Welcome to the Sticks is a French comedy film directed by Dany Boon, who also stars in the film as Antoine Bailleul, the post office manager in the town of Bergues. The film was released in 2008 and became one of the highest-grossing films in French history.
The story follows Philippe Abrams (Kad Merad) and his wife Julie (Zoé Félix), who are living a comfortable life in Salon-de-Provence in the South of France. However, Julie is feeling increasingly depressed and asks Philippe to try to obtain a transfer to the seaside town of Côte d'Azur. Philippe tries to fake depression to get the transfer, but his plan is exposed when an inspector catches him red-handed.
As punishment for his deception, Philippe is banished to the town of Bergues in the Far North of France, which he believes is a cold, depressing, and backward place. When he arrives in Bergues, he is surprised to find that the people are friendly, and the town is beautiful, with a strong sense of community.
Antoine, the local post office manager, takes Philippe under his wing and becomes his friend, introducing him to the local customs and helping him acclimate to life in Bergues. Philippe's initial resistance to his new surroundings slowly gives way as he gradually falls in love with the town and its people.
The film tackles themes of cultural identity, prejudice, and the value of community. It offers a humorous and heartwarming insight into the regional differences that exist within France and the importance of embracing and celebrating those differences.
