Boot. Berri is a true master of detail and period work, and nowhere is it more evident than this epic saga. (French with English subtitles)