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The Grand Seduction

The Grand Seduction is a 2013 Canadian comedy film directed by Don McKellar.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Grand Seduction is a 2013 Canadian comedy film directed by Don McKellar. It stars Brendan Gleeson and Taylor Kitsch and is a remake of the 2003 French-Canadian film La Grande Séduction. The story follows residents of a Newfoundland fishing village who try to persuade a doctor to stay so their town can secure a factory contract.

Premise

The film follows residents of a small Newfoundland community that needs a resident doctor to help secure a factory contract. They attempt to convince city doctor Paul Lewis to stay in town.

Production and release

The Grand Seduction was released in 2013 and is an English-language remake of the 2003 Quebec film La Grande Séduction. It was directed by Don McKellar and written by Ken Scott and Michael Dowse.

Cast

The film stars Brendan Gleeson as Murray French and Taylor Kitsch as Paul Lewis. Supporting cast members include Liane Balaban and Gordon Pinsent.

Reception and awards

The film received Canadian Screen Awards recognition, including four nominations. Gordon Pinsent won the award for Actor in a Supporting Role in 2014.

Key facts

  • The Grand Seduction is a 2013 Canadian comedy film directed by Don McKellar.
  • It is a remake of the 2003 French-Canadian film La Grande Séduction.
  • The plot centers on a Newfoundland fishing village trying to persuade a doctor to stay.
  • The cast includes Brendan Gleeson, Taylor Kitsch, Liane Balaban, and Gordon Pinsent.
  • Gordon Pinsent won the Canadian Screen Award for Actor in a Supporting Role in 2014.
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Canadian context

The film is a Canadian production set in Newfoundland and is a remake of a French-Canadian comedy, making it relevant to Canadian film history and bilingual cultural adaptation.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Grand Seduction about?
It is about a Newfoundland fishing village that tries to persuade a doctor to stay so the town can qualify for a factory contract.
Is The Grand Seduction a remake?
Yes. It is an English-language remake of the 2003 French-Canadian film La Grande Séduction.
Who directed The Grand Seduction?
Don McKellar directed the film.
Who stars in The Grand Seduction?
The film stars Taylor Kitsch, Brendan Gleeson, Liane Balaban, and Gordon Pinsent.
Did The Grand Seduction win any awards?
It received four Canadian Screen Awards nominations, and Gordon Pinsent won for Actor in a Supporting Role.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Grand_Seduction
    Supports: Director, year, cast, remake status, and Canadian Screen Awards information.
  2. REEL CANADA — https://reelcanada.ca/film/the-grand-seduction/
    Supports: Canadian setting, plot premise, and relationship to the original French-Canadian film.
  3. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-grand-seduction-2014
    Supports: Plot details, setting in Newfoundland, and core story premise.
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-grand-seduction
    Supports: Release year, runtime, MPAA rating, and cast/genre details.