The Children of the Marshland (1999)

Nice effects though.

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

The first must-see film of the year.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Children Marshlands is one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen. It tells a period that does not exist anymore. After-war (first world war) seen by a little girl: Cricri. The simple happiness of living in the marshes and the joy of being "the last free men". The movie starts with Garris (Jacques Gamblin) and Riton (Jacques Villeret) picking lily of the valley, as it is the day before May, the 1st.Two friends who are walking on the same path for a while, where everyday is rocked with courtesy, respect, friendship, sudden changes in mood ... and nothing can prevent them both from living the way they want. Cricri, Riton's daughter, will fall in love with "Pierrot from town", "Pépé La Rainette" (Michel Serrault) grand-son. Pépé used to live in the marsh and after working very hard he made a fortune, but remains illiterate. The first time he meets Garris in the marsh, I expected the shock of two universes (rich-poor), but Pépé did not forget where he came from. A friendship that will never die. We also meet Amédé (André Dussolier), rich man who never worked in his entire life, books and Jazz lover ; he will discover the snails gathering "What an adventure!".You will meet a lot of unforgettable characters like Jo the boxer (Eric Cantona), Tane the railwayman (Jacques Boudet) or Madame Mercier (Gisèle Casadesus) the old lady by Pépé's house. Delightful ! Children Marshlands is a painting full of life and the simple joys of existence. To be seen again and again, with friends, family, even alone. It will be a consolation for you for the rest of the day, of the week, or more.

This little french gem of a film is in fact one of the best films I have ever seen. It is a story about true friendship and devotion and it shows what we who live in the so-called modern world have lost. Everything about the film is just perfect. It is funny, moving, filmed in a beautiful setting and yes,even Cantona makes a strong performance. Even though I am not an anti Hollywood "besserwisser" it is good to see films like this which main focus is to tell a really good story and to make you feel good. Yes, I now that this is a cliché but it is just what this film does to your brain. See it and understand what should be the most important things in your life.Highly recommended.

I found this two-hour long story of friendship absorbing and deeply satisfying. It's a feast for the eyes, and hearing the French language tumbling over you adds to the atmosphere - you can almost smell it too. The French countryside is lovely to look at and the simplicity of the main protagonists' lives is beguiling (admittedly the weather always seemed close to perfect!). It's a nostalgic, evocative look at the past with realistic, thoroughly likeable characters.

Is it possible to make an exceptional film with miserable people?However, the children of the marsh, ordinary in their surroundings, become extraordinary when one throws them in the midst of civilization, actually in a pretty small French town stuffed with good wealthy "bourgeois".The children of the marsh live in surroundings which could have been one of men living in middle ages, when sickness permitted only a short longevity.It is the Utopia of nature's children, but with at hand all the resorts of civilization...and all its dangers, since the action goes between the two World Wars.It is also the contrast of the solidarity between the children of the marsh and the good-natured selfishness of a prosperous middle class, which at the same time loves and rejects them.