The Great Man: A French War Drama Filmed in Ait Zaghar
The story of ‘Le grand homme’ (The Great Man), a 2014 French drama about Foreign Legion soldiers, partially filmed in the beautiful landscapes of Ait Zaghar region
The Great Man: A French War Drama Filmed in Ait Zaghar
Published: September 18, 2025
🎬 About the Film
“The Great Man” (Original title: “Le grand homme”) is a 2014 French drama film directed by Sarah Leonor. This compelling war drama tells the story of two French Foreign Legion soldiers at the end of their posting in Afghanistan, exploring themes of duty, friendship, and the complexities of immigration.
Film Details
- Release Date: August 13, 2014 (France)
- Director: Sarah Leonor
- Writers: Emmanuelle Jacob, Sarah Leonor
- Runtime: 1h 47m (107 minutes)
- Language: French, Chechen
- Genre: Drama
- IMDb Rating: User reviews average around 6.9/10
🎭 Cast & Characters
The film features exceptional performances from:
- Jérémie Renier as Hamilton - One of France’s most accomplished actors
- Surho Sugaipov as Markov - A former economics student and professional MMA fighter turned actor
- Ramzan Idiev as Khadji
- Daniel Fassi as Gradé Afghanistan
- Jean-Yves Ruf as Colonel Lacour
- Miglen Mirtchev as Johnson
📖 The Story
The film follows Markov and Hamilton, two inseparable French Legionnaires completing their service in Afghanistan. When an ambush results in Hamilton being seriously wounded, Markov carries him back to safety, saving his life but disobeying orders in the process.
After their discharge, Hamilton returns to Paris as a free man, while Markov faces the harsh reality of immigration complications. As a foreign refugee who joined the Legion hoping to gain French citizenship and provide a better life for his young son, Markov finds himself and his 8-year-old son struggling in Paris as unregistered aliens.
The story explores the deep bond between the two soldiers and the heartbreaking challenges of immigration, legal status, and the meaning of true loyalty.
🏔️ Filming in Ait Zaghar
Part of “The Great Man” was filmed in the Ait Zaghar region of Morocco, taking advantage of the area’s stunning and diverse landscapes that could authentically represent Afghan terrain. The region’s:
- Rocky formations and mountainous terrain
- Desert landscapes perfect for military scenes
- Traditional Berber architecture adding authenticity
- Dramatic lighting from the High Atlas mountains
The choice of Ait Zaghar as a filming location demonstrates the region’s cinematic appeal and its ability to represent diverse geographical settings for international productions.
🎯 Critical Reception
The film received mixed but generally positive reviews:
- Metascore: 73 (Generally favorable reviews)
- 10 Critic reviews on various platforms
- Praised for its authentic portrayal of military life and immigration struggles
- Jérémie Renier’s performance was particularly lauded by critics
- The film was noted for its emotional depth and realistic approach to post-war trauma
Audience Response
Viewers appreciated:
- The authentic military atmosphere
- Strong performances from the lead actors
- The film’s humanitarian message about immigration and friendship
- Beautiful cinematography showcasing both Afghan-like terrain and urban Paris
🌍 Cultural Impact
“The Great Man” stands as an important film in contemporary French cinema, addressing:
- Immigration challenges in modern Europe
- The psychological impact of military service
- Franco-Moroccan cultural connections through its filming locations
- The universal themes of friendship and loyalty across cultural boundaries
The film’s connection to Ait Zaghar also highlights the region’s growing importance as an international filming destination, bringing global attention to the beauty and cinematic potential of the Moroccan High Atlas.
🎪 Film Festival Circuit
The movie was featured at several international film festivals, including:
- Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) - where it received positive audience reception
- 38th Göteborg Film Festival
- Various French and European cinema showcases
🏆 Legacy and Recognition
While “The Great Man” had a modest box office performance ($7,814 worldwide), it has gained recognition for:
- Its authentic portrayal of military life
- Nuanced treatment of immigration issues
- Outstanding cinematography featuring Moroccan landscapes
- Contributing to the cultural bridge between French and Moroccan cinema
🎬 Behind the Scenes
Interesting facts about the production:
- Surho Sugaipov (Markov) was a student at the Faculty of Economics at the University of Cologne and a professional MMA fighter before becoming an actor
- The film was a Franco-Moroccan co-production involving Les Films Hatari, Le Studio Orlando, and Bac Films
- Director Sarah Leonor chose Ait Zaghar specifically for its ability to authentically represent Afghan terrain
- The filming brought international attention to the cinematic potential of the Ouarzazate region
“The Great Man” represents not just a powerful story of friendship and struggle, but also showcases the incredible landscapes of Ait Zaghar, demonstrating why Morocco continues to be a favored destination for international filmmakers seeking authentic and breathtaking locations.
Visit Ait Zaghar to experience the landscapes that served as the backdrop for this moving drama, and discover the natural beauty that captivated international filmmakers.