The Romance of Astrea and Celadon

With his new film, legendary director EricRohmer returns to the origin of his 40-yearoldlegacy. Based on the work of the earlyrenaissance French writer Honoré d’Urfé – andset in the time of druids and nymphs – “TheRomance of Astrea and Celadon” revolvesaround the gorgeous young shepherd Celadonand his beloved shepherdess, Astrea. The lovestory runs into serious trouble when Astrea isfalsely informed of Celadon’s infidelity. She saysshe never wants to see him again; he jumps inthe river. The tension between keeping a promiseat all cost and passionate emotions reachesa new traitorous level when Celadon wearswomen’s clothing to avoid being seen by Astreaagain. The theme also ties the film togetherperfectly with Rohmer’s earliest work, his sixstories of morals. By placing the conflict in 5th-century Gaul, Rohmer establishes a romantic,gripping story that borders on classically epic.In an emotional journey, two hearts – that longto be together – are riddled with doubt andhindered by vanity and moral principles.