Friendship among men is an unusual theme in film. There are dozens of movies about women, and especially comedies. Therefore, this French film becomes a wonderful insight into men of adulthood and how a companionship develops. The film is fun, charming and engaging, but never nostalgic. Although the film is primarily a feel-good movie, it is also a serious undertone of where men's challenges in adulthood. As well as how it is for men when the role expectations they have not followed up, whether by unemployment, family problems or poorly paid jobs. But here it is primarily about how to do something about the situation and the cohesion between them. A great story and movie, this one.
34 Reviews
Emotional trip!
willeasyer6 April 2019
I was skeptic about this film, but it proved me totally wrong. It's really powerful and emotive, a beautiful story about a group of man each failing his life in his own way and trying to reclaim their manhood through Synchronized swimming. it might sound absurd said like this but it's really good a perfect reflexion of the crisis of masculinity of our time, add to it it's a perfectly funny and comical film.
A group of men trying to find meaning in life
VanillaCaramelLatte29 December 2018
Today I went to the cinema to watch this movie. I've watched some French movies, some from the Nouvelle Vague period and some comedies, which are generally quite funny.
This one is different from the comedies I was used to, since it's more dramatic. Le Grand Bain is about a man in his 40's who has been unemployed for 2 years and depressed about it. He decides to join the all-male synchronized swimming at his local pool. There, he is trained by a woman and meets other men dealing with their own problems. Together they are understanding and helpful with each other, while trying to find meaning in their lives. They are teased for doing something associated with women, but they are able to stay focused towards their goal.
I really enjoyed the movie, the visuals and angles were great. I loved the music and the dancing parts were funny. I liked what the movie was about, it caught my attention because the theme is unique and creative.
It had its silly parts, but overall it was money well spent. I recommend it!
SYNCHRONISED FUN
MadamWarden27 July 2020
Pooling Resources
writers_reign11 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
For reasons best known to himself Gilles Lellouche opted not to act in this film and contented himself with directing - his friend Guillaume Canet, for example can and often does perform both functions - but it is unlikely that this excellent film would have been enhanced had he actually taken part. The cast is exceptionally strong in both male and female actors and what appeals is that no one - not Virginie Efira, Melanie Doutey, Marinas Fois, Matthieu Amlaric, Benoit Poolevarde - is particularly well known outside France but all have secure places in the domestic industry. The story is slight, a tad offbeat but ultimately both entertaining and satisfying.
pleasantly watchable tragicomedy
myriamlenys6 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A jobless man with a long-term depression spends much of his time sleeping on the sofa. In an impulse, he volunteers for a local swimming team. It turns out that he has volunteered for an all-male "synchronised swimming" team made up of social misfits and led by a female trainer with a questionable grasp on sanity...
"Le grand bain" is generally described as a comedy, but I'd be more inclined to call it a tragicomedy. One of the characters, for instance, is an adult male with anger issues ; at first sight he just seems a random *sshole but it turns out that much of his life has been blighted by a mentally disturbed mother who can switch from tender maternal love to vicious attack in seconds. The movie tells the story of a bunch of misfits who find joy through mutual trust and friendship - and through a common devotion to an unusual sport thought to be "feminine". Unsurprisingly, the ending involves them winning a well-deserved trophy - you can't have a movie about a bunch of brave underdogs battling prejudice without them winning a well-deserved trophy...
There's a nice bit of synchronised swimming near the end - watch it and grin - but the main charm of the movie consists of its good cast and its fine performances. It also has a socially useful message, to wit that people should not let stereotypes keep them from enjoying life and creating beauty.
"Le grand bain" is generally described as a comedy, but I'd be more inclined to call it a tragicomedy. One of the characters, for instance, is an adult male with anger issues ; at first sight he just seems a random *sshole but it turns out that much of his life has been blighted by a mentally disturbed mother who can switch from tender maternal love to vicious attack in seconds. The movie tells the story of a bunch of misfits who find joy through mutual trust and friendship - and through a common devotion to an unusual sport thought to be "feminine". Unsurprisingly, the ending involves them winning a well-deserved trophy - you can't have a movie about a bunch of brave underdogs battling prejudice without them winning a well-deserved trophy...
