4L

Jean Reno and Gerardo Olivares Hit the Road in 4L—A Spanish Comedy-Drama with Heart and Humor

4L (2019), directed by Spanish filmmaker Gerardo Olivares, is a road-trip comedy-drama that pairs Jean Reno with a ragtag ensemble cast for a journey across the Sahara. The film, originally titled 4 latas ("4 Cans"), blends humor, drama, and adventure as its characters traverse the desert in a battered old car. But behind the scenes, the production had its own share of challenges—and a few surprises.

A Director with a Passion for Real-World Stories

Gerardo Olivares, known for his documentary work spanning over 100 countries, brought a unique perspective to 4L. His filmography often explores human resilience in extreme environments, from wildlife documentaries to dramas like Brothers of the Wind (2016) . With 4L, Olivares shifted gears into fiction but kept his signature focus on adversity and camaraderie. The film’s premise—a cross-desert road trip in a decades-old car—mirrors the director’s real-life experiences filming in remote locations .

Olivares’ transition from documentaries to narrative filmmaking wasn’t seamless. In interviews, he and Reno joked about the cultural differences between Spanish and French filmmaking styles. Reno, a veteran of Hollywood and European cinema, admitted to being initially surprised by the more improvisational approach on set ^[7][8]. Yet, the collaboration worked: 4L leans into a loose, character-driven energy, with Reno’s deadpan charm anchoring the film’s emotional core.

Jean Reno’s Sahara Adventure

Reno, best known for his roles in Léon: The Professional and The Da Vinci Code, took on 4L as a lighter project—though the shoot was anything but easy. Filming in the Sahara Desert presented logistical hurdles, from extreme heat to sandstorms disrupting production. In a 2019 interview on La Resistencia, Reno recounted how the crew had to adapt quickly, sometimes shooting scenes in short bursts to avoid the worst of the conditions ^[8].

The actor also revealed that he bonded with co-star Hovik Keuchkerian (who plays his estranged friend) over their shared love of motorcycles—a detail that made its way into the film’s script. Reno’s character, Jean-Pierre, is a former rally driver, and the actor’s real-life enthusiasm for bikes added authenticity to the role ^[2][7].

A Mixed Reception and Underrated Charm

Despite its star power and scenic backdrop, 4L received mixed reviews. On SensCritique, the film holds a modest 4.6/10 rating, with some viewers praising its heartfelt moments but criticizing its pacing . Rotten Tomatoes’ audience score is similarly lukewarm, though the site’s critics’ consensus remains unscored .

Still, the film’s trailer—showcasing Reno’s comedic timing and the desert’s stark beauty—generated buzz ahead of its March 2019 release ^[5][6][10]. Olivares’ ability to balance humor and drama, a hallmark of his documentaries, shines through in 4L, even if the final product didn’t fully resonate with audiences.

The Road Ahead

4L may not have been a blockbuster, but it offered Reno a chance to flex his comedic muscles in a setting far removed from his usual action roles. For Olivares, it was another step in his evolution as a storyteller, blending fiction with the real-world grit he’s known for. The film’s legacy? A quirky, sun-soaked road movie that proves even a beat-up car can carry a lot of heart.