The Big Hit

When faced with a lack of job offers, the lovable Étienne, a passionate but frequently out-of-work actor, becomes the new director of a prison theatre workshop. Surprised by the talent he finds in the disparate troupe of inmates, he soon expands his thinking beyond the prison walls – and comes up with the idea of staging “Waiting for Godot” on a real theatre stage. When the amateur actors actually get the green light, a triumphant tour begins. The friendship between the prisoners and the kind-hearted director grows stronger with every rehearsal and performance. But while Étienne finally gets his chance to succeed in the theatre world, his actors have to return to prison at the end of every performance. Director Emmanuel Courcol tells this true-life story with plenty of heart and humour. Kad Merad excels in the leading role of this equally entertaining and touching comedy.