There's a nice bit of synchronised swimming near the end - watch it and grin - but the main charm of the movie consists of its good cast and its fine performances. It also has a socially useful message, to wit that people should not let stereotypes keep them from enjoying life and creating beauty.
swim
cesspit-535056 April 2019
This i am rating as my film of the year, it has got to be the most wonderful and well paced story i have seen this year, good pace, good acting and none of the usual plots. I recommend it to anyone wanting that little lift out of mediocrity, that something to pull them from the mundane day to day viewing. Watch it and you will come away refreshed and ready for another day on earth, i did not even know i was also watching the subtitles from halfway, and at the end the story told itself without words. Be you any nationality, you will connect with each character, wonderful and uplifting experience, oh, it's good to be alive
Swimmers' friendship
DogePelis20156 June 2021
poetic comedy
benyoo27 June 2019
Brilliant French comedy. Subtle characters, fantastic settings, the camera is amazing. Very poetic writing. Superb cast. Laughing and crying for two hours. The topic of male synchronized swimming is really secondary, this movie is extraordinary, the script is razorsharp. No wonder it was a huge hit in France. It´s genious. The people who created this piece you would just die for to have as friends.
A serious and funny film
DLochner10 July 2020
The cover of the film gives hope for a trashy comedy. In fact, we get to see a profound, serious and quite funny film. The focus is on a handful of monks and their trainer. Everyone has their own problems. And although there are many individual fates, everyone has the same problem somewhere.
men in water
dromasca15 March 2019
The very fact of making a movie about men in these years when women's films are the focus of attention is a proof of originality from the director and co-scriptwriter Gilles Lellouche, better known as an actor and only at his second film after a pause of 14 years. Even more, the heroes are not comics characters or super-spies saving the world, neither great thinkers, politicians, or other celebrities of the day, but rather a collection of middle-aged men, each with its problems and failures, who find their escapist refuge in practicing one of the most feminine possible sports - synchronized (or artistic) swimming. And no, none of them is gay, this is not the theme of 'Le Grand Bain'.
The subject is taken from a real case in Sweden, and in parallel with the French movie, an English film that I have not seen yet has also been produced and released to screens. As it often happens, the label 'inspired by a true story' is a good excuse for situations and a story that seem incredible at first sight or hearing. The model is of course 'The Full Monty' which I liked a lot about 20 years ago. The story has an air of deja vu, but paradoxically this does not matter because the approach is light and empathic. Each of the heroes comes with his personal history and the problems of each of the characters are gradually revealed in a well-orchestrated chaining alertly edited together. The common denominator is the need to compensate for the professional or family failures of each of the heroes with the sporting teamwork in which eight or ten personal failures can be gathered to create collective success by accepting the differences and rejecting the macho patterns of the surrounding society.
Gilles Lellouche gathers some of the most popular of his fellow actors in this film. I viewed with great pleasure, as always, Mathieu Amalric and Benoît Poelvoorde, two of my preferred actors in the francophone space. I also liked the interpretation of Philippe Katerine whom I knew less. There are also some less explored threads that could have been developed (the Sri Lankan team mate - the only 'stranger' in the team, the stories of the two girls), but on the other hand maybe it's better that the film does not try to to send too many messages risking to dilute in too many directions. As it stands now, 'Le Grand Bain' is a humorous and empathetic film which succeeds in conveying a credible and important "feel-good" message, despite the routine or lack of credibility of some of the details.
The subject is taken from a real case in Sweden, and in parallel with the French movie, an English film that I have not seen yet has also been produced and released to screens. As it often happens, the label 'inspired by a true story' is a good excuse for situations and a story that seem incredible at first sight or hearing. The model is of course 'The Full Monty' which I liked a lot about 20 years ago. The story has an air of deja vu, but paradoxically this does not matter because the approach is light and empathic. Each of the heroes comes with his personal history and the problems of each of the characters are gradually revealed in a well-orchestrated chaining alertly edited together. The common denominator is the need to compensate for the professional or family failures of each of the heroes with the sporting teamwork in which eight or ten personal failures can be gathered to create collective success by accepting the differences and rejecting the macho patterns of the surrounding society.
Gilles Lellouche gathers some of the most popular of his fellow actors in this film. I viewed with great pleasure, as always, Mathieu Amalric and Benoît Poelvoorde, two of my preferred actors in the francophone space. I also liked the interpretation of Philippe Katerine whom I knew less. There are also some less explored threads that could have been developed (the Sri Lankan team mate - the only 'stranger' in the team, the stories of the two girls), but on the other hand maybe it's better that the film does not try to to send too many messages risking to dilute in too many directions. As it stands now, 'Le Grand Bain' is a humorous and empathetic film which succeeds in conveying a credible and important "feel-good" message, despite the routine or lack of credibility of some of the details.
