Watch Drole de Felix

Drole de Felix from 2000 is a French road movie directed by Olivier Ducastel and Jacques Martineau. The movie follows the journey of Felix, a gay man living in northern France, as he travels to Marseille to meet his father, whom he has never met. The film is a heartwarming and entertaining exploration of identity, family, and love. The movie opens with Felix, a 30-year-old HIV-positive gay man, working in a gay bar in Lille, France. Following the death of his mother, Felix inspires to find his father. His mother had been reluctant to tell him about his father during her lifetime, and Felix learns about his father's existence after finding a letter from him among his mother's belongings. Felix becomes obsessed with the idea of meeting his father and sets off on a journey from Lille to Marseilles. Luke, a friend from the gay bar, gives Felix a van and the two drive south to Marseille.

During his journey, Felix meets several people who shape his understanding of himself and the world around him. The first person he meets is a young hitchhiker named Boris. The pair speak in languages other than French when in the presence of people who do not like them. Boris tells Felix about his abusive family, and the two share some deep moments revealing their fears and insecurities.

Felix also picks up a motherly old woman called 'Mamina' who soon becomes his family. Mamina is played by legendary French actress Patachou. She is wise, kind, and knows how to make everyone laugh. She befriends Felix, invites him to her house, and cooks him breakfast. She becomes so fond of Felix that she invites him to stay with her and her home and become her son.

The other character in the journey is Isabelle. She is a trans woman who works as a prostitute. They both encounter one another when Felix is walking behind the prostitution district in Marseille. Isabelle invites Felix to her house for dinner, and they become good friends. Isabelle tells him about her previous experience when he lived as a man and how she discovered her true self.

The story is enchanting, as Felix is not only forced to deal with the possibility of finding his father, but also unravels the beauty of love and self-discovery. In the end, the journey becomes the destination, as Felix discovers his family all along the way.

The visuals in this movie are refreshing. The colors are vibrant, and the lighting and cinematography depict southern France's beauty. Being a road movie, Drole de Felix prominently features elements of travel, exploration, and new experiences. The ideas explored in this movie- as well as the characters - are unique and attention-grabbing, making watching this film a delight.

Sami Bouajila, who played the lead role, Felix, gave a brilliant performance as a man in search of his identity. He portrayed the characters' emotions with all the right nuances and inflections, making it impossible for viewers not to identify with him. His immense skill in acting gave the character depth and made him feel as if he had been a friend viewers had known their entire lives.

In conclusion, Drole de Felix is a movie worth watching. With intense scenes filled with emotion, delightful moments showcasing the beauty of nature and life, and a stunning cast, it truly is an excellent piece of cinema that illustrates how acceptance, kindness, and love for one's self can make life a lot more beautiful.