Les Barons (2009)
A hilarious Belgian comedy about a group of young men who have elevated doing nothing into a way of life.
Les Barons - Movie Information
- Original Title: Les Barons
- Release Year: 2009
- Directed by: Nabil Ben Yadir
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: Arabic, Dutch, French
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 4, 2009 (Belgium), January 20, 2010 (France)
- Production Companies: Entre Chien et Loup, Liaison Cinématographique, Prime Time, Centre du Cinéma et de l'Audiovisuel de la Communauté Française de Belgique, Vlaams Audiovisueel fonds, CNC, Agence Nationale pour la Cohésion Sociale et l'Egalité des Chances (ACSE), Fonds Images de la Diversité, Sofica Soficinéma 4, Nestor & Co
- Production Countries: Belgium, France
Les Barons - Plot
The Barons have a motto: "slack off more to live longer." Every human being is born with a credit of steps. Every step you take brings you closer to death. We Barons know this from the start.
Les Barons - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Barons' philosophy in action:
Where to Watch Les Barons
Looking for where to watch Les Barons?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Les Barons - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Nabil Ben Yadir
Main Cast
- Nader Boussandel
- Mourade Zeguendi
- Mounir Ait Hamou
- Amelle Chahbi
- Mohamed Fellag
- Julien Courbey
- Édouard Baer
- Bougar
- Jan Decleir
- Salah Eddine Benmoussa
Writers
- Nabil Ben Yadir
- Laurent Brandenbourger
Producers
- Arlette Zylberberg
- Diana Elbaum
- Antonino Lombardo
- Sébastien Delloye
Les Barons - FAQs
What is Les Barons about?
Les Barons follows a tight-knit crew of young men in a Brussels suburb who have turned idleness into a philosophy. Their motto — slack off more to live longer — drives the film's warm, comedic look at friendship, identity, and the everyday rhythms of immigrant community life in Belgium.
Who directed Les Barons?
Les Barons was directed by Nabil Ben Yadir, a Belgian filmmaker of Moroccan descent. It was his feature debut, and it quickly became a beloved cult comedy in Belgium, celebrated for its authentic portrayal of youth culture in the Brussels suburbs.
Who are the main actors in Les Barons?
The cast is led by Nader Boussandel as Hassan and Mourade Zeguendi as Mounir, with Mounir Ait Hamou, Amelle Chahbi, Mohamed Fellag, Julien Courbey, Édouard Baer, and Jan Decleir rounding out the ensemble. Virginie Efira also appears in a memorable supporting role.
When was Les Barons released?
Les Barons premiered in Belgium on November 4, 2009, before opening in France on January 20, 2010. The film was a significant box office success in Belgium, drawing large audiences who connected deeply with its humor and cultural authenticity.
Is Les Barons based on a true story?
Les Barons is not based on a specific true story, but it draws heavily from real cultural experience. Director Nabil Ben Yadir grew up in the Brussels suburbs and infused the film with autobiographical energy, making it feel genuinely lived-in rather than invented from scratch.
What language is Les Barons spoken in?
The film is primarily in French, but it also features Arabic and Dutch, reflecting the multilingual reality of Brussels' diverse suburban communities. This linguistic mix is one of the film's most authentic and charming qualities, giving it a distinctive voice all its own.
How long is Les Barons?
Les Barons runs for 1 hour and 51 minutes. It's a comfortable runtime that gives the story room to breathe and lets the characters' easy camaraderie develop naturally, without ever feeling like it overstays its welcome.
What are some movies similar to Les Barons?
If you enjoyed Les Barons, you might also like Divine Intervention, 50 km/h, or It's for Your Own Good — films that share a similar comedic sensibility or explore community and identity with warmth and humor. ¡Asu Mare! The Friends is another fun pick worth checking out.
More About Les Barons
Explore further details about Les Barons on these trusted resources: