A Magnificent Life
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Synopsis
It follows the life of Pagnol, a playwright, novelist, and filmmaker who grew up in a middle-class household in Marseille and became one of the world's most inventive and prolific artists from the 1930's to the 1950's.
Cast
- Laurent Lafitte
- Géraldine Pailhas
- Thierry Garcia
- Anaïs Petit
- Vincent Fernandel
- Véronique Philipponnat
- Elsa Pérusin
- Philippe Beyls
- Olivia Gotanègre
- Celyn Jones
Moviegoers are saying
Sylvain Chomet's animated tribute to Marcel Pagnol delivers stunning hand-drawn visuals but struggles with conventional biopic storytelling that glosses over complexities. While the director's signature animation style enchants viewers, critics note the film feels dated in its portrayal of women and relationships, with some questioning the authenticity of casting choices and dubbing decisions for international release.
Top Mentions
Summary generated from the text of Atom User reviews
Letterboxd User Reviews
3.4
9.8K
4.3K
2.4K
- May 17, 2025
C'est Marcel bb
SuzoooonJun 12, 2025Biopic hagiographique qui embrasse toutes les légendes de la vie de Pagnol, y compris les plus fausses, et met convenablement sous le tapis tout ce qui ne rentre pas dans la célébration, notamment les enfants jamais reconnus. Rappelons que le plus beau cadeau qu'une femme…
Margaux BaralonOct 16, 2025Quelle belle invention qu’est cette petite lampe qu’on appelle cinéma…
PafLeMeilleur - Oct 23, 2025
tié un tigre marcel
inesMay 18, 2025A MAGNIFICENT LIFE may not be as magnificent as Sylvain Chomet’s previous works but it’s still a heartfelt, lovingly crafted tribute to Marcel Pagnol & his creative legacy across film, literature, and theater. Chomet’s signature animation style is still a wonderful sight to…
Matt NegliaOct 16, 2025Tellement hâte de voir La Mano drop un single pour le prochain film snoopy maintenant
Roooch - May 17, 2025
C'est vraiment bien mais pas sur que Pagnol aurait apprecie d'etre joué par un pur parisien
Hugo PaccardJun 9, 2025This guy still hates Americans so much and I respect him to death for it
matthewjacksonMar 26, 2026kinda weird this is getting its wide release in the states only english dubbed (as far as i can tell) when it’s a movie so deeply rooted in language. like imagine watching past lives or shogun fully dubbed in english. so many scenes wouldn’t work because multiple languages…
foomaj
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Top Reviews
- Devan Johnson lovedA Magnificent Life
Animation and filmmaking were stunning. Some of the transitions were clean as hell. Such a meditative and thoughtful look at family, relationships, and what it means to be fulfilled.
Clara lovedA Magnificent Life9/10 Un film renversant d'émotions. Intemporel et magnifique, sa pâte graphique est original et accrocheuse. J'ai était tres émue en voyant ce film.
Atom Users Reviews
Metacritic
Mar 26, 2026
There’s more to love in the details than in this overloaded sprint through history, which the film frames from the perspective of an aging Pagnol as he talks to a phantom version of his younger self and attempts to begin writing his memoirs.
Beatrice Loayza
The New York Times
Mar 25, 2026
We can see the character’s angst, happiness and sorrow, but it doesn’t cut through. The film’s emotional life doesn’t quite connect and feels remote.
Karen Gordon
Original-Cin
Nov 21, 2025
Sylvain Chomet provides only a scant sense of Marcel Pagnol’s creative inklings, such as the ideas and themes that fuel the films that he fights so vehemently to make.
Justin Clark
Slant Magazine
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