Watch The Cherry Orchard

The Cherry Orchard is a film adaptation of Anton Chekhov's play of the same name. It is directed by Michael Cacoyannis and stars Charlotte Rampling, Alan Bates, Tushka Bergen, and Owen Teale. The story revolves around the Ranevsky family, who are forced to sell their beloved cherry orchard to pay off their debts. The family's matriarch, Lyubov Ranevskaya (played by Charlotte Rampling), returns from Paris with her lover, Lopakhin (played by Alan Bates), hoping to save the estate. However, due to their extravagance and lack of financial management, they are unable to do so.

The film is set in pre-revolutionary Russia, and the story explores themes of social change, economic upheaval, and the decline of the aristocracy. The characters are all flawed in their own way, and their interactions provide a snapshot of a society in flux.

Charlotte Rampling delivers a powerful performance as the proud but naive Lyubov Ranevskaya. She is torn between her love for her estate and her desire for a life of luxury in Paris. Alan Bates is equally impressive as the ambitious and shrewd Lopakhin, who sees the cherry orchard as an opportunity to rise in social status.

The supporting cast is also strong, with Tushka Bergen giving a nuanced performance as the cynical and disillusioned Varya, Lyubov's adopted daughter. Owen Teale is also noteworthy as the tragicomic Yepikhodov, the estate's clerk who is hopelessly in love with Varya.

The film's cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots of the cherry orchard and the surrounding countryside. The costumes and set design are also top notch, transporting the viewer back to a bygone era of opulence and extravagance.

Although the film is faithful to Chekhov's play, Cacoyannis adds his own touch by incorporating dream sequences and flashbacks. These scenes add depth to the characters and provide context for their actions and motivations.

Overall, The Cherry Orchard is a poignant and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of human nature and the societal changes that come with progress. It is a must-see for fans of Chekhov and for anyone interested in Russian literature and cultural history.

The Cherry Orchard is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 21 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 56.