Set in 1929 French colonial Vietnam, "The Lover" is a tale of forbidden romance that unfolds between a young French girl and a wealthy Chinese lover. The film delves deep into the complexities of love, societal expectations, and the challenges of cross-cultural relationships.
Based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Marguerite Duras, the narrative captures the passionate and clandestine affair between the two protagonists, highlighting the stark contrasts between their worlds.
Release Information
Release Date:
October 30, 1992
Duration:
115 minutes
Rating:
R (for graphic and explicit sexuality)
Country of Origin:
France, UK, Vietnam
Cast & Crew
Main Cast:
- Jane March (The Young Girl)
- Tony Leung Ka-fai (The Chinese Lover)
Supporting Cast:
- Frédérique Meininger (The Mother)
- Arnaud Giovaninetti (The Elder Brother)
- Melvil Poupaud (The Younger Brother)
Director:
Jean-Jacques Annaud
Producers:
Claude Berri, Timothy Burrill
Writers:
Jean-Jacques Annaud, Gérard Brach (adapted from the novel by Marguerite Duras)
Where to Watch
United States (US)
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
Stream: Movie lovers in the US can stream the film on OVID and Film Movement Plus.
Buy/Rent: For those looking to purchase or rent, options include Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Vudu.
Australia (AU)
There are currently no streaming offers in the AU.
Stream: Currently, there are no streaming options available in Australia.
Buy/Rent: Aussies can purchase or rent the movie on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube.
United Kingdom (GB)
There are currently no streaming offers in the GB.
Stream: In the UK, the movie is available for streaming on the BFI Player Amazon Channel.
Buy/Rent: For buying or renting, platforms include Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, and YouTube.
Germany (DE)
There are currently no streaming offers in the DE.
Stream: Currently, there are no streaming options available in Germany.
Buy/Rent: Germans can purchase or rent the film on Apple TV, Videobuster, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Microsoft Store.
Brazil (BR)
There are currently no streaming offers in the BR.
Stream: Brazilians can stream the movie on HBO Max.
Buy/Rent: For purchase or rent, options include Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, and Claro video.
France (FR)
There are currently no streaming offers in the FR.
Stream: Currently, there are no streaming options available in France.
Buy/Rent: For those in France, the movie is available on Apple TV, Orange VOD, FILMO, Canal VOD, Bbox VOD, Rakuten TV, Universcine, and La Toile.
Canada (CA)
There are currently no streaming offers in the CA.
Stream: Currently, there are no streaming options available in Canada.
Buy/Rent: Canadians can purchase or rent the movie on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube.
Production Details
Production Company:
Renn Productions, Timothy Burrill Productions, Films A2
Filming Locations:
The movie was primarily shot in Vietnam, capturing the essence of its colonial past and the scenic beauty of the Mekong Delta.
Budget:
Estimated at $30 million
Box Office Collection:
The film grossed over $30 million in the USA and had a worldwide collection of approximately $100 million, making it a commercial success.
Awards & Nominations
List of Awards Won:
- César Awards, France 1993: Best Music Written for a Film (Gabriel Yared)
- Motion Picture Sound Editors, USA 1993: Best Sound Editing - Foreign Feature
List of Nominations:
- Academy Awards, USA 1993: Best Cinematography (Robert Fraisse)
- César Awards, France 1993: Best Film, Best Director (Jean-Jacques Annaud), Best Cinematography (Robert Fraisse)
Reviews & Reception
Critical Reception:
"The Lover" received mixed to positive reviews from critics. While the film was praised for its stunning cinematography and evocative score, some critics felt that the adaptation didn't capture the depth and nuance of Duras's novel. The performances of Jane March and Tony Leung Ka-fai were lauded, with many noting the palpable chemistry between the two leads.
Audience Reception:
The film resonated with audiences, especially those who appreciated romantic dramas. The explicit nature of some scenes drew both intrigue and criticism, making it a topic of discussion upon its release. Over the years, "The Lover" has garnered a cult following, with many viewing it as a poignant exploration of love against the odds.
Box Office Performance:
Despite its controversial nature, "The Lover" performed well at the box office. Its success can be attributed to the buzz generated by its explicit content, combined with the allure of a forbidden love story set against a lush, historical backdrop.