The Great Man

An intimate drama starring newcomer Surho Sugaipov and Dardenne brothers’ regular Jérémie Rénier (The Child, The Kid with a Bike), The Great Man is a powerful story of war, immigration, friendship and solidarity. Hamilton (Jérémie Rénier) and Markov (Surho Sugaipov) are about to finish five years of service in the Foreign Legion. During their six-month posting in Afghanistan, they wind up amidst a crossfire while out on an impromptu and unauthorized leopard hunt. After Hamilton is shot and nearly killed, Markov risks his own life to save him at the expense of his own dreams of gaining French citizenship. Later, Hamilton is reunited with Markov in Paris. Whilst Hamilton remains in the Foreign Legion, Markov ekes out a meager existence as an illegal immigrant, trying to provide for his young son Khadji. When Markov is killed in an accident, Hamilton is now served by conscience to look after the kid of the man who saved his life.