One Man and his Cow is a French comedy film directed by Mohamed Hamidi, released in 2016. The movie tells the story of an Algerian farmer named Fatah (Fatsah Bouyahmed) who dreams of bringing his cow, Jacqueline, to the Paris International Agriculture Fair. Fatah has a strong attachment to his cow, whom he treats like a member of his family. Despite the ridicule and disapproval of his community, he is determined to take Jacqueline to the fair to prove her worth and to fulfill his lifelong dream of participating in the competition.
To finance his trip, Fatah sells his few belongings and borrows money from his neighbors. He sets off on his journey from Algeria to France, accompanied by Jacqueline. Along the way, they face numerous challenges and obstacles, including language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of money.
Despite the difficulties, Fatah remains resolute in his determination to reach the fair. Along the way, he meets many people who help him, including a group of Arab immigrants and a French woman named Jacqueline (Brenda Blethyn), who becomes a friend and mentor to him.
As they travel together, Fatah and his cow experience new things and learn about themselves and each other. Fatah comes to realize the extent of his love and attachment to Jacqueline, and the depth of his bond with her. He also learns about the importance of taking risks and pursuing his dreams, even in the face of adversity.
One Man and his Cow is a heartwarming, feel-good film that celebrates the bond between human and animal, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. It is a beautiful story of determination, courage and the power of love to overcome all obstacles. The movie also explores themes of cross-cultural understanding, immigration and the universal desire for acceptance and belonging.
The performances are excellent, particularly that of Fatsah Bouyahmed, who brings humor, poignancy and authenticity to his portrayal of Fatah. His interactions with Lambert Wilson, who plays a French farmer, are especially impressive, as they demonstrate the complexity and subtlety of cross-cultural relationships.
Jamel Debbouze, in a supporting role, provides comic relief as a French-Arab policeman who befriends Fatah and Jacqueline. Brenda Blethyn is also excellent as the Scottish woman who takes Fatah and his cow under her wing.
The film is beautifully shot and captures the scenic beauty of rural Algeria and the changing landscape as Fatah travels through Spain and France. The music is also memorable and adds to the film's emotional impact.
One Man and his Cow is a wonderful film that will make you laugh and cry, and leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. It is a must-see for anyone who loves animals, understands the challenges of pursuing a dream, or who simply wants to be entertained by a great story.
One Man and his Cow is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.
