Tonight on TV: When it came out, this movie was a real social phenomenon

Inspired by a visit he pays his sister while she is studying Erasmus in Barcelona and living in a dormitory with young people of different nationalities, Cédric Clapis begins to write L’Auberge Espagnole. As a headliner, he immediately thinks of Romain Duris, his favorite actor.

For his fourth collaboration, the latter lends his qualities to Xavier, a 25-year-old who leaves Paris and his girlfriend to live in a dormitory with foreigners in Barcelona and finish his studies there.

Excellent in this role, which confirms him to the general public, Romain Dury was surrounded by very promising and international actors at the time (including Cécile de France, awarded the César for Best Young Woman for Hope, as well as Judith Godrech, Audrey Tautou or Kelly Reilly again).

Faced with the realities of life between indifference and anxiety, Cédric Clappish brilliantly captures the hopes, dreams and frustrations of certain European youth in the early 2000s, supported by an energetic soundtrack and inventive staging.

Upon release in theaters, Spanish inn caused a sensation, totaling 3 million admissions in France and 4.8 million across Europe. A true phenomenon, the film also promotes the popularity of Erasmus University’s exchange program.

The cult comedy of this generation spawned two movie sequels: Russian Dolls in 2005, then Chinese Puzzle in 2013. Now the saga is available in the series Greek Salad, eight episodes of which focus on Xavier’s children. Expected April 14 on Prime Video.

Spanish inn Cédric Clappy with Roman Dury, Cécile de France, Judith Godrech…

Tonight at Arte at 20:55.