Il était une fois dans l'Oued
- Comedy
In 1988, Johnny Leclerc, the son of a Norman mother and an Alsatian father, lives in a suburban housing estate with his friends. He behaves like a Muslim, observes Ramadan and wears a djelaba. He's even convinced that his name is Abdelbachir and that he was born in a small village in the bled. When his friend Yacine gets into trouble with a local kaid and decides to return to Algeria for the vacations, he smuggles himself into the Sabri family's luggage to fulfill his dream and finally get to know his "roots". As soon as he arrived on the Algerian coast, Johnny felt right at home. But Yacine is opposed to his father, who wants to arrange his marriage.
Once Upon a Time in the Oued is a 2005 French comedy about Johnny Leclerc, a suburban teenager convinced he's Muslim despite his Norman-Alsatian heritage, who smuggles himself to Algeria to discover his imagined roots. Released in October 2005, the film follows Johnny's misadventures as he navigates Algerian life and his friend Yacine's family complications. A fish-out-of-water story exploring identity, belonging, and cultural assumptions.
When does Once Upon a Time in the Oued come out?
Where to watch
Streaming availability in United States
United StatesNot available on any tracked streaming service in United States right now.
Available in: Belgium · Switzerland · France · Luxembourg
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In cinemas
Theatrical release in United States
No date confirmed for United States yet · Earliest worldwide: Wide release in France
FranceTheatrical dates from TMDB. Cinema chain links go to the official websites for showtimes and bookings — check there for the actual showtimes near you.
Rent or buy
Digital purchase & rental in United States
Not available to rent or buy in United States yet. Available to rent or buy in: Belgium · Switzerland · France · Luxembourg
Where to watch Once Upon a Time in the Oued by country
United Kingdom
Greece
Germany
Spain
Italy
Canada
Australia
BrazilTop cast
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Julien CourbeyJohnny Leclerc
Sid Ahmed AgoumiMohamed Sabri
David SaracinoYacine Sabri
Karina TestaNadia
Marilou BerryNadège
Amina AnnabiRelah Sabri
Olivier BarouxLe vacancier suisse
Éric JudorLes commerçants
Ramzy BediaLes commerçants
Aziz DeggaUn Tonton
Omar Syle génie de la lampe
Salah Eddine BenmoussaLe Hajj
Atmen KelifNaber, un cousin du désert
Élie SemounLe maître d'hôtel
Frankie Painla mère de Johnny
Clip
Il était une fois a el oued souf
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Once Upon a Time in the Oued — frequently asked
When was Once Upon a Time in the Oued released?
The film was released on October 19, 2005.
What is the movie about?
It follows Johnny, a French teenager who identifies as Muslim despite his European background, as he stows away in luggage to travel to Algeria with his friend Yacine in 1988. The story unfolds as Johnny experiences Algerian life while Yacine deals with his family's expectations.
What genre is Once Upon a Time in the Oued?
It is a comedy that uses humor to explore themes of cultural identity and belonging.
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