MovieChat Forums > Manon des sources (1987) Discussion > I felt no pity for Cesar (spoilers)

I felt no pity for Cesar (spoilers)

posted 11 years ago by BobStage
3 replies | jump to latest

The only reason he was in such pain for what he had done was because it turned out that Jean had been his own son. If Jean had been somebody else's son, he would not have had such a repentant reaction. His final letter to Manon, to the very end, was utterly selfish. They don't show her reaction, but I would hope that she threw the letter away and sold off that cursed land, just to show that she refused to treat it like it was her family inheritance.

Actually, I do pity him for one tragic thing: the fact that he didn't receive Florette's letter. That was beyond his control, and one could see that he really did love her. But considering how easily he killed a man over insults and land, let alone destroyed a stranger's hopes and dreams, it all shows just what a cruel man he was. He deserved such a punishment as he got.

[–] hgs1969 11 years ago

I agree. I can't see how anyone could have any sympathy for him. Killed one man and his cruelty and greed let to the death of another. The only time he seemed to show any regret was at the end when he found out the truth about Jean.

Great film though and excellent performances throughout.

[–] b_havag 11 years ago

I could have written this myself, it was my thoughts exactly.

Ugolin, however was not that cruel, just a dumb and inbred simpleton who saw everything his uncle said and did as smart, good and even the best for everyone involved. He deserved (some) pity.

[–] blufftoni 11 years ago

I think the journey of the story starts with how Papet was changed because of his broken heart and the injustice he felt for having his true love taken from him.

However, this in no way mitigates his subsequent actions and I agree that his letter is completely self serving.

I remember being particularly agitated by the part where he says that jean now knows he is a Soubeyran, as if that was the everything and all that is needed to make things right.