Two timeless classics of French cinema
Published in 1988, Life is a long quiet river is a social satire directed by Etienne Chatiliezwhich explores the clash of classes through a plot as absurd as it is biting. The film tells the story of two polar opposite families – the bourgeois Le Quesnoy and the modest Groseille – who discover that their children were switched at birth. This shock gives rise to a series of funny situations and tasty dialogues, which have become cult.
The film owes much of its success to its colorful characters, played by Elena Vincent, Benoît Magimel, André Wilms AND Catherine Hiegelbut also to its incisive satirical tone that spares no one. With its famous “It’s Monday, it’s ravioli”, the comedy quickly entered French popular culture, becoming a reference for many generations.
In 1995, Etienne Chatiliez anniversary with Happiness is in the meadowa comedy that mixes humor and social criticism. This film presents Michel Serrault as Francis Bergeade, a Southwestern industrialist overwhelmed by everyday life, who sees his destiny change when he is mistaken for another man who has been missing for years. With its good-natured atmosphere and irresistible jokes, the film appeals to a wide audience thanks to its five-star casting consisting of Eddy Mitchell, Sabine Azéma AND Carmen Maura.
These two films, funny and touching, demonstrate a unique skill in French comedy, where humor subtly mixes with social reflection.
A phenomenal success at the box office
If these two comedies continue to be broadcast and appreciated today, it is above all thanks to their resounding success at the box office. When it came out in cinemas, Life is a long quiet river attracted more than 4 million viewersquite a feat for a late 1980s French satirical comedy. Its ferocious humor and its sharp look at the society of the time managed to convince both critics and audiences, allowing it to become one of the most appreciated films. of 1988.
With regard to Happiness is in the meadowestablished itself as a huge popular hit in 1995, charting more than 5 million entries In France. This triumph can be explained by the audience’s attachment to the tender humor and endearing personality of Michel Serraultwhose role as a disillusioned businessman seeking a new life resonated with many viewers. Its light and optimistic tone, combined with incisive dialogue, made it a classic of French comedy cinema.
Combining more 9 million entriesthese two films are among the biggest French box office successes of their time, proving that French comedy is capable of attracting a very large audience. Their return to Netflix is the ideal opportunity to rediscover these works that have marked their time and continue to entertain entire generations.
Source: Cine Serie
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