Overview
A tale of love and redemption unfolds on a remote island, where a man faces the ultimate punishment for a crime of passion.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- melancholic
- compassionate
- contemplative
- quiet evening
- historical film night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as a beautifully acted, humane period romance with elegant direction, while finding its solemn pacing and stylized sentiment somewhat measured.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Néel becomes a valued member of the island community through gardening, rescues, and practical assistance while awaiting execution.
Island residents and Pauline oppose the governor's insistence on capital punishment despite Néel's transformation.
The absent guillotine and the ship transporting one organize the film's suspense around the machinery of execution.
Saint-Pierre et Miquelon functions as a confined community where Néel's reputation and fate become everyone's concern.
Films like The Widow of Saint-Pierre, and why
A Royal Affair
period romance, moral rehabilitation, and humane opposition to capital punishment
The English Patient
melancholic historical romance shaped by social constraint and compassionate character bonds
The Remains of the Day
European period drama balancing intimate romance with institutional injustice and moral conscience
Movie Details
- Director
- Patrice Leconte
- Release Date
- 2000-04-19
- Runtime
- 112 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (65)
Cast
- Daniel Auteuil
- Emir Kusturica
- Juliette Binoche
- Michel Duchaussoy
- Philippe Magnan
- Christian Charmetant
- Philippe du Janerand
- Reynald Bouchard
- Ghyslain Tremblay
- Marc Béland
Common questions
- What is The Widow of Saint-Pierre about?
- On a remote nineteenth-century island, a condemned murderer’s unexpected kindness transforms him into a community beloved by the very society awaiting his execution.
- What is The Widow of Saint-Pierre like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Widow of Saint-Pierre as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Widow of Saint-Pierre violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in The Widow of Saint-Pierre as moderate.
- What did critics think of The Widow of Saint-Pierre?
- Critics broadly praised the film as a beautifully acted, humane period romance with elegant direction, while finding its solemn pacing and stylized sentiment somewhat measured.
- Which films are like The Widow of Saint-Pierre?
- Films with a similar feel include A Royal Affair, The English Patient, and The Remains of the Day.
- How long is The Widow of Saint-Pierre?
- The Widow of Saint-Pierre runs 112 minutes.
