Force majeure (1989)

For whatever reason, Philippe and Daniel choose to vacation in Southeast Asia, where they meet Hans, a resident of the area who acts as their patron and guide. Before they leave to return ... See full summary »

Director:

Pierre Jolivet

Writers:

Pierre Jolivet, Olivier Schatzky

Stars:

Patrick Bruel, François Cluzet, Kristin Scott Thomas

3 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Patrick Bruel	...	Philippe
François Cluzet	...	Daniel
Kristin Scott Thomas	...	Katia
Alan Bates	...	Malcolm Forrest
Sabine Haudepin	...	Jeanne
Thom Hoffman	...	Hans
Lucienne Hamon	...	Philippe's mother
Marc Jolivet	...	Le jouralliste, Le Guen
Hidde Maas	...	The lawyer
Betty Assenza	...	Gloria
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Tina van Baren	...	Maitre D'
François Basset	...	Student
Stéphane Bielikoff	...	Receptionnist
Sandra Grasset	...	Little girl
Thomas Hong-Maï	...	Bar owner

Storyline

For whatever reason, Philippe and Daniel choose to vacation in Southeast Asia, where they meet Hans, a resident of the area who acts as their patron and guide. Before they leave to return to Paris, the two present Hans with a gift of their leftover native hashish. 18 month's later, an Amnesty International lawyer, shows up and informs them that Hans was arrested and imprisoned for drug possession shortly after their departure and is now condemned to death. Philippe and Daniel have an opportunity to help Hans by confessing their deed to the authorities, sharing blame for the crime and accepting prison terms. Additional pressure is enforced by Hans' ex-girlfriend, the argument being that the life at stake is Hans'. Phillipe and Daniel maintain that their lives are at stake as well.

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Plot Keywords:

drugs | amnesty international | prison | capital punishment | punishment | 

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Taglines:

Ils ont 5 jours pour devenir des heros.

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

5 April 1989 (France)

Also Known As:

Uncontrollable Circumstances

Company Credits

Production Co:

C.A.P.A.C., Fildebroc

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Remade as Return to Paradise (1998)

User Reviews

Force majeure

"Force majeure" is a good example of a film which asks the right questions,takes big chances ,does not try to charm or appeal ....but finally takes the easy way out! Such an ending ruins all that came before.

Also handicapped by "actor" Patrick Bruel's"performance" ,by no means the partner it takes to match François Cluzet.He is completely incredible as a mathematician discussing differential calculus with mum!!! You had better choose Pierre Jolivet's "simple mortel" ,one of the few French sci-fi flicks the screenplay of which does not fall apart after thirty minutes:and that one has a satisfying disturbing ending.