Cast
View AllJean-Michel Leray
as François enfant
Benoît Magimel
as François jeune
Gastone Moschin
as Louvi
Christine Fersen
as Margritte
Luciano Bartoli
as Taravella
Sergio Fiorentini
as Oncle Jean
Franco Trevisi
as Silvio Nardelli
Nicolas Koretzky
as Roger Pavarini
Pierre-Alexis Hollenbeck
as
Dimitri Rougeul
as
Cathy Adida
as
Jacques Aveline
as
Fiammetta Baralla
as
Nadia Barentin
as
Jacques Boudet
as
Crew
Director
- Marcel Bluwal
Producer
- Pierre Grimblat
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Les Ritals examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Marcel Bluwal brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1991, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Les Ritals took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 190 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 226 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2216 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1991, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Les Ritals shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Residents of Arcadia, which focuses more on action than character development, Les Ritals offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Girl with a Pistol and Ice explore similar territory, Les Ritals stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 24, 1991
- Runtime: 3h 10m