Le Grand Bain (Sink or Swim), French film – petit plaisir #434

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Middle age arrives for a group of men in France. Each experiencing their own different reason for the malaise, and then they each step into the pool, the swimming pool that is, and become part of a synchronized swimming men’s team.

That is the premise behind an endearing French film that was released back in 2018, and it still offers inspiration, delight and reminder of how to jumpstart life when it feels ho-hum.

Described as both a comedy and a drama, Le Grand Bain (the English title is Sink or Swim) introduces us to a handful of the men, all in their forties or fifties that have joined the team, each struggling with something seemingly out of their control – a dead-end at work, caring for aging parents, dreams unfulfilled, raising children and life’s hiccups in general.

At first, it seems an impossibility for this group of men to become synchronized in anything they do, but gradually, and at the hands of two different styles of coaching, come together they do. Their bond creates enough confidence for them to enter an international synchronized swimming competition in Norway, and they compete as the French national team. There is where the climax occurs, so I won’t give anything away, but along with so many other relatable life moments and cheer-out-loud moments, it is a favorite scene for sure when they finally take to the water to show the audience what they can do together, and their families and friends who are watching back at home as well.

Filmed in suburban areas on the outskirts of Paris as well as in the mountains of Grenoble, you will be able to see everyday life in France from a variety of perspectives along with a trip to the beautiful countryside of Norway.

Stream the film on the FranceChannel (through Amazon Prime or other streaming platforms which will direct you to FranceChannel), or subscribe directly to the Francophile platform to enjoy this film and so many others (the petit plaisir from episode #433 is also found on the FranceChannel).

Have a look at the trailer below: