Bienvenue en Suisse

"Bienvenue en Suisse" by Lea Fazer is a very eurocentric film. This is because it talks of countries like France, Belgium and Switzerland. This is not the only reason for appreciating this film. It can also be shown as part of your French class. Lea Fazer has made an honest attempt to do away with all the clichés that surround Switzerland. According to her even in a country like Switzerland there are people for whom their own interest are more important than anything. It must also be noted that this film is not a travel brochure for Swiss government. If someone wants to learn how a frenchman speak swiss french, watch out for Vincent Perez. There are good performances by Emmanuelle Devos and Podalydes too.

What is the essential quality that binds the tiny nation of 4 languages? Why are they that way, thinking that they speak French, German and Italian better than the respective nations from which the language names derive? Bienvenue en Suisse strives in between jabs to answer just that question.

I think it helps to have at least been to Switzerland to understand this film. Not that understanding can't come, but certainly appreciation is easier when one realizes that 4 20's and 14 is really how the French say the number that the Swiss have invented a word for in order to make it 94. The movie does a fair job of skewering the French in the process, of course, but the French girl does seem a bit more in touch with reality.

Never the less a good time is had by all and the movie stereo types and jabs fun, but never seems really nasty or mean spirited and that makes all the difference.

A good movie, well made and enjoyable, but no more than a 6.

Outstanding tongue in cheek 100% capture of CH.

I just returned from a premiere in Lausanne with the director and principal actors in attendance. The audience (mostly Swiss) and I loved this film. People were relaxed and loudly laughing at very stereotypical exaggerations of the (sometimes not so) subtle differences among European neighbors, often even in the same country. The quality of the production is quite high - good production values. Even though European Francophones would probably appreciate this film more I highly recommend it for all to see!

8/10.