The founder of the newspaper Fakir, François Ruffin is obsessed with Bernard Arnault, the man at the head of LVMH, which owns luxury brands such as Dior, and who became wealthy by relocating many factories. Among the many collateral victims of these decisions: Jocelyne and Serge Klur. Unemployed since the Kenzo suit factory near Valenciennes closed and was relocated to Poland, where wages are much lower, the couple is now deeply in debt and in danger of losing their house. Ruffin decides to mount an operation to rescue them and force the LVMH group to send a representative to negotiate with the Klurs to avoid a scandal. This person does not suspect that everything is being filmed and recorded, thus revealing the unsavory methods of the conglomerate.

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Calling Ruffin the French Michael Moore is an easy but inevitable shortcut. Also awarded the Golden Palm like the American filmmaker, François Ruffin, director and main force behind this documentary, uses humor, intelligence and great energy for his battle against the capitalist system, revealing its silent victims. Merci patron! is an enthusiastic pamphlet that deftly avoids pathos and litigation. Because it is based on humor and irony rather than anger and violence, Ruffin’s film is that much stronger and hits its target. Excellent, important and essential – not to be missed.