Toni (1935-Jean Renoir film) [Import-South Korea, NTSC-All Regions]

Official product of South Korea. All-region/NTSC, plays on US dvd players. Language is French with optional subtitles in English or Korean. SYNOPSIS: Financed by Marcel Pagnol's production company, Jean Renoir's Toni is a landmark in French filmmaking. Based on a police dossier concerning a provincial crime of passion it was shot on location in the small town of Les Martigues where the actual events occurred. The use of directly-recorded sound, authentic patois, lack of make-up, a large ensemble cast of locals in supporting roles, and Renoir's steadfast desire to avoid melodrama lead to Toni being labeled one of the first neorealist films. Toni's story centres on an Italian immigrant, Antonio Canova(Charles Blavette), who has become entangled in relationships with his landlady(Jenny Helia) and with the hot-blooded Spaniard, Josefa(Celia Montalvan). As Josefa's life disintegrates through rape and a necessitous marriage to the brutish foreman Albert(Max Dalban), Toni meets his inextricable fate. Toni's direct style and theme(Luchino Visconti was assistant director) attained classic status with the critics and directors of the French New Wave.