Friends Garris (Jacques Gamblin) and Riton (Jacques Villeret) live on the edge of a marsh making a living from the flora and fauna of the region, which they sell in the neighboring town. Garris arrived here just after the Great War, a war which still holds the most bitter memories for him; and the lazy, wine-loving Riton, his wife and three children probably wouldn't survive without the kindly Garris' help. Their friends include Pepe, (Michel Serrault), who once lived on the marsh but is now wealthy and unhappy, and Amedee, (Andre Dussolier), a confirmed bachelor and lover of jazz.
This beautifully filmed widescreen adaptation of the novel by Georges Montforez is a nostalgic reminiscence, told by an elderly woman, about her childhood. Director Jean Becker, best known for his thrillers, is working in a venerable tradition of French cinema, and the film is certainly a bit old fashioned. But it shines thanks to the performances – all of them superb, including former footballer Eric Cantona as a boxer whose career and life are ruined when he gets into a pointless argument with Riton. On the downside, while the film celebrates male friendships, most of female characters are nags or faithless teases – all except for a little old widow whose life is made bearable by the snuff she inhales. A handsome film, but not a very relevant one.