Not bad, not as good as I thought
agudiaz27 July 2021
I love European movies, because of their rhythm and dialogues, those movies are very different from Hollywood's. However this one is irregular, with some parts where I lost interest. The final cinderella act is not too credible given the previous information along the movie.
THE POOL MONTY
js-6613027 February 2019
Mid-life crisis misfits saddled with various issues, strap on speedos to rock the world of, a-hem, synchronized swimming!
Ah, the French.
Overflowing with big name Franco actors, "Sink or Swim" is a box office sensation overseas, and has Cannes and Caesars nods to boot. Tis a land after all, which confuses Jerry Lewis with Orson Welles.
Yes the acting is fine, and there are enough bits and pieces of cinematic charm, but much of this film is way too syrupy, easily predictable, if not down right frustrating. The backstories are too many - some are hambone ridiculous, others are dramatically cold - and most are not flushed out properly.
The inevitable transition from frogs to princes is hardly believable, and frankly, anticlimactic. You know there's a feel goody, splashy ending coming, which kinda defeats the purpose of spending a couple of hours with these flabby gents, and proves to be quite the shallow end.
Ah, the French.
Overflowing with big name Franco actors, "Sink or Swim" is a box office sensation overseas, and has Cannes and Caesars nods to boot. Tis a land after all, which confuses Jerry Lewis with Orson Welles.
Yes the acting is fine, and there are enough bits and pieces of cinematic charm, but much of this film is way too syrupy, easily predictable, if not down right frustrating. The backstories are too many - some are hambone ridiculous, others are dramatically cold - and most are not flushed out properly.
The inevitable transition from frogs to princes is hardly believable, and frankly, anticlimactic. You know there's a feel goody, splashy ending coming, which kinda defeats the purpose of spending a couple of hours with these flabby gents, and proves to be quite the shallow end.
The end makes it good
kurisutofusan7 June 2020
An excellent human study
searchanddestroy-114 September 2019
The best way for me to watch such a film is to consider only the human and touching way of showing the characters. Each of them is interesting in his own way. But for the rest, I hate this film because of its naivete. It looks like an American movie for silly audiences. And seeing men practicing a sport made for women, sorry but that made nearly puke. I could not bear it.
Losers can be winners.
paulclaassen2 October 2023
Bertrand has been off work for two years, and he is depressed. His wife is wonderfully supportive of him, and encourages him. When Bertrand sees and advert for a men's synchronized swimming club looking for a new member, he applies.
And so he meets the rest of the swimmers, all middle aged men and all losers in one way or another. So, essentially, this film is about losers (no, I'm not being nasty; they refer to themselves as a bunch of losers). But when they get together, they are like a family and share their joys and disappointments.
Their coach is Delphine, but when they decide to take part in the World Championships for Men's Synchronized Swimming, their new coach is Amanda, who trains them like soldiers. We journey with them as the prepare for the Championships, and learn more about each character through their experiences and the stories they share with one another. I enjoyed the very different characters.
Off course the ending is predictable, but I believe the message here is that losers can also be winners. Never give up on your dreams. Don't ever believe you are not capable - or worthy - of accomplishing something. And if you are depressed, you need to pull yourself together and rise like a Phoenix! 'Sink or Swim' is a hilarious, feel-good, inspirational film.
Being a movie about swimming, there's bound to be eye candy here. If its fuller figure bodies in trunks you're after, you won't be disappointed! The film is very similar to 'Swimming with Men', also released in 2018.
And so he meets the rest of the swimmers, all middle aged men and all losers in one way or another. So, essentially, this film is about losers (no, I'm not being nasty; they refer to themselves as a bunch of losers). But when they get together, they are like a family and share their joys and disappointments.
Their coach is Delphine, but when they decide to take part in the World Championships for Men's Synchronized Swimming, their new coach is Amanda, who trains them like soldiers. We journey with them as the prepare for the Championships, and learn more about each character through their experiences and the stories they share with one another. I enjoyed the very different characters.
Off course the ending is predictable, but I believe the message here is that losers can also be winners. Never give up on your dreams. Don't ever believe you are not capable - or worthy - of accomplishing something. And if you are depressed, you need to pull yourself together and rise like a Phoenix! 'Sink or Swim' is a hilarious, feel-good, inspirational film.
