This film is really quite impressive; it might be among the finest French movies I’ve encountered all year, and it makes me eager to see the next installment, which I hear is even better. At its core, the story follows a wealthy farmer in Provence who uses clever tricks to acquire land from his neighbor at a low price. The owner isn't prepared for this kind of pressure, and after he dies not long afterward, the property passes to an heir living in the city—a hunchback unfamiliar with farming, needing to study extensively just to figure out how to make the land profitable. Recognizing the value of the property and feeling envious of their neighbor, prospective buyers are blocking access to water. For those of us who live in cities, water seems readily available that we rarely consider where it comes from. But in rural areas, things are different; disagreements over irrigation can be a serious issue between neighbors. This is only getting worse as some regions struggle with dwindling water supplies. Provence is one of these places, and the notion of a book telling us how many rainy days to expect each year seems unrealistic now. Beyond its well-crafted story, the film benefits from performances by two excellent French actors: Gérard Depardieu and Yves Montand. They’re both exceptional, conveying a subtle dislike that feels shared, though Depardieu's more sophisticated character appears capable of overlooking similar problems. I shouldn't overlook Daniel Auteuil's significant contribution either; he portrays a truly unpleasant villain without necessarily provoking our outrage. It is clear his character is being heavily influenced by his uncle. The film is understated and beautifully shot, featuring vibrant colors and settings that are essentially the best possible representation of old Provence—before lavender farms, which are very picturesque but intense and disruptive, replaced grain fields and olive groves. The sets and costumes are also well done, as is the music.

Source on TMDB