Le fils de l’épicier (The Grocer’s Son) (2008)
85%RT Audience Score: 75%
Awards & Nominations: 7 nominations
A noteworthy performance by Eric Guirado makes this gently pastoral film a moving coming-of-age story
The Grocer’s Son” is a heartwarming film that will make you want to pack your bags and move to the French countryside. With stunning views of Mont Sainte-Victoire and a cast of charming characters, this movie is a tribute to a simpler way of life. Sure, it may be a little predictable at times, but the exploration of family relationships is done with such pathos and perception that you won’t even mind. Plus, who doesn’t love a good coming-of-age story? So sit back, relax, and let “The Grocer’s Son” transport you to a world where the journey is more important than the destination.
Production Company(ies)
Dream Works Animation, Mad Hatter Entertainment, Vertigo Entertainment,
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
Detroit, Michigan, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for mild thematic elements, brief language and smoking
Year of Release
2009
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Color:Color
Black and White -
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
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Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
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Runtime:NA
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jun 6, 2008 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 24, 2009
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Nicolas Cazalé, Clotilde Hesme, Daniel Duval, Jeanne Goupil, Stéphan Guérin-Tillié, Liliane Rovère, directed by Eric Guirado, written by Eric Guirado, Florence Vignon, drama, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Hank Sartin, Cosmo Landesman, David Parkinson, David Jenkins, Wendy Ide, Peter Bradshaw, Sarah Manvel, Robin Clifford, Philip French, Tom Dawson, Miléna Poylo, Gilles Sacuto, MPAA rating, French (Canada), coming-of-age story, family tensions, rural life, mobile grocery store, elderly customers, beautiful scenery, emotional detachment, empathy, love story, city life, college entrance exams, cinematography, honest, predictable, pleasant experience
Worldwide gross: $1,896,244
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $2,620,819
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,343
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 285,804
US/Canada gross: $1,610,163
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $2,225,424
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,008
US/Canada opening weekend: $92,679
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $128,093
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,840
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Clotilde Hesme – Claire
Daniel Duval – M. Sforza
Jeanne Goupil – Mme Sforza
Stéphan Guérin-Tillié – François Sforza
Liliane Rovère – Lucienne
Director(s)
Eric Guirado
Writer(s)
Eric Guirado, Florence Vignon
Producer(s)
Miléna Poylo, Gilles Sacuto
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
7 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (60) | Top Critics (28) | Fresh (54) | Rotten (6)
November 18, 2011 | Rating: 3/5
Hank Sartin
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
Written and directed by a newcomer, Eric Guirado, this is a delightful coming-of-age film that quietly explores the hidden tensions in family life.
April 28, 2009 | Rating: 4/5
Cosmo Landesman
Times (UK)
TOP CRITIC
A little predictable in places, but explores family relationships with pathos and perception.
April 24, 2009 | Rating: 3/5
David Parkinson
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
It’s a small, well-rounded movie that you’d be hard pressed to find fault with, achieving its modest goals with subtle aplomb while whipping up humour and empathy from Antoine’s rapport with his doddery clientele.
April 24, 2009 | Rating: 3/6
David Jenkins
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
This is a slow-burning charmer of a film that rewards those prepared to settle into its easygoing pace.
April 24, 2009 | Rating: 3/5
Wendy Ide
Times (UK)
TOP CRITIC
This is a sweet and engaging little film, and though it becomes more contrived and sugary as the story progresses, there is real charm.
April 24, 2009 | Rating: 3/5
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
What every single person in this film does is treat the other adults as adults. Seeing it done so consistently emphasizes how rare it is to see this not only on screen, but also in real life.
August 9, 2018
Sarah Manvel
Critic’s Notebook
January 27, 2012 | Rating: B
Robin Clifford
Reeling Reviews
The landscape with Mont Sainte-Victoire regularly in view is seductively beautiful.
April 28, 2009
Philip French
Observer (UK)
A warm-hearted tribute to a disappearing way of life, the unhurried Grocer’s Son is a well acted film where the journey is more important than the final destination.
April 25, 2009 | Rating: 3.5/5
Tom Dawson
Film4
Writer/director Eric Guirado lets events unfold at their own relaxed pace, and has a feel for simmering family resentments, while the wonderful Clotilde Hesme is effortlessly charming in the role of the free-spirited best friend.
April 25, 2009 | Rating: 3/5
Tom Dawson
Total Film
Unfolding amid the dappled sunshine and dusty roads of Provence, this is a film that lifts your spirits.
April 24, 2009
Allan Hunter
Daily Express (UK)…
Plot
A young man returns to his village to help his father run the family grocery store in this French coming-of-age drama.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The film features a noteworthy performance by Eric Guirado.
Eric-Guirado.jpg
