Vincent, Francois, Paul and the Others (1974)

The Story

Sautet recruited three of the leading French stars of their generation—Yves Montand, Michel Piccoli and Serge Reggiani—for this wise, beautifully acted, enormously moving portrait of a trio of lifelong friends at the crossroads of middle age. All three men try to vicariously relive their youth through Vincent’s protégé (Gérard Depardieu), an aspiring professional boxer. Sautet weaves us through these men’s lives as myriad crises erupt, concessions are made, and time marches on. It ranks among Sautet’s finest contemplations of the human condition.

Rating

M

Cast

Yves Montand, Michel Piccoli, Gérard Depardieu, Serge Reggiani

Director

Claude Sautet