Luc and Jeanne breed animals on their country farm. Luc really wants to be a cosmonaut and explore outer space. The only space he enjoys is the space around his farm. Julien, his elder son, is not much help. He's learning how to kiss. He's kissing himself in the mirror and he tries it out on Julienne his favourite cow. And when he tries it out on his brother's girl friend, forcing himself upon her....well, there's trouble. Authorities say he should be locked up, but his mother insists that if there is anything wrong with him, it's the family's job to put things right.
One has to sympathize with the problems faced by parents who have mentally handicapped children. Some of the problems are clearly defined in this poignant comedy drama. There are many happy ...many sad moments. You'll find a lot of frustrating moments, too.
A turning point in this film is when Grandma reveals a terrible secret which has lain hidden for 20 years or so. Luc is not pleased ( "Trust you to stir the sh**t!") and there is more family squabbling at the dinner table.
When Julien gets a motorbike as a present, there are some hair-raising rides. I was expecting a terrible crash at every bend in the road. But Julien is hell-bent on following up Grandma's revelation.
The dilemma in which the family finds itself is not resolved in the end, but I have a feeling that somehow Julien's mad-cap life style brings members of the family closer together and with a better understanding about life and its frailties.
