Madame Bovary
1991 · Movie · PG-13 · 143 min · ★ 6.3 · 68% critics
In 19th-century France, the wife of a doctor grows trapped in a dull provincial routine. Chasing excitement through affairs and lavish purchases, she spirals toward escalating consequences.
Based on Madame Bovary
Also known as Claude Chabrol’s Madame Bovary
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Details
- Years
- 1991
- Release date
- 1991-03-03
- Language
- French
- Rated
- PG-13
- Runtime
- 143 min
- Critic score
- 68/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.3/10 (148 votes)
About
If you want a tragic, character-driven drama about dissatisfaction, temptation, and the price of living beyond one’s means, Madame Bovary should fit; Not for you if you prefer lighter romances or uplifting endings, or if you’re expecting something like Coco Before Chanel or Beyond the Clouds.
Pros: lush period atmosphere; compelling emotional drive; bold moral stakes | Cons: grim downward arc; choices feel harsh; paced for slow burn
Themes
- adultery
- france
- based on novel or book
- bourgeoisie
- normandy, france
- debt collector
- sexually empowered woman
- female empowerment
- 19th century
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Costume Design · 1992 · nominated
Cast & crew
Isabelle Huppert
as Emma Bovary
Jean-François Balmer
as Charles Bovary
Christophe Malavoy
as Rodolphe Boulanger
Jean Yanne
as M. Homais
Lucas Belvaux
as Leon Dupuis
Christiane Minazzoli
as La veuve Lefançois
Jean-Louis Maury
as Merchant Lheureux
Henri Attal
as Maître Hareng
François Périer
as Narrateur
François Maistre
as Lieuvain
Directed by Claude Chabrol