Master Rank #677

The Green Ray

1986

GCML Total7.1240% Greatness · 40% Engagement · 20% Ease

Directed by Éric Rohmer

CastMarie Rivière · Vincent Gauthier

FranceFrenchDrama / Romance98 minNot Rated
Sight & SoundNarrative FeatureDeliberate pace
Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List
Venice · 1

Spoiler-free premise

A lonely Parisian woman comes to terms with her isolation and anxieties during a long summer vacation.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

Paris secretary Delphine's holiday plans collapse when a friend cancels, sending her among family, group vacations, Cherbourg, the Alps, and Biarritz. Her discomfort with casual sociability continues as she hears about the rare green ray at sunset.

Why it belongs

Éric Rohmer makes summer loneliness vivid through improvised conversation, awkward groups, changing resorts, and Rivière's Delphine protecting intuition others dismiss.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Train timetables, vegetarian meals, crowded tables, beaches, playing cards, overheard talk, and natural light let social pressure accumulate. Marie Rivière's exposed Delphine makes indecision a serious ethical temperament.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20

Totals include every recorded competitive win. Only Picture or top-film honors, Direction, Screenplay, and lead or supporting performances are named.

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