Catherine Deneuve Collection [Import]

For fans of Catherine Deneuve (who is in her gorgeous prime) or lovers of French Cinema these 5 films may be of interest, but unfortunately they don't bear repeating. In Manon 70 she flip-flops between men, trying to decide between love and money - it's all fairly ineffective, except for an almost expected twist ending (2 1/2 stars). Le Choc is more intriguing and co-stars Alain Delon as a retiring hit-man, who not surprisingly seduces the wife (Deneuve) of a disgruntled farmer (3 stars). Le Sauvage is a farcical comedy, where a kooky Deneuve (fleeing from both a crazed fiancé and angry business associate) involves seeming opposite, Yves Montand. (nice scenery - 3 stars) Hotel Des Ameriques is the unnecessary story of a dismal relationship between two forgettable characters (1 1/2 stars). Fort Saganne is a period war epic (French Sahara) starring Gerard Depardieu, and since Deneuve's appearance is minimal, the film's inclusion in this set is surprising. Of the 3 hr. epic, she appears in a couple of scenes in Part II only (as a Depardieu love interest) with less than 15 min. total screen time. The film itself has some great settings and scenery but is too long and could have used better direction (2 1/2 stars). Unfortunately there is no bonus dvd material, and though there are a couple of worthwhile films here, overall the set is questionable - maybe wait for a really good sale.