THE BIG HIT
This warm-hearted French comedy follows an out-of-work actor whose career takes an unexpected turn when he begins giving acting lessons to prison inmates.
Divorced, middle-aged actor Etienne (Kad Merad) is at a personal and artistic standstill when he accepts a job leading a theater workshop at a nearby prison. Under the watchful eye of open-minded but cautious warden Ariane (Marina Hands), the workshop attracts a ragtag group, including hyperactive Jordan (Pierre Lottin), sincere Moussa (Wabinlé Nabié), and charismatic but complicated Kamel (Sofian Khammes). Etienne makes the controversial choice to have the men stage a production of Samuel Beckett’s avant-garde classic Waiting for Godot. To the surprise of many, the play’s existential themes prove to be a natural fit for the inmates, and the play is a rousing success. Yet as the production gains wider attention, Etienne is dogged by a question: is he truly invested in the success of his actors, or is the play just an attempt to jumpstart his own flagging career? Loosely based on real events and chock-full of endearing performances by some of France’s most talented character actors, The Big Hit is a delightful, uplifting celebration of camaraderie, art, and freedom.
CAST: Kad Merad, Marina Hands, Laurent Stocker, Wabinlé Nabié
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