Cast
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François Damiens
as Alain Balland
Finnegan Oldfield
as Georges Balland, aka 'Kid'
Agathe Dronne
as Nicole Balland
Iliana Zabeth
as Kelly Balland / Aafia Khalid
Maxim Driesen
as Georges Balland, aka 'Kid', at 13
Mounir Margoum
as Ahmed, the Islamist
Ellora Torchia
as Shazhana, Ahmed's wife
Djemel Barek
as Ahmed's father
Leïla Saadali
as Ahmed's mother
Antoine Chappey
as Charles
John C. Reilly
as American in Pakistan
Antonia Campbell-Hughes
as Emma
Laure Calamy
as Isabelle
Sam Louwyck
as Forger
Dani Sanchez-Lopez
as Italian
Crew
Director
- Thomas Bidegain
Writer
- Noé Debré
- Thomas Bidegain
Producer
- Alain Attal
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Les Cowboys examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Thomas Bidegain brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Les Cowboys took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 114 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 171 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 42 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Les Cowboys shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Flightplan, which focuses more on action than character development, Les Cowboys subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like United 93 and Taken explore similar territory, Les Cowboys stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 25, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 54m
Where to Watch
