Is Manon Lescaut Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1983)

📖 The Core Premise

Manon Lescaut returns to the screen in 1983, bringing a fresh narrative to the Music genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "The sets and costumes by Ponnelle are truly reflective of the 'grand style'. Plus the fact that the two lead characters are portrayed by top singers in their absolute prime - both Gruberova and Araiza weren't even 35 years old at the time of this performance, makes this production the most convincing both dramatically and musically. The conducting of Fischer is good - he makes the music come alive, much more so than the MET version."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Manon Lescaut, Edita Gruberova delivers a serviceable performance that keeps the narrative moving. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Music. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Manon Lescaut worth your time? If you appreciate Music films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Manon Lescaut is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 167 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.