Michou d'Auber

Another confession: I have never seen a movie starring Gerard Depardieu until this one. And now I want to go see what I've been missing.

Michou is a Muslim boy of Algerian descent who is left in the French foster care system when his father can no longer support their family. He's taken in by a woman from a small town where most of the residents are extremely prejudiced, including his ex-army foster father (the movie is set during the presidency of Charles Du Gaulle and the Algerian war for independence). The woman changes the boy's name, dyes his hair blonde, and hijinks ensue.

A story that might be hackneyed is kept fresh by clever writing and a terrific cast. And plenty of drunkenness, fistfights, and infidelity offset the touching family moments, although not enough to overwhelm the sweetness of the film. Overall, an understated French comedy that is well worth seeing.