Reviewed by Janina Conboye
Stars Kad Merad, Dany Boon, Zoé Félix, Lorenzo Ausilia-Foret,
Anne Marivin, Philippe Duquesne, Guy Lecluyse, Line Renaud,
Alexandre Carrière, Patrick Bosso, Zinedine Soualem
Written by Dany Boon, Alexandre Charlot & Franck Magnier
Certification UK 12A
Runtime 106 minutes
Directed by Danny Boon
It’s grim up north ... mmm, seems we’re not the only ones with the ominous north-south divide. For years the Nord Pas-de-Calais has been stereotyped as a desperately miserable place, full of disused coalmines and rusting factories — a hell-hole. Its inhabitants are supposedly depressed, violent, alcoholics who speak an impenetrable patois, Ch'timi. And of course these harsh northerners think the southerners are typically soft, poncey folk.
Luckily for those in the north this stereotype has been shattered, with the release of comedian Dany Boon's comedy in France a few weeks ago. It has been a surprise hit at the French box office, where 8m tickets were sold in just two weeks, but it is on limited release in the UK. The film retraces the misadventures of a postal worker, Phillipe (Merad), from Provence — who, in his attempts to gain a transfer to the sunnier climes of France, is forced to move north. It seems in the postal service, the disabled gain favour for posts in the south, so what better idea than to fake it? His punishment: get fired or go north, to Bergues.
Phillipe is filled with dread as he prepares for the doom of the gloomy north. Armed with his winter coat and furry hat, he embarks on his miserable journey. Phillipe arrives in Bergues late and with the rain pouring, he is introduced to Antoine (Boon), the local postman. Phillipe runs him down in his car. After settling into his little flat, Phillipe finds himself unexpectedly charmed by the region's unusual customs and warm hospitality. Everyone is friendly, kind and upbeat, especially Antoine. It’s a very human comedy to which most people, French or not, can relate. It’s not complex, overtly emotional or an action thriller. It’s simply a good old laugh, with a bit of the ridiculous thrown in for good measure. Maybe it’s not so grim up "nord" after all eh?