Life Is a Long Quiet River
1988 · Movie · 90 min · ★ 6.7 · 75% critics
Two newborns are accidentally switched, and the error comes to light years later. As both families confront the truth, their very different worlds—one comfortable and orderly, the other struggling but lively—collide in ways that reshape daily life and relationships.
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in the US.
2 hours to watch.
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Original title
- La vie est un long fleuve tranquille
- Years
- 1988
- Release date
- 1988-02-03
- Language
- French
- Runtime
- 90 min
- Critic score
- 75/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.7/10 (459 votes)
About
If you enjoy comedies built on family chaos and social contrasts, this should land well, especially if you liked Toto the Hero or Happiness Is in the Field; Not for you if baby-swap premises feel too uncomfortable.
Pros: sharp family comedy; class-contrast humor; lively household energy | Cons: uncomfortable mix-ups; mean-spirited moments; uneven sympathy
Themes
- social satire
- class differences
- twins
- twins separated at birth
- switched at birth
Awards & recognition
- César Award — Best Female Revelation · 1989
- César Award — Best Original Screenplay or Adaptation
- César Award — Best First Film
- César Award — Best Supporting Actress
Cast & crew
Benoît Magimel
as Momo Groseille
Valérie Lalande
as Bernadette Le Quesnoy
Catherine Hiegel
as Josette
Daniel Gélin
as Docteur Mavial
Hélène Vincent
as Madame Marielle Le Quesnoy
André Wilms
as Monsieur Jean Le Quesnoy
Christine Pignet
as Madame Groseille
Maurice Mons
as Monsieur Groseille
Catherine Jacob
as Marie-Thérèse
Tara Römer
as Million Groseille
Directed by Étienne Chatiliez