Search - Made in France on DVD

Unusual Road Movie

Daniel G. Lebryk | 01/28/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Made in France (Origine contrôlée) is one of the more unusual films I've seen in some time. Without spoiling the film, it is about mistaken identity, self awareness, friendship, love, and racism. The basic back story is a road movie, bonding during a voyage; but it has a French twist that turns the film into something very special.



The film opens with an arrogant Patrick going to a job interview. He ultimately lands the job, heads home to celebrate with his actress / model girl friend, and she could care less, they are headed to a costume party. She makes Patrick dress up like a prostitute. A critical mistake lands him in jail with the identity of an Algerian illegal immigrant. In jail he meets his travelling companions, Youssef and Sonia.



The wonderful part of this film is the relationship between Youssef, Sonia and Patrick. There is a great chemistry between them. Patrick becomes a likeable character; he has a tiny hint of Mr. Bean's innocence but without the stupid. Sonia has an edgy attractiveness. The scenery in the South of France and Paris is beautiful.



The film is an hour and a half and about the right length. The last act has a touch of melodrama that lasts about ten minutes. The camera work is basic. All shots are in focus and well exposed. The sound is well recorded. Made in France is not rated. The film is probably for mature audiences. There is no nudity, there is some strong language, and there is a bit of violence (a person is shown run over by a car). The film does pose gender questions with some fairly direct language. The MPAA would definitely rate this film R.



This is a very French film. It is presented in French with English subtitles. I liked this film very much. I enjoyed how the story was gradually revealed and that I cared so much about all three of these characters. It is an unusual twist on the standard road movie.

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