The Return of Martin Guerre is a French film released in 1982, directed by Daniel Vigne and starring Gérard Depardieu and Nathalie Baye. The movie is based on a true story that took place in the 16th century in the village of Artigat, in southwestern France.
The movie tells the story of Martin Guerre, who disappears from his village at the age of 14 to fight in the war. After many years of absence, he returns to the village but nobody recognizes him, not even his wife Bertrande de Rols, played by Nathalie Baye. However, this man who claims to be Martin knows the smallest details about Martin's life, habits, and family, convincing some of the villagers that he really is Martin Guerre.
But not everybody is convinced, and some of Martin's relatives, including his uncle Pierre, played by Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu, begin to suspect that the man is an imposter. After a series of events, Bertrande becomes convinced that the man who returned is not Martin, but she is torn between her loyalty to her husband and her duty to tell the truth.
The situation becomes even more complicated when Martin's real identity is revealed and the trial begins. The villagers must decide whether the man who returned is the real Martin Guerre or an imposter, and the outcome of the trial has far-reaching consequences for all involved.
The movie is a powerful exploration of identity, loyalty, and deception, with stunning performances by the lead actors and a beautiful, evocative score by Michel Portal. The Return of Martin Guerre has been praised for its historical accuracy and its portrayal of the complexities of human relationships and emotions.