Written in 1884, Germinal was instrumental in winning justice for workers that had endured years of suffering, and director Claude Berri brings this historic period to life in this film adaptation. Berri has made other exceptional French "slice of life" films such as Jean de Florette and Manon of the Spring, and he was determined to keep the novel's detailed realism alive during filming. As a result, the director successfully transports audiences to the life and struggles of 19th century France. The camera accurately portrays the claustrophobic conditions of working in mines. Berri spent millions of dollars creating sets that make the audience feel as though they are climbing through a mine, and it's clear that the money was well spent. He's further aided by a cast with true insight into the hard work and determination of the miners -- stars Gerard Depardieu and Miou Miou have stated in interviews that they got involved with the film in memory of their own working-class parents. Berri previously worked with Depardieu on Manon of the Spring, with similarly successful results.