Hombres al agua

The very fact of making a movie about men in these years when women's films are the focus of attention is a proof of originality from the director and co-scriptwriter Gilles Lellouche, better known as an actor and only at his second film after a pause of 14 years. Even more, the heroes are not comics characters or super-spies saving the world, neither great thinkers, politicians, or other celebrities of the day, but rather a collection of middle-aged men, each with its problems and failures, who find their escapist refuge in practicing one of the most feminine possible sports - synchronized (or artistic) swimming. And no, none of them is gay, this is not the theme of 'Le Grand Bain'.

The subject is taken from a real case in Sweden, and in parallel with the French movie, an English film that I have not seen yet has also been produced and released to screens. As it often happens, the label 'inspired by a true story' is a good excuse for situations and a story that seem incredible at first sight or hearing. The model is of course 'The Full Monty' which I liked a lot about 20 years ago. The story has an air of deja vu, but paradoxically this does not matter because the approach is light and empathic. Each of the heroes comes with his personal history and the problems of each of the characters are gradually revealed in a well-orchestrated chaining alertly edited together. The common denominator is the need to compensate for the professional or family failures of each of the heroes with the sporting teamwork in which eight or ten personal failures can be gathered to create collective success by accepting the differences and rejecting the macho patterns of the surrounding society.

Gilles Lellouche gathers some of the most popular of his fellow actors in this film. I viewed with great pleasure, as always, Mathieu Amalric and Benoît Poelvoorde, two of my preferred actors in the francophone space. I also liked the interpretation of Philippe Katerine whom I knew less. There are also some less explored threads that could have been developed (the Sri Lankan team mate - the only 'stranger' in the team, the stories of the two girls), but on the other hand maybe it's better that the film does not try to to send too many messages risking to dilute in too many directions. As it stands now, 'Le Grand Bain' is a humorous and empathetic film which succeeds in conveying a credible and important "feel-good" message, despite the routine or lack of credibility of some of the details.

Not just the body in this case, but also the mind. Also overcoming obstacles and being able to compete in something that would likely look impossible at the beginning of the movie. A nice almost fairy tale like story, that can be described like a feel good movie! -

The actors really do their best to convey not just the emotions, but the emotional journey and the flaws they inhabit. A comedy drama that shows quite some craftmanship.

This i am rating as my film of the year, it has got to be the most wonderful and well paced story i have seen this year, good pace, good acting and none of the usual plots. I recommend it to anyone wanting that little lift out of mediocrity, that something to pull them from the mundane day to day viewing. Watch it and you will come away refreshed and ready for another day on earth, i did not even know i was also watching the subtitles from halfway, and at the end the story told itself without words. Be you any nationality, you will connect with each character, wonderful and uplifting experience, oh, it's good to be alive

A bunch of mid-fourty men, with big bellies, suffering from anxiety or depression or severe financial troubles, come together as a dysfunctional swim team. They are all total loosers and they s(*k at swimming, but it's so endearing and charming to watch them try so hard how to swim well, while they struggle with their mondane and depressing lives.

True to life dialogues. True to life characters. True to life insecurities, fears and despair. True to life examples of seemingly total failures. And they made a wonderfully charming comedy about it. A comedy like only the French can make them. Bless the French.

Friendship among men is an unusual theme in film. There are dozens of movies about women, and especially comedies. Therefore, this French film becomes a wonderful insight into men of adulthood and how a companionship develops. The film is fun, charming and engaging, but never nostalgic. Although the film is primarily a feel-good movie, it is also a serious undertone of where men's challenges in adulthood. As well as how it is for men when the role expectations they have not followed up, whether by unemployment, family problems or poorly paid jobs. But here it is primarily about how to do something about the situation and the cohesion between them. A great story and movie, this one.