Watch Mon oncle Antoine

Mon oncle Antoine is a French-Canadian drama film from 1971, directed by Claude Jutra. The story takes place in a rural Quebec town during the Christmas season, and follows the life of a teenage boy named Benoit, played by Jacques Gagnon. In the opening scene, Benoit wakes up late for his job at the local general store, and his uncle Antoine, played by Jean Duceppe, has to drive him to work. Antoine is the town undertaker as well as the owner of the general store.

The film depicts the difficult living conditions of the French-Canadian families in rural Quebec during the 1940s. The characters go about their daily lives, struggling to make ends meet, while also dealing with various personal conflicts. Benoit, the protagonist, is a hardworking and well-meaning teenager who is constantly overshadowed by his overbearing and authoritarian uncle Antonie.

Throughout the film, Benoit develops relationships with the other characters, including his crush, Carmen, played by Lyne Champagne. She is the daughter of the town drunk, and Benoit finds himself trying to help her escape from her difficult home life. The film also features a subplot about a group of miners who are trying to unionize, as they are being exploited by the local mining company. The Christmas season adds a layer of festivity to the film, but it also serves to highlight the sense of isolation and loneliness the characters feel.

The film is shot in a semi-documentary style, with a focus on naturalistic performances and unobtrusive camerawork. The small town setting is captured in great detail, with the film showcasing the beauty of rural Quebec, while also highlighting the harsh realities of life in a small community. The film is a masterclass in understated storytelling, with the characters' emotions and conflicts expressed through subtle gestures and moments of silence.

One of the strengths of the film is its exploration of the complex relationships between the characters. Benoit's relationship with his overbearing uncle is particularly poignant, as the film delves into the complexities of family dynamics. Antoine is a gruff and authoritative figure, but his stern demeanour masks a deep sense of sadness and regret. Through the course of the film, Benoit comes to understand and appreciate his uncle in new ways, and the film ends on a note of quiet emotional resonance.

Mon oncle Antoine is a film that defies easy categorization. It is a drama, a coming-of-age story, and a snapshot of a bygone era of Quebec history. The film is poignant and thought-provoking, exploring themes of family, community, and growing up, with a deft touch. The performances are all superb, particularly Gagnon's nuanced portrayal of Benoit, and the film's naturalistic style adds to its sense of authenticity.

Overall, Mon oncle Antoine is a classic of French-Canadian cinema, a film that rewards careful attention and contemplation. Its subtle storytelling, complex characters, and vivid setting make it a film that sticks with you long after the credits roll. If you're a fan of character-driven dramas with a sense of place and history, Mon oncle Antoine is definitely worth a watch.

Mon oncle Antoine is a 1971 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.