Camping à la ferme (2005)

Directed by: Jean-Pierre Sinapi | 92 minutes | comedy | Actors: Roschdy Zem, Rafi k Ben Mebare, Jean-Noël Cridlig-Veneziano, Hassan Ouled-Bouarif, Yves Michel, Aghmane Ibersiene, Marc Mamadou, Nadine Marcovici, Dominique Pinon

A first look at the (Dutch) cover of ‘Camping à la Ferme’ suggests that you are going to watch a farcical comedy. The slogan ‘The City Council Welcomes The Inhabitants Of The City’, printed in capital letters, is especially a bad omen. Although the end result is not too bad, this French vehicle has turned out to be an edifying work with little substance. A farce in the extra-light variant, so to speak.

‘Camping à la Ferme’ revolves around six French loiterers from the city who go to the countryside under the inspired leadership of youth worker Amar (Zem). By working hard and not whining, the delinquents must learn what an honest life means. The residents of the village where the urban boys settle have to sit and watch as their once quiet community turns into a playground for the crooks. Amar has his hands full guiding his men. Farmer’s daughter Anaïs (Delarme) is popular and suddenly has to contend with six admirers.

Director Jean-Pierre Sinapi wanted to make an accessible film for (problem) youth, but it remains to be seen whether his target group is waiting for this product. The film is too bland and childish for that. Nowadays you really can’t come up with a movie in which the youth asks “what is love.” Exactly what the protagonists in ‘Camping à la ferme’ do. It’s a jaw-dropping cinema. In addition, the loiterers are also far too unsympathetic, except for the naive Bouba (Mamadou). The males don’t feel like doing anything, complain about it and behave like maladjusted Neanderthals. When Anaïs’s handicapped brother comes running up, the men turn over and behave in an exemplary manner. Even if it’s just to gain her favor.

The villagers can also count on little sympathy, because they are presented as cardboard caricatures. There is little honor to be gained in this talk film disguised as a farce, in which a lot is done about life, love and the differences between the city and the countryside.

Apart from the nice portrayal of Zem, there is little to do in this corny film. The hip urban soundtrack cannot hide the fact that this film full of edifying words is incredibly boring and exhausting. Merde!