Can humor reveal the deepest flaws of our society?
Les Trois Frères is a 1995 French comedy film written, directed by, and starring Didier Bourdon and Bernard Campan alongside their Les Inconnus partner Pascal Légitimus. Three brothers meet each other for the first time after their mother’s death. Believing they will inherit her fortune, they quickly spend what little money they have. However, when the inheritance fails to materialize, the brothers slowly begin to bond as they try to figure out what to do. It has long been one of my favorite movies—not just for the laughs, but because I deeply admired how Les Inconnus managed to accurately depict the social landscape of their time. Sadly, the issues they highlighted then are still painfully relevant today.
Are we emotionally available enough for our children?
We now understand that the development of emotional behavior begins very early in children, as their brains are still forming and the prefrontal cortex—the part responsible for rational decision-making—has yet to fully develop. This means that unlike adults, children make choices primarily based on their emotions and feelings. In the film, Michael, the son of Didier, has grown up without a father, and his mother—an air stewardess—is rarely at home. When we consider how crucial emotional bonding is for children, it becomes heartbreakingly clear that our current societal structures fail to support these essential connections. Caregivers often have only a few hours per day with their children, if that, and many remain unaware of how vital these moments are. Since no child chooses to be born, caregivers carry a deep, intrinsic responsibility: not just to provide food and shelter, but to offer emotional stability. After all, at life’s end, no one regrets not having spent more time at work. Emotional presence is what matters most.
Are we more alike than we allow ourselves to believe?
In the movie, the three brothers all share a mark on their back, a visual cue that “proves” they are blood relatives. Michael has the same mark, symbolizing his connection to them. Throughout history, this notion of “proving” who belongs and who doesn’t has been exploited in darker ways. To justify hatred toward a group—whether a nation, an ethnicity, or a gender—dehumanization has often been the most effective tool. By stripping others of their humanity, it becomes easier to accept violence or exclusion against them. This has been true in times of war, colonization, and continues today in subtle and overt ways. Why does it work? Because if we accept that we are all equal as human beings, then extremist narratives lose their power. These divisive stories succeed only when people abandon their self-awareness—when they stop thinking critically. To resist such manipulation, we must nurture our ability to reflect and remain aware. And the most effective way to do that is by cultivating healthy habits for the brain—through education, routine, emotional balance, and meaningful human connection.
What role do you think media like Les Trois Frères can play in raising emotional and social awareness today? Do you believe humor still holds the power to change minds and bring people together? Share your thoughts below.
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