Life is a long calm river: which famous French actor made his film debut there?

Released in cinemas in 1988, the cult film titled Life is a long calm riverworn by Daniel Gélin, Hélène Vincent, Benoit Magimel and Catherine Jacobwill be rebroadcast Sunday, August 14, 2022, from 9:05 p.m. on TMC. Realized by Etienne Chatiliez, this feature film takes place in a city in the North of France, where two radically opposed families coexist and parody social stereotypes. On the one hand, the Currants and their six children, with modest incomes, living on social assistance in an HLM, and whose existence is made up of tricks, theft and the harsh realities of life. The eldest son Franck aged 18 is also in prison for theft. Among their other children, Maurice (nicknamed Momo), 12, is by far the most resourceful and intelligent.

The other, the Le Quesnoys, a well-to-do practicing Catholic family. Monsieur is the regional director of the EDF and Madame, in addition to her active participation in parish fairs, takes care of their five children. The only hassle comes from Bernadette, 12, who has been acting a bit erratically lately. She steals her mother’s makeup and dresses scantily. First feature film directed by Etienne Chatiliez, Life is a long calm river was an unexpected triumph upon its theatrical release. In addition, the feature film will be crowned with 4 César awards: Best First Work, Best Supporting Actress for Helen VincentBest Screenplay, and Best Female Hope for Catherine Jacob.

Life is a long calm river: a doubly Caesarized actor in the casting

In addition, this film allowed French viewers to discover for the first time a future essential star of the cinema: Benoit Magimel. In this feature film, he embodies the central character of Maurice. Only 13 years old at the time, he was already bursting onto the screen. Afterwards, he will decide to put an end to his schooling at the age of 16, in order to pursue his acting career. A winning bet given that he has played in many films such as: La Haine, La Pianiste, Les Petits Mouchoirs, Cloclo, La French, La Tête haute, Le Convoi, Carbone, or even We will end up together. He also won the César for best actor in a supporting role for Heads up in 2016, then the César for best actor for In his lifetime in 2022.

Subscribe to the Telestar.fr Newsletter to receive the latest news for free