Un ours dans le Jura

Un Ours Dans Le Jura (or How To Make A Killing for the English title) is a French Fargoesque crime/comedy from writer/director/actor Franck Dubosc. As an actor I've never been a big fan of Franck Dubosc although in this movie he was watchable. Benoît Poelvoorde on the other hand, I've always been a fan, but with him it can go either way, from great movies to real stinkers, a bit like Nicolas Cage. The story is entertaining and the cinematography was good. Sure Fargo was much better but this one is a fine example in this genre, with bad decision making that made the wannabe criminals getting in awkward situations. A good watch.

Sometimes, French people still make nice movies. It strikes the right balance between crime, dark comedy, drama, social commentary, and i frankly dont know how to write enough characters to finish this review, but only 2 people reviewed it. Dubosc, with a past as comedian, is directing this very competently, and plays very well the simple, well meaning husband, father and provider, and his struggle. Inherently french, as well as universal themes like clubs echangistes, poverty, greed, family, community, frontier justice, all make for a beautiful ensemble. Everybody plays well. It's very French. Partly shot in les Rousses, Jura (meublerie du bois de l'ours, boucherie Laurent).

Frank Dubosc is a simpatico but decidedly low brow gallic entertainer who will surprise fans and foes with this very funny gritty comedy plus faux film noir set in french snow country, wich he wrote, directed, acts in (without ever flashing his trademark broad smile), that owes to "Fargo".

Critics back home took note of the creative upturn, and might have had a hint from the excellent cast on hand: Laure Calamy ("My donkey, my lover and I") new queen of french comedy and drama alike, Benoit Poelvoorde the maverick belgian film star ("Man bites dog"; "L'amour ouf" gangster hit of 2024), and a top supporting cast including Emmanuele Devos ("Read my lips"), Josephine de Meaux & Anne Le Ny ("Untouchables"), plus perky newcomer Kim Higelin ("Consent") who plays provocative daughter to sensible local pussywhippedd sheriff Poelvoorde trying at christmas' eve to keep family, colleagues, migrants and fellow smalltowners out of trouble and out of the cold, while freak accidents, drugs, cash and corpses pile up like a parody of Murphy's law gone amok in the french Appalacchia (the Jura region in the title)...and yes, there's also Bear (a big one), eventhough everyone shruggs it off: "You know there are no bears around here!". To make sure while you laugh, join this mischievous ride all the way and wait out the end credits.

Franck Dubosc signs here a very interesting and sometimes confusing film. I would describe the genre as a dramatic comedy, even if the part of droll goes far beyond the dark aspect of the plot. The work is supported by excellent actors including Benoît Poelvoorde, Laure Calamy and Franck Dubosc himself. The dialogues are pushed to the extreme, yes, to the absurd. And so much the better! I see some aspects of Bruno Dumont. We force the ridicule of characters and situations. Moreover, the atmosphere is deliberately heavy. The fool lives in the three heroes: how clumsy and naive they are! Especially the planter who is constantly failing, but always manages to rectify the situation with the help of others. Overall, the film is well done. We appreciate the natural setting that contributes so much to its success. A bear in the Jura sees and sees himself alone or with his family.

I greatly enjoyed this movie.

Superb writing, always on the edge without crossing the line.

Great dark comedy. Great acting too.

Haven't watch a French movie in years. What a pleasure to see Franck Dubosc and Benoit Poelvoorde's performance. I didn't know Laure Calamy, loved her too.

Bravo !

Now I realize I have been missing out on the quality of French movies for too long. Time to correct that P.-s. My background is French and American. I recommend anyone curious about the French culture to watch this movie. I think it gives out a lot of references, the same way Fargo did with American cultural references.