Le fils

Year: 2002
Country: France, Belgium
Director: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne
Cast: Olivier Gourmet, Morgan Marinne, Isabella Soupart
Genre: drama
Runtime: 99 min.
Age: 16+

Olivier - meticulous, careful, even-handed - teaches carpentry at a vocational school in Liège. He's asked to take on Francis, 16, a new student. He declines the request then begins to watch, even spy on, the new lad.

Olivier - meticulous, careful, even-handed - teaches carpentry at a vocational school in Liège. He's asked to take on Francis, 16, a new student. He declines the request then begins to watch, even spy on, the new lad. Olivier knows something. Later that day, he's visited by Magali, his ex-wife, who tells him that she's remarrying and is pregnant. Olivier seems to follow instinctive responses: "why today?" he demands of Magali; he continues to follow Francis; he changes his mind about enrolling the youth. What's the history between the two? After that becomes clear, what is it Olivier will do? Is this precise and measured carpenter in control of himself?

Awards & Festivals:

Cannes Film Festival - Best Actor, Ecumenical Jury Prize
Lumiere Award - Best French-Language Film
Cesar Award Nomination - Best Upcoming Actor