107 minutes – Drama
Language: French
Release date: April 27, 1983
Production company: Astral Bellevue Pathé, Société Radio-Canada, TF1 Films Production
Canadian Distributor: Astral Films

Based on Louis Hémon’s bestselling novel, Maria Chapdelaine is set in the early years of the twentieth century and focuses on a beautiful young woman who dreams of an easier life than the one she must endure living with her parents and siblings on a remote farm in harsh, picturesque Lac St-John region of Quebec. She has three suitors: a steady and unimaginative farmer, Eutrope, the Americanized and wealthy Lorenzo, who has sought his fortune in Boston, and François Paradis (Nick Mancuso), a rough and virile logger who captures her heart despite the warnings of her parents and the village priest. For a year, marked by seasonal change in an atmosphere charged with the strangeness of Indians and the demons of the woods, we see Maria at work and prayer, struggling with decisions, choosing to stay in Canada, in love with François, seeking to change his rough behaviours, and dealing with extraordinary loss.

Maria Chapdelaine was nominated for 11 Genie Awards including Best Picture, and won awards for Art Direction, Cinematography, Costume Design and Original Score at the 5th Genie Awards in 1984.

Also see: The 2020 version of this classic Québec story, Maria Chapdelaine.