How others will see it. This is a film with several levels of appeal. It is a love story, since The Captain and Madame La are ceaselessly smitten with each other. It also provides a message of reform, since Neel transforms from a thoughtless clod to a model citizen. Teachers may be inspired by Binoche, who is always there to steer Neel in the right direction. At least, until Neel's sense of right and wrong surpasses that of her own.
Problems? It's a subtitled French movie, and quickly gives the impression of a slow-moving historical drama. This is a negative for the seeker of action, entertainment, and comedy. But an audience exists: The reader of romance novels should think its nifty.
How I felt about it. This well-made historical drama has fine costumes and an intelligent script. It has a realistic pair of endings, although much of the film's middle is suspect. Specifically, Neel's transformaion is instantaneous: He's gentle, kind, and thoughtful once he's been sentenced. The reckless and instinctive being he was is gone forever.
Beyond that, the boundless love mutually held between The Captain and Madame La strains reality. Admittedly, perfect love is possible. It's also possible that you will win the lottery. But, most of us have to make do with the real world.
Although it plays as a tale of romance and reform, behind these outer wrappings is its true nature. The Widow of St. Pierre is a political life lesson. The Captain and Madame La are pure liberals. They know Neel is good. The follow the will of the people, rather than use force to install imperialist French policy. When push comes to shove, they will risk their lives to do what they believe is right.
But in life, Pure Liberals are usually ground into mud by the Realists, who see a hierarchy of power and rules that can be manipulated to their advantage. These people patiently wait until the Liberals break the rules. Then, the Realists try to replace the Liberals with pliable cronies. The legitimacy of the rules violated is never an issue to the Realists, whose lack of ingenuity eventually condemns them to be confronted by another legion of more dynamic Liberals, who must again be overcome by opportunistic treachery.
The stern patrician (and Realist) governor (Michel Duchaussoy) despises the insubordinate captain, his scandalous wife, and plodding Neel, who should be a prisoner instead of a folk hero. Revenge is a dish served cold after a long wait. The governor gets his revenge, but alas, can't enjoy it, since liberalism can never be fully stamped out.