Being a movie about swimming, there's bound to be eye candy here. If its fuller figure bodies in trunks you're after, you won't be disappointed! The film is very similar to 'Swimming with Men', also released in 2018.
Great story. Excellent movie
mtecofsky10 January 2019
Another brilliant French comedy...
imseeg31 March 2022
A bunch of mid-fourty men, with big bellies, suffering from anxiety or depression or severe financial troubles, come together as a dysfunctional swim team. They are all total loosers and they s(*k at swimming, but it's so endearing and charming to watch them try so hard how to swim well, while they struggle with their mondane and depressing lives.
True to life dialogues. True to life characters. True to life insecurities, fears and despair. True to life examples of seemingly total failures. And they made a wonderfully charming comedy about it. A comedy like only the French can make them. Bless the French.
True to life dialogues. True to life characters. True to life insecurities, fears and despair. True to life examples of seemingly total failures. And they made a wonderfully charming comedy about it. A comedy like only the French can make them. Bless the French.
Loved this movie
aafko27 March 2020
Uninspired
fullmetalwolle3 May 2019
Another fresh comedy made in France
maurodc18 May 2019
This movie came out here like 3 weeks ago and when I read the synopis it quickly called my attention. It reminded me a lot to a great film from Spain called 'Campeones', so I decided to give this one a shot.
'Le grand bain' is a film that, as many other french comedies from recent years, is really funny and cleverly written and directed. It makes you laugh hard in some ocassions, but also manages to give you a brief background of the middle aged male protagonists of the story, in order to be profound and real too, which is really good.
It also has good performances from everyone. Mathieu Amalric does a very good job as the main swimmer of the group, as well as the rest of the members of the cast. I liked a lot all of the characters and their motivations.
Really heartwarming experience. I highly recommend it if you want to have a good time at the movies, even if you're not much into foreign language features.
Enjoy!
9/10
'Le grand bain' is a film that, as many other french comedies from recent years, is really funny and cleverly written and directed. It makes you laugh hard in some ocassions, but also manages to give you a brief background of the middle aged male protagonists of the story, in order to be profound and real too, which is really good.
It also has good performances from everyone. Mathieu Amalric does a very good job as the main swimmer of the group, as well as the rest of the members of the cast. I liked a lot all of the characters and their motivations.
Really heartwarming experience. I highly recommend it if you want to have a good time at the movies, even if you're not much into foreign language features.
Enjoy!
9/10
Great story about male friendships and life
jlmalingrey24 November 2019
A great cast with many of France's beloved actors. I would call this film is a low-key comedy (as in not the dumb-dumb stuff we sometimes see) tangled with real life drama. It's a pleasure to watch as we delve into each character's life, where is more than meets the eye. It's well acted, well directed, and overall makes for good viewing. Rather on the feel-good side of things - it's mostly believable, and when not, remember it's a comedy ;)
Getting in shape
kosmasp26 March 2021
Not just the body in this case, but also the mind. Also overcoming obstacles and being able to compete in something that would likely look impossible at the beginning of the movie. A nice almost fairy tale like story, that can be described like a feel good movie! -
The actors really do their best to convey not just the emotions, but the emotional journey and the flaws they inhabit. A comedy drama that shows quite some craftmanship.
The actors really do their best to convey not just the emotions, but the emotional journey and the flaws they inhabit. A comedy drama that shows quite some craftmanship.
No need to watch
julienrowenczyk18 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I am frenc a si watch the original version
Not original, not funny, Bad acting.. thé story id basic, seems to be written by a 5 Year ils kid..
What s the moral in this story ? You Can stop to ne a loser if you win a gold medal ?
By thé way ? Who Can really believe they really won thé contest ??
Lellouche has just replaced the stage by a pool.. no need to spend More Time ..watch the full monty.
By thé way ? Who Can really believe they really won thé contest ??
Lellouche has just replaced the stage by a pool.. no need to spend More Time ..watch the full monty.
Best rental of 2020, so far.......
dussaultjulien4 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This movie just melts your heart. It starts out a but avant garde, but moves on to become one of the most uplifting films I've seen in a very long time. It's like if Cocoon, The Bad News Bears and The Full Monty had a lovechild in 2018 and gave us this comedy film of 2018.
It is beautifully shot, written and acted film that is exactly what we are all looking for.
It is beautifully shot, written and acted film that is exactly what we are all looking for.
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