How long can you resist this captivating Netflix series?

Released on September 13, 2023, the biographical series “Tapie” directed by Tristan Séguéla and Olivier Demangel is devoted to the tumultuous life of the French businessman, former minister and television personality Bernard Tapie. Despite the reluctance of the person concerned and those close to him, this ambitious work deals with the different facets of the iconic character, highlighting the successes and failures that marked his journey.

Laurent Lafitte in the shoes of Bernard Tapie

In the main role, the famous actor Laurent Lafitte plays Bernard Tapie brilliantly. In order to slip into the character’s skin at different stages of his life, Lafitte underwent a significant physical transformation, including makeup, weight gain and the use of a wig.

A talented cast to support the hero

Surrounded by a solid cast, Laurent Lafitte shares the screen with renowned actors such as David Talbot, who plays the prosecutor in charge of the VA-OM case which led Bernard Tapie to prison in 1997. The confrontation between the two characters constitutes one of the highlights of the series.

The notable events of Tapie’s journey

The work spans seven episodes which retrace nearly 30 years of the businessman’s life. Key events covered in the series include:

• The presidency of Olympique de Marseille (1986-1994)
• The VA-OM affair and his incarceration in 1997
• His years in politics and his appointment as minister
• His career in the world of television

If certain facets of Bernard Tapie’s life are more developed than others, it is undeniable that this biographical series offers an interesting overview of the rise and fall of this essential man.

A critical look at the series

Éric de Montgolfier, the former Valenciennes prosecutor who investigated the VA-OM case, watched the series and gives his opinion on this fictionalized adaptation of the life of Bernard Tapie. Although he admits to having enjoyed watching the thrilling encounter between his fictional double and Tapie, certain aspects of the plot were exaggerated or minimized compared to reality.

The question of football aside?

Some critics also point out that the series does not sufficiently highlight the importance of football in the life of Bernard Tapie. Having left his mark on French football as president of Olympique de Marseille from 1986 to 1994, this period seems somewhat forgotten in the Netflix adaptation, which focuses more on other aspects of his life.

A success with spectators

Despite the shortcomings and controversies surrounding “Tapie”, the biographical series has enjoyed some success since its release on Netflix on September 13, 2023. Attracting the attention of the public, it offers a fictionalized vision of the life of a man who marked French history in several respects.

Ultimately, the Tapie series is a successful bet for Netflix, which manages to captivate its audience thanks to careful production, talented actors and a storyline rich in twists and turns.