I watched this movie after watching a lecture series on France that claimed this was the most popular French film ever. I don't speak French, but the subtitles were quite good an even did a good job of illustrating the misunderstandings caused by the northern dialect. I have watched a few other French films with subtitles and this is not one of my favorites. The basic premise is fine and had some potential, but the film mines the same few devices for jokes throughout and often strains credibility. For instance, we are supposed to believe that the main character was not aware that he would encounter a different dialect, and would continue to be surprised by this for weeks. We are also supposed to believe that a handful of people, who have only known our protagonist for a few weeks put on a herculean effort comparable to a Mission Impossible stunt simply to prevent some embarrassment. There are charming and funny moments that focus on the beauty of the town and its people, but there should have been more.

When I think of all the dialects and local accents there are in the U.S., I know that this movie is universal in its message: once you cut through the differences in communication, people are people and the same everywhere. Some better than others. In this film, the small-town people are very good.

The theme is similar to that of the television series, 'Northern Exposure.' Someone arrives with preconceived notions about a less-sophisticated burg and has his opinions turned around. People eat strange food, not found elsewhere (I'm thinking of my relatives' 'hog maw'!) and have a funny way of expressing themselves (I'm thinking rural Maine - Marshall Dodge style).

Even a novice French speaker such as I could understand most of what was said as part of the comedy. For the less brave, English subtitles are the best guide.

The humor is never over the top. There are no sex scenes, the swearing is of the local type, and the themes are universal - overbearing in-laws, career goals, managerial challenges, and leaving home(s). I can see why this movie was so popular in France.

an excellent comedy, that puts me in mind of the old TV show northern exposure. someone is transferred to a location that he really does not want to go, and is pleasantly surprised by the people he meets. it is all pretty charming, and the relationships are nice ones. there are some really amusing scenes, esp as the residents try to live up to their nasty reputation to accommodate the boss they have come to love. a charming film you cannot help but like and get drawn in.

Came upon this by accident, saw that it was very popular in France, and gave it a shot - very happy I did! Great film, great performances, great humor and the film has a heart. Highly recommended.
Oh, lets not forget absolutely BRILLIANT translation of this Amazon Primer version!!! This film is only worth watching if you speak French fluently or if you have a great translation because the jokes/dialect are incredibly hard to translate.
If you want to watch this film, I insist you stream it here, on Amazon Prime, simply because of the translation.

I read about this movie and decided to watch it. Very funny flick about a postal manager who wants to move south in France and ends up in the north. I never knew the French considered the residents of the north of France to be so "strange." Worth watching, especially if you are going to the north of France. The sight gag when he crosses the boundary for the north of France is a riot.

he's like J.K. Simmons: he's in everything French we see. I did not get even a hint that the wife was depressed. if she is depressed , we are in really bad shape. the film is very funny. we loved it. we laughed and laughed.the police were funny, when they felt bad for a person, who had to go up north.

Honestly, I went on a chance with this film, but I ended up loving it. It's very french so some of the comedy went over my head at first, but it definitely hits its mark when you get into it. I laughed, I cried, it was a surprise and I would definitely recommend it to my fellow french film lovers. I can see why it was so popular in France, its' not as internationally known as some french films like Amelie (2001) and The Intouchables (2011), but it definitely delivers with the humor and the story. You'll be pleasantly surprised by this film, I promise!!!

One of the best French comedies ever produced. Acting is very good, the story line very heartwarming and the dialog very well written. Danny Boon and Merad at their best!!! You need to watch it in the original French language, because a lof of jokes and double meanings don't translate well into English.