Welcome (2009) movie poster

Welcome

2009 · 110 min · Director: Philippe Lioret

Welcome (2009) is a romance drama, directed by Philippe Lioret. It stars Vincent Lindon and Firat Ayverdi. It tells a story of migration and starting anew. The 110-minute film holds an audience score of 7.2/10.

What Welcome Is About

Simon teaches swimming at the municipal pool in Calais and used to be a champion. He and his wife are separating. Bilal, seventeen, comes for lessons: a Kurdish boy who set out from Iraq, wants to reach his girlfriend in London, and having failed with lorries has decided to swim the Channel. Simon starts helping him to look good in front of his wife, and then cannot stop. The film is not interested in the crossing but in the fact that helping is a crime in France. Simon's neighbour reports him and the matter goes to court, and from there the story turns on one question: how does giving someone food become an offence. Philippe Lioret directed. Vincent Lindon plays Simon and Firat Ayverdi plays Bilal. It caused political argument in France. A government minister complained about its sympathy for illegal migrants and for those who shelter them, and the debate centred on the punishment of people who help. The film took ten Cesar nominations. Who it is for: anyone who wants European social realism and migration stories. Who it is not for: anyone looking for hope. The ending is hard, Bilal's past is underwritten, and Simon's change of heart is built too quickly in the script.

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Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Welcome about?

Simon teaches swimming at the municipal pool in Calais and used to be a champion. He and his wife are separating.

Where can I watch Welcome?

Welcome is available to watch on digital platforms such as France Channel Amazon Channel. Current rent and buy options are listed in the "Where to Watch" section on this page.

How long is Welcome?

Welcome runs for 110 minutes (1h 50m).

When did Welcome come out?

Welcome was released in 2009.

Who directed Welcome?

Welcome was directed by Philippe Lioret.

Who stars in Welcome?

Welcome stars Vincent Lindon, Firat Ayverdi, Audrey Dana, Olivier Rabourdin.

What is Welcome's rating?

Welcome holds 7.5/10 on IMDb and 7.2/10 on TMDB. Its Pulse Score is 72 out of 100.

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