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Story of Women Photos

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Movie Info

In Nazi-occupied France, Marie (Isabelle Huppert), a mother of two, is struggling to support her family. Her debilitated husband, Paul (François Cluzet), can no longer work when he comes back from the war. Out of desperation, Marie decides to perform illicit abortions and charge large sums for her services. Before long she's making a considerable amount of money from her secret occupation -- which soon leads her to disregard the ailing Paul and turn her attentions to a lavish new lifestyle.

Genre:

drama
Original Language:

French (Canada)
Director:

Claude Chabrol
Producer:

Marin Karmitz
Release Date (Streaming):

Aug 10, 2005
Runtime:

1h 50m
Production Co:

MK2 Productions, Les Films du Camelia, Films A2

Cast & Crew

Isabelle Huppert
Marie

François Cluzet
Paul

Marie Trintignant
Lulu, Lucie

Nils Tavernier
Lucien

Marie Bunel
Ginette

Dominique Blanc
Jasmine

Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for Story of Women

All Critics (11) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (9) | Rotten (2)

What is Chabrol's message? He does not say. His film is as opaque as his character. Story of Women is a morality play without a conclusion.

January 1, 2000 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review…

Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
...even during wartime, Chabrol argues, women have a right to live for themselves.

April 7, 2020 | Rating: 7/10 | Full Review…

Nathanael Hood
Nate Hood Reviews
Neither Huppert nor the director pass any judgements on Marie's actions, nor does either shy away from her wartime imposed survivalist attitude to the world around her.

May 16, 2009 | Rating: A+ | Full Review…

Cole Smithey
ColeSmithey.com
Quote not available.

July 5, 2005 | Rating: 4/5

Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
It's an interesting look at a tiny aspect of the French condition in WWII, but I had hoped for a more sweeping and insightful film from one of cinema's masters.

July 24, 2004 | Rating: 3/5

Christopher Null
Filmcritic.com
Quote not available.

May 29, 2004 | Rating: 3/5

Andy Klein
New Times
An artfully done and disturbing film that raises questions about controversial social issues.

March 4, 2004 | Rating: B- | Full Review…

Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
The gripping story of a true survivor.

January 19, 2004 | Full Review…

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Spirituality & Practice
Quote not available.

March 4, 2003 | Rating: 4/5

Frank Swietek
One Guy's Opinion
Quote not available.

November 5, 2002 | Rating: 3/5

Philip Martin
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Quote not available.

July 26, 2002 | Rating: 5/5

David Poland
Hot Button

View All Critic Reviews (11)

Audience Reviews for Story of Women

Oct 24, 2012

The Second World War continues to be a great source of film material and this is an important addition to that collection of film..albeit one that isn't overly compelling. A tiny conflict within a larger one.

John B Super Reviewer
Sep 03, 2008

I admire Isabelle Huppert more and more as an actress with each film I see her in. Here she plays Marie Latour, one of the last women guillotined in France, for having performed illegal abortions. The subject is obviously a delicate one. Chabrol doesn't take sides though. The dark side of this woman is evident, she shows little or no concern for her clients and seemingly is only doing it to get as much money as possible out of it. But there is also a innocence to her, to do anything she can to provide the best for her children. Would make a great (though admittingly bleak) double feature with Vera Drake.

Emily B Super Reviewer