Le Siffleur de Philippe Lefèbvre (2008)

Synopsis

Sunshine, Cannes, the Côte d’Azur. Armand Teillard has taken early retirement and is taking it easy. A ready-to-wear store assures him a comfortable income, he's got a lovely girlfriend, an impressive collection of records and... a secret garden: the Aline Roc. Every day, at the same hour, he retires alone to its terrace overlooking the sea, grills a fish, escapes and dreams. He's a happy man, Armand... Until the day that Sofia, the owner of Aline Roc, tells him she's going to sell. She's not doing so willingly, but is being obliged to. A racket. It's over for the Aline Roc. It's to be knocked down and a hotel complex for Russian millionaires will be built in its place.

Will Armand follow his usual inclinations and accept this and give in? Not this time. He'll readily accept to settle a dubious tax investigation and let the cafe owner set up her terrace in front of his shop window. But as for knocking down the Aline Roc! No way can Armand put up with that.

Except, he's dealing with a heavy-duty player, Jean-Patrick Zapetti. A crooked property developer, for ten years or so, he's been greasing the palms of all the region's city planning representatives. If, as was initially the case with Sonia, money doesn't suffice, he sends around Karim Chaouche and Xavier Mazini, whose methods always end up proving very persuasive to reticent property owners. Obviously Armand, with his neat suit and good manners, isn't quite cut out to take on an adventure of this kind. Not to mention that this charming gang could quickly focus on his clothing store, or, even worse, Vivianne, his girlfriend.

It becomes truly urgent for Armand to call in his twin brother, who's far more confident than he is, more dogged, and no doubt, more of a... gangster. Sun-tanned, with a dark and serious gaze, a very well cut suit, brand new convertible... Armand Teillard lets Maurice Le Siffleur take his place.