A cantankerous old man lets a student live in his apartment for free in exchange for ruining his son’s marriage. Don’t miss this cute and uproarious French farce!
“A charming confection….taking place in ever-gorgeous Paris, it goes down like a bonbon.”
– Christopher Schobert, The Buffalo News
“A sweet little film brings together the real struggles of relocating to Paris as a student and a rare inter-generational friendship, weaving a tender story of both hilarious and tear-jerking moments.”
– Jasmine Valjas, The Upcoming
“Recommend for those who enjoy a subtle and intelligent comedy.”
– Film Baguette
“Funny and pleasant.”
– SensCritique.com
Veteran star Claude Brasseur plays the cantankerous Henri of the title in this riotous comedy of bad manners and good intentions. Bitterly opposed to the relationship between his son Paul (television comic Guillaume de Tonquédec) and the flighty Valérie (Frédérique Bel), Henri strikes upon a devious plan. He offers free board to attractive student Constance (vivacious newcomer Noémie Schmidt), who, desperate to make her own way, agrees to use her charms to drive the couple apart.
What ensues is classic farce material with a whirlwind of uproarious misunderstandings and awkward situations. Yet despite the wry cynicism at the beginning, there is still a sweet and uplifting message at its core – follow your dreams and don’t waste a minute.
César award-winning director Ivan Calbérac has adapted his own stage hit to the screen with triumphant results, in a top example of the Paris boulevard comedy style. In a uniformly superb cast, honours go to Brasseur, who is a hoot as the old coot. Uproarious fun from start to finish, this is bound to be an audience favourite. (C) Distrib Films
