History Film / TheReturnOfMartinGuerre

In 16th-century South-West France, Martin Guerre is a young man married to Bertrande de Rols. One day, he runs away from his village. Nine years later, a man claiming to be Martin Guerre (Depardieu) returns and everybody recognizes him, including his wife Bertrande (Baye). Over time, various people in the village begin to doubt that this man is the real Martin Guerre. Things come to a head when he demands money from his uncle, who responds by accusing him of being an impostor.

''The Return of Martin Guerre'' (''Le Retour de Martin Guerre'') is a 1982 French historical film directed by Daniel Vigne and starring Creator/GerardDepardieu, Nathalie Baye and Creator/BernardPierreDonnadieu. It is inspired by [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Guerre the affair of the same name]].

In 16th-century South-West France, Martin Guerre is a young man married to Bertrande de Rols. One day, he disappears from his village. Nine years later, a man claiming to be Martin Guerre (Depardieu) returns and everybody recognizes him, including his wife Bertrande (Baye). Progressively, doubts about his true identity arise. Things become more serious when he demands money from his uncle.

''The Return of Martin Guerre'' (''Le Retour de Martin Guerre'') is a 1982 French historical film directed by Daniel Vigne and starring Creator/GerardDepardieu and Nathalie Baye. It is inspired by [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Guerre the affair of the same name]].

* GoodPeopleHaveGoodSex: Part of Bertrande's defense of her husband not being an imposter is that he knows details only a husband would--such as "what to say before, during, and after" (to the catcalls of the court). [[spoiler:Sadly, this is actually a clue that he ''is'' an imposter, as Bertrande and the real Martin's sex life was only part of their wholly miserable marriage. Imposter though he is, Arnaud genuinely loves Bertrande.]]

* TheLoinsSleepTonight: The young Martin Guerre cannot have sex with her wife and becomes the laughing stock of the village.

* TheJudge: Jean de Coras and the other members of the Parliament of Toulouse.

* IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy: [[spoiler:Rolande says Arnaud du Tilh made her understand she should recognize the real Martin Guerre as her husband at the trial so that she will not be found guilty too. So he saved her.]]

* IdiotBall: As doubts about his identity are arising, the man who pretends to be Martin Guerre decides to demande money from his uncle and even threatens to sue him if he does not give in. This encourages his uncle, who has defended him so far, to take the lead of the people who question his identity.

* StarCrossedLovers: [[spoiler: Arnaud du Tilh and Bertrande. Despite being a loving husband and father, Arnaud is executed for his impersonation of Martin Guerre and for committing adultery due to the strict Catholic laws prohibiting divorce, while Bertrande is forced to remain married to a man who cares nothing for her.]]

* YourPrincessIsInAnotherCastle. Martin Guerre's identity is confirmed by Jean de Coras in Artigat due to lack of evidence to the contrary, and his uncle is humiliated and ordered to pay restitution. Except we're only an hour into this two-hour movie...

In 16th century South-West France, Martin Guerre is a young man married to Bertrande de Rols. One day, he disappears from his village. Nine years later, a man claiming to be Martin Guerre (Depardieu) returns and everybody recognizes him, including his wife Bertrande (Baye). Progressively, doubts about his true identity arise. Things become more serious when he demands money from his uncle.

''The Return of Martin Guerre'' (''Le Retour de Martin Guerre'') is a 1982 French historical film directed by Daniel Vigne and starring Creator/GerardDepardieu and Nathalie Baye.

Martin Guerre is a young man married to Bertrande de Rols. One day, he disappears from his village. Nine years later, a man claiming to be Martin Guerre (Depardieu) returns and everybody recognizes him, including his wife Bertrande (Baye). Progressively, doubts about his true identity arise. Things become more serious when he demands money from his uncle.

* DeadPersonImpersonation: [[spoiler:Arnaud du Tilh impersonated one of his soldier comrade, Martin Guerre. {{Subverted|Trope}}: in the end, it is revealed the real Martin Guerre is not dead: he shows up at the trial.]]

* IWillWaitForYou: Bertrande de Rols waits for her husband during nine years and she remains faithful to him.

* BecomingTheMask: [[spoiler:Arnaud du Tilh really enjoys his role as Martin Guerre. In particular, he falls in love with her wife Bertrande.]]

* DeadPersonImpersonation: [[spoiler:Arnaud du Tilh impersonated one of his soldier comrade, Martin Guerre. {{Subverted|Trope}}. In the end, it is revealed the real Martin Guerre is not dead: he shows up at the trial.]]