Rent A Tale of Springtime (1989)
3.4 of 5 from 87 ratings
1h 43min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
- This enchanting comedy of manners follows the newly formed friendship between Jeanne (Anne Teyssèdre), a philosophy teacher, and Natasha (Florence Darel), a music student, who meet by chance at a Paris party. Through force of circumstance, the young women spend the next few days dividing their time between Natasha's father's city apartment and the family's second home in Fontainbleau. Inspired by the newly blossoming season, the girls' fancies turn to thoughts of love, but their friendship is threatened when Jeanne suspects Natasha of some mischievous matchmaking. 'A Tale of Springtime' is the first in Eric Rohmer's acclaimed series 'Tales of the Four Seasons'.
- Actors:
- Anne Teyssèdre, Hugues Quester, Florence Darel, Eloïse Bennett, Sophie Robin, Marc Lelou, François Lamore
- Directors:
- Eric Rohmer
- Producers:
- Margaret Ménégoz
- Writers:
- Eric Rohmer
- Aka:
- Conte de Printemps
- Studio:
- Artificial Eye Film Company Ltd.
- Genres:
- Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Collections:
- Films & TV by topic, Spring On Screen: Films to Watch This Season, The Instant Expert's Guide, The Instant Expert's Guide to: Éric Rohmer
- Countries:
- France
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Reviews (1) of A Tale of Springtime
Polite Smiles, Quiet Schemes: Rohmer in Soft Focus - A Tale of Springtime review by griggs
A Tale of Springtime is one of those productions that seems to move lightly on the surface while doing something far more deliberate underneath. Rohmer isn’t concerned with plot mechanics or big reversals. He focuses instead on people talking — politely, cautiously — and on the small gaps between what they say and what they mean.
The premise is straightforward. A philosophy teacher, at loose ends after her living situation falls through, ends up spending time with a younger woman who seems oddly eager to slide her into her father’s life. There’s no villainy here and nothing approaching urgency; just conversations that slowly make everyone’s intentions clearer.
What makes it work is the precision. Rohmer builds the film from looks, pauses, and comments delivered a fraction off-beat, trusting the audience to connect the pieces. Some viewers will find the restraint maddening; others will be drawn in by the film’s quiet, careful intelligence. The drama is present — you just need to pay attention as it gathers.
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