In 1930s Paris, a group of four lifelong friends and workers long to escape their daily routine and find happiness in a new venture. After the unexpected fortune of winning a lottery, they decide to invest in a bar on the banks of the Seine, convinced that their lives will change forever.
With a spark of optimism and ideals of camaraderie, the men, each carrying their own emotional and personal baggage, embark on this new adventure. However, not everything is perfect: tensions among them soon become apparent, revealing their weaknesses, insecurities, and the complexity of human relationships. As life in the bar begins to flourish, so do rivalries and jealousy. The arrival of a captivating woman on the horizon will further disrupt the group's dynamic, leading them to question not only their bonds of friendship but also what they truly desire in life.
This masterpiece of French black-and-white cinema is a poignant reflection of the hopes and disappointments of the working class. The social and political backdrop of the era intertwines with their dreams, and what begins as a project full of promise soon transforms into an exploration of the fragility of friendship, love, and the quest for happiness. The film is a delicate balance between comedy and drama, offering a nostalgic portrait of a time and place that no longer exist.