One of the best films I've ever seen and, needless to say that, Catherine Deneuve's performance is one of her best.
The film clearly depicts the hypocrisy of the French colonialist mentalist of the time, the struggle of the local Indochinese and the concern of the authorities with the spread of communism.
Definitely worth watching if you have an interest in 20th century history.
Set in French indo China of the thirties this is a beautifuly shot historical epic. Catherine Deneuve is superb as the aristocratic plantation owner Eliane. The main topic is the love triangle involving Eliane, her adopted Vietnamese daughter and an army officer played by Vincent Perez. All this is set in the turbulent times of the Vietnamese revoloution, brilliantly captured. A long and epic superb film from Regis Warginer. Despite winning two Cesars for other roles (French equivalent of the oscar) this film gave Catherine Deneuve's her only oscar nomination. She should have won as her performance is a consummate acting achievement.