Les apprentis (1995)

Black comedy about two best friends, one a budding playwright and the other a motorbike freak, who spend their time annoying their girlfriends and getting into various scrapes. Things turn ... See full summary »

Director:

Pierre Salvadori

Writers:

Franck Bauchard (collaboration), Nicolas Cuche (collaboration),

Stars:

François Cluzet, Guillaume Depardieu, Judith Henry

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
François Cluzet	...	Antoine
Guillaume Depardieu	...	Fred
Judith Henry	...	Sylvie
Claire Laroche	...	Agnes
Philippe Girard	...	Nicolas
Bernard Yerlès	...	Patrick
Jean-Pol Brissart	...	Karate Magazine Editor
Blandine Pélissier	...	Estate Agent
Jean-Michel Julliard	...	Doctor
Maryvonne Schiltz	...	Fred's mother
Claude Aufaure	...	Fred's father
Hélène Roussel	...	Antione's mother
Marie Riva	...	Woman in Flat 48
Philippe Duquesne	...	Man in Flat 48
Agathe Lepicard	...	Child in flat 48

Storyline

Black comedy about two best friends, one a budding playwright and the other a motorbike freak, who spend their time annoying their girlfriends and getting into various scrapes. Things turn nasty, however, when the pair are caught burgling the offices of a karate magazine, the consequences of which sends the playwright into a spiraling bout of depression.

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Plot Keywords:

depression | robbery | poverty

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Taglines:

Galeres?.. Embrouilles?.. Angoisses? Rencontrez de vrais professionnels!!!

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

20 December 1995 (France)

Also Known As:

Balfékek

Company Credits

Production Co:

Les Films Pelléas, Glem Production, La Sept Cinéma

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Qu'est-ce que t'es belle"
Written by Fabrice Aboulker, Marc Lavoigne and Patrice Mithois
Performed by Marc Lavoigne and Catherine Ringer

User Reviews

Simply brilliant

The dialogue in this film is hilarious, the acting is superb, and the plot is intelligently constructed. There are no narrative gimmicks - these two mates are normal lads, not drug-addled, not abused by their parents, not victims of horrible fate, prejudice or a miscarriage of justice. This simplicity, coupled with its power to move solely on the development of character, is why the film is so effective. They are losers, of course, but then again who isn't nowadays? Antoine dreams of a nice house complete with nice family and literary career, Fred dreams about combustion engines. They are different, and although it is never directly said by either character, it is clear that their friendship is real and strong. Hollywood would have them opening their hearts either to each other or to some teacher or father figure, but Salvadori is more subtle than that. Their problems are manifest, but never shoved down our throats. What makes this film even more memorable, however, is its ability to make you laugh. Not only is the dialogue clever and just like the stuff you and your mates come out with, but there are also fantastic visual gags, some great set-pieces, and humour emanating from Antoine's withering state of mind (the best being his miserable crossword puzzle clues). I saw this film by accident and it is probably my favourite film, a surprise that will stay with me forever. And it doesn't rely on a pumping, modern soundtrack to keep it alive.