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Family First

Original title: Chien de garde
  • 2018
  • TV-MA
  • 1h 27m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
557
YOUR RATING
Family First (2018)
Drama

JP and Vincent, two brothers from a dysfunctional family, get involved in their uncle's drug cartel. Things quickly start spiraling out of control for Vincent, the younger and more unstable ... Read allJP and Vincent, two brothers from a dysfunctional family, get involved in their uncle's drug cartel. Things quickly start spiraling out of control for Vincent, the younger and more unstable of the two.JP and Vincent, two brothers from a dysfunctional family, get involved in their uncle's drug cartel. Things quickly start spiraling out of control for Vincent, the younger and more unstable of the two.

  • Director
    • Sophie Dupuis
  • Writer
    • Sophie Dupuis
  • Stars
    • Théodore Pellerin
    • Jean-Simon Leduc
    • Paul Ahmarani
  • See production, box office & company info
  • IMDb RATING
    6.9/10
    557
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Sophie Dupuis
    • Writer
      • Sophie Dupuis
    • Stars
      • Théodore Pellerin
      • Jean-Simon Leduc
      • Paul Ahmarani
    • 6User reviews
    • 8Critic reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 5 wins & 3 nominations

    Photos25

    Family First (2018)
    Family First (2018)
    Théodore Pellerin in Family First (2018)
    Théodore Pellerin in Family First (2018)
    Jean-Simon Leduc and Théodore Pellerin in Family First (2018)
    Jean-Simon Leduc and Théodore Pellerin in Family First (2018)
    Théodore Pellerin in Family First (2018)
    Jean-Simon Leduc and Théodore Pellerin in Family First (2018)
    Marjo in Family First (2018)
    Paul Ahmarani in Family First (2018)
    Théodore Pellerin in Family First (2018)
    Jean-Simon Leduc and Théodore Pellerin in Family First (2018)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Théodore Pellerin
    Théodore Pellerin
    • Vincent
    Jean-Simon Leduc
    Jean-Simon Leduc
    • JP
    Paul Ahmarani
    Paul Ahmarani
    • Danny
    Andres Alfaro
    • Olivier
    Sylvio Archambault
    Sylvio Archambault
    • Bob
    Philippe Hubert Bourgon
    • Élève du cours d'électricité
    Wolff Cadelis
    • Ami d'Olivier 2
    Mathias Dubé
    • Fils de Sonia
    Naomie Dubé
    • Fille de Sonia
    Alicia Ducasse
    • Passante
    Faktual
    • MC 1
    Maude Guérin
    Maude Guérin
    • Joe
    Xiaodan He
    Xiaodan He
    • Serveuse du restaurant asiatique
    Josée Juteau
    • Propriétaire de chien
    Claudel Laberge
    Claudel Laberge
    • Mel
    Léane Labrèche-Dor
    Léane Labrèche-Dor
    • Sonia
    Olivier Lamarche
    Olivier Lamarche
    • Élève du cours d'électricité
    Sylvain Lamy
    Sylvain Lamy
    • Alain
    • Director
      • Sophie Dupuis
    • Writer
      • Sophie Dupuis
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      This is Canada's 44th submission for The Academy Award Best Foreign Film Category in 2019. A first time submission for director Sophie Dupuis. ENGLISH Title is Family First

    User reviews6

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    8/10
    A fantastic film with memorable performances
    "Chien de garde" is an incredibly effective depiction of the inheritance of criminality through family ties. The depiction has absolutely nothing glamorous about it, as the criminals in question are not suit-wearing Mafioso but, rather, small-time crooks living in poverty. It pretty much tells the story of two brothers who live at home with their formerly alcoholic mother and who work for their uncle, a lowlife drug dealer and bar owner in Montréal who hires them as henchmen.

    On one hand, there is JP, the older brother, who is showing some resiliency and willingness to choose a different path in life, but who keeps being pressured by his family to stay within the vicious circle of crime and violence. His girlfriend, who also lives with him and his family, is about to leave that toxic nest and, obviously, wants him to follow her.

    On the other hand, Vincent, the younger brother, an influenceable and totally unpredictable lunatic youngster whose recklessness seems like the perfect attribute to meet his uncle's career aspirations as a hitman.

    Stuck between the opportunity for a fresh start with his girlfriend and pursuing criminal activity and staying loyal to his family, it feels like the walls are closing in on JP.

    "Chien de garde" is such a great character study. Without its spectacular cast, it probably would not have been nearly as effective. From the opening sequence, the tone is set, and every character feels amazingly natural. Jean-Simon Leduc (JP) does a wonderful job portraying a young, resilient man who goes through a tremendous amount of psychological and emotional pressure.

    Maude Guérin's (the mother) performance is stunning, and the chemistry that she is able to create with her two boys engenders a feeling of love that's equally comforting and toxic. The complexity and depth of her character is a key element in this story.

    Theodore Pellerin (Vincent) completely steals the show with a performance that should be remembered for ages, literally. I felt uncomfortable every time his character was on screen. The last time I remember a character making me feel similarly was in The Professional, with Gary Oldman's character (although they are totally different characters). His unpredictability should make any viewer uneasy. The way he moves, the way he talks...you rarely see such an interesting and unique character in movies. It certainly helped that the dialogue is so well written (which, in my opinion, is a rare occurrence in a Quebecois film depicting the criminal world), but make no mistake, Vincent would have never been the same without such an inventive young actor portraying him. And it is safe to say that the same applies to the whole cast. Superb performances all around.

    Sophie Dupuis struck me as a brilliant director, from start to finish. The opening sequence, especially, had me in complete awe. I find it incredible that this is her very first full-length feature. It appears that this film may be nominated for an Academy Award. Trust me, it is truly deserved.
    helpful•10
    8
    • plpregent
    • Oct 12, 2018

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • March 9, 2018 (Canada)
    • Country of origin
      • Canada
    • Official site
      • the official trailer
    • Language
      • French
    • Also known as
      • Chien de garde
    • Production company
      • Axia Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 27 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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