Curiosidades

The movie cost 165 milllion francs, which made it the most expensive French movie ever made at the time of release.

Director Claude Berri didn't want anyone but Renaud in the movie. It took three years to convince him and eventually, Renaud disliked his experience on set. He stated that the director had made him his puppet and told him exactly how to act and talk in every scene, leaving no room for a personal touch. Furthermore, the movie was supposed to be 3h38min long but several scenes were cut, most of them involving Renaud's character. The latter said that this made Lantier's part really hard to understand.

In Emile Zola's novel, Catherine Maheu is said to be 15 years of age, while being played by 25 year old Judith Henry in this adaptation.

The film was selected as the French entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 66th Academy Awards.

Most of the extras were chosen among former miners or their children and grandchildren.