Set in cold rural Quebec at Christmas time, we follow the coming of age of a young boy and the life of his family which owns the town's general store and undertaking business.Set in cold rural Quebec at Christmas time, we follow the coming of age of a young boy and the life of his family which owns the town's general store and undertaking business.Set in cold rural Quebec at Christmas time, we follow the coming of age of a young boy and the life of his family which owns the town's general store and undertaking business.
- Awards
- 6 wins & 2 nominations
- Le cure
- (as René Salvatore Catta)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe film is included on Roger Ebert's "Great Movies" list.
- Quotes
Benoit: [Benoit and his uncle Antoine try to recover a casket that has fallen off their sleigh. Antoine is in a drunken state] Don't let go!
Uncle Antoine: I can't, Benoit. Sometimes you just can't.
Benoit: Yes, you can! My arm's in a cast and I can do it. We're almost there. Don't give up. You can do it.
Uncle Antoine: [Dejectedly, and in a drunken stupor] What am I doing here, Benoit? I'm not happy. I'm not made for the country. I hate it here. I wanted to buy a hotel in the States. Your aunt wouldn't let me. She says no to everything. I'm afraid of corpses. I've been afraid of corpses for 30 years! I work for everybody. Your aunt never gave me a child. I have to take care of other peoples' children. I raise Carmen and you. Haven't I done all I could for you?
Benoit: Drunkard.
[Uncle Antoine breaks down, sobbing. Benoit looks at him with contempt]
Benoit: Drunkard!
[Sobbing continues]
- Crazy creditsThe actor who plays the Big Boss is billed as Georges Alexander in the original French language version, but as George Alexander in the dubbed English version.
- ConnectionsEdited into 50 ans (1989)
It would be far too easy to resort to stereotypes, clichés and single-minded myopic statements in this story. Yet the director chose to skip the forced imagery and instead, focused on the essence of life in rural Québec of the time. That makes this film exceptional in its authenticity while not being pretentious in its presentation. If only more contemporary cinematic endeavors would do the same, the viewing public might not be forced to choose between the over-hyped Hollywood Pablum that passes for 'Must See' viewing.
Mon Oncle Antoine is - in every sense of the word - unforgettable. It will leave a lasting impression on anyone who has ever lived in - or visited - Québec. A classic. **********************************************
Follow-up: 10 May 2008
After reviewing some of the comments, it's worth noting Mon oncle Antoine is NOT - and probably wasn't MEANT to serve as standard Hollywood/American cinema for mass market sales. A coming of age story, yes, but far more than simple memoirs of adolescence in 1940's Québec. Viewers who're looking for sheer entertainment at the expense of complex development of the characters will be sorely disappointed. Go watch action/adventure/romance/comedies to be amused. Watch Mon oncle Antoine to be drawn into a seldom seen, but absolutely remarkable society that has been overlooked and ignored for far too long.
The Grapes of Wrath is hardly an edge-of-the-seat thriller, yet the story and characters are what makes this American classic an enduring film. Mon oncle Antoine is in the same genre.
- A_Bit_of_Clarity
- Nov 20, 2006
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- Mein Onkel Antoine
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- CA$750,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 44 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
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