Tous les Matins du Monde (review)

This acclaimed 1991 new classic of French cinema arrives in a gorgeous new DVD presentation that will delight fans of great film and beautiful music. Winner of seven Césars (the French Oscar) and based on historical figures, this is the vibrant and glorious tale of a mysterious and deeply sad 17th-century viol teacher, Monsieur de Sainte Colombe (Jean-Pierre Marielle), and the young man, Marin Marais (Guillaume Depardieu), he takes under his wing. As narrated by Marais as an old man (and played by Guillaume’s dad, Gérard), there’s a haunting melancholy in the regretful hindsight of his story, which -- this being France -- encompasses a torrid affair with Sainte Colombe’s daughter, too. Copious bonus features include a documentary about Jordi Savall, the renowned conductor and classical musician who performed the lavish score, a making-of featurette, and more.