Review by Michele E. Hawkins.
At a town meeting in the village of Tourtour-les-Bains, southern France, the mayor, Madame Rouzière (Nathalie Cerda), announces the imminent arrival of nine asylum seekers. The townspeople are immediately divided into those who wish to welcome them and those determined that they will never set foot there. Raising the usual arguments — “They’ll take our jobs, ruin our French way of life, destroy the church” and so on — the opponents set out to ensure that all plans for housing the asylum seekers turn to dust. Despite those efforts, when the asylum seekers arrive they are welcomed into the care of the local publican, Marco (Olivier Marchal), and his wife, Anabella (Olivia Bonamy).
Far from ending their troubles, though, life in the village poses further difficulties for the asylum seekers as their detractors switch tactics to make their lives there as difficult as possible.
At the same time, a rugby rivalry has been going on for close to a century between Tourtour-les-Bains and its neighbouring village, Trocpont-sur-Vézère, the latter having gained the upper hand in recent times. Tourtour’s victory in the forthcoming 100th match is a dream very dear to Marco’s heart, for it is he who coaches the Tourtour rugby team; but in the team’s current state its chances aren’t looking too good.
The asylum seekers have some hidden gifts, though, that could influence the outcome of the historic match and the life of the village.
A Chance to Win approaches the complexities of asylum seekers’ lives with a light touch, avoiding the more complex issues at play by using characters in the host village who are either kind or resentful. Most of the characters are fairly charming, though. Tourtour’s assistant coach, Dédé (Mathieu Madénian), offers unique amusement as he taunts the opposing team’s coaches.
The cinematography neatly positions the viewer in the quaint beauty of the ancient town nestled on a hillside and the surrounding rural lands, as well as creating intimacy in indoor settings; the soundscape is supportive without being intrusive; and costuming and settings bring a mix of rustic and cutting edge. But it is the performances in this film that hold sway, taking viewers into the inner lives of many of the characters, revealing hidden hurts, hopes, resilience, and fortitude.
A Chance to Win is a light-hearted film that’s sure to leave viewers with a smile.
Screening at Palace cinemas.