Louisiane (1984)

Louisiane Poster

Virginia Tregan returns to her home in the U.S. Deep South from a sojourn in Paris only to discover that her family plantation and its holdings have been lost. She determines to recoup her family's fortune.

Movie Introduction
"Louisiane" is a historical drama mini-series launched in 1984, directed by Philippe de Broca, and based upon the novel of the same name by Maurice Denuzière. Embed in the 1840s to the late 1870s, the film unfolds the tale of Southern belle and plantation owner Virginia Tregan (Margot Kidder), a woman of enormous strength and totally free spirit who browses her way through the troubled times of the American South, facing love, household ties, and the civil war.

Plot Synopsis
The movie opens with Virginia Tregan going back to Louisiana after hanging around in Paris, only to find her hubby has actually wasted their estate. She takes the matter into her own hands and reconstructs her family's fortune. A regrettable turn of events leads her hubby to death in a duel. Though she grieves, Virginia doesn't let it deter her objective of restoring their plantation.

Virginia, now a widow, asserts her position as a non-traditional southern lady, much against the norms of the day. She takes a new lover, a French pirate named Hugo Marigny (Pierre Boutron), while still leading and handling their estate with impressive expertise. Her relationship with Hugo, however, shows to be troubled and ultimately becomes a source of heartbreak.

Historical Context and Themes
The backdrop of "Louisiane" is abundant with historic significance, capturing the struggles of the Civil War age Southern United States. The film checks out themes of self-reliance, feminism, and durability amidst difficulty: Virginia breaks from the stereotype of submissive, gentle southern females, going with definitive action and company resistance against conservative social norms.

While the plot looks into the intricacies of romance, it also discuss substantial social and political shifts of the time, using a glimpse into life during the Reconstruction era post the Civil War. The plot catches the human aspect of this historic period, showcasing how the grinding cogs of history effect and reshape individual lives.

Efficiency and Direction
Margot Kidder, popularly understood for her function as Lois Lane in "Superman", delivers a strong efficiency as a headstrong and charming Virginia. Supporting actors, consisting of Andrea Ferreol, Len Cariou, and Lloyd Bochner, too bring their characters to life with formidable performances. Director Philippe de Broca skillfully weaves historic truths with drama and love, crafting a captivating cinematic tale rich in feeling and historical insight.

Crucial Reception
Upon its release, "Louisiane" was well gotten by both audiences and critics. It was praised for its engaging plot, strong efficiencies, especially Kidder's representation of Virginia, and its proficient depiction of the historical era. However, it also dealt with some criticism for romanticizing particular aspects of Southern history.

Conclusion
"Louisiane" is an engaging historical drama that transcends the realm of traditional period movies. Through its special mix of love, individual battle, and historical turbulence, it paints an engrossing picture of the American South during among its most transformative periods. At its heart, it is a story of a woman's durability and determination, embodied in the character of Virginia Tregan, making it a noteworthy addition to the cinema of the 1980s.

Top Cast

  • Margot Kidder (small)
    Margot Kidder
    Virginia Tregan
  • Ian Charleson (small)
    Ian Charleson
    Clarence Dandridge
  • Andréa Ferréol (small)
    Andréa Ferréol
    Mignette
  • Lloyd Bochner (small)
    Lloyd Bochner
    Adrien Damvillier
  • Victor Lanoux (small)
    Victor Lanoux
    Charles de Vigors
  • Len Cariou (small)
    Len Cariou
    Oswald
  • Hilly Hicks (small)
    Hilly Hicks
    Brent
  • Raymond Pellegrin (small)
    Raymond Pellegrin
    Morley
  • Ken Pogue (small)
    Ken Pogue
    Dr. Murphy
  • Akosua Busia (small)
    Akosua Busia
    Ivy
  • Corinne Marchand (small)
    Corinne Marchand
    Anne Mac Gregor