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Amazon.co.uk Review
A likeable 1977 French farce (and the basis for the 1996 American remake, The Birdcage), this popular comedy was one of the most successful international films of all time, and even spawned a Broadway musical and two sequels. It tells the story of a gay couple who--when one man's son from a previous liaison brings home his fiancée--masquerade as husband and wife for their prospective in-laws. Le Cage Aux Folles is saved from becoming an exercise in silliness by the heartfelt characterisations of the gay nightclub owners. La Cage aux Folles is one of the funniest imports from Europe and a great comedy in any venue. --Robert Lane
Amazon.co.uk Review
In the French farce La Cage aux Folles, Ugo Tognazzi and Michel Serrault star as Renato and Albin, a middle-aged gay couple and co-owners of a nightclub, the titular Cage aux Folles, where hysterically effeminate Albin stars as drag act Zaza. The long-suffering Renato once briefly enjoyed a heterosexual relationship and has a 20-year-old son, Laurent. When the latter turns up one day and announces he is to marry the daughter of one M Charrier, deputy leader of the Moral Order party, Renato is initially appalled. However, he comes round and reluctantly agrees to a meeting with the girl's parents, in which he will pose as a high-ranking diplomat, rid the apartment of all its queenly trappings and try to persuade Albin to lie low. The final 20 minutes of the movie, in which this charade of austerity and propriety falls entirely to pieces are among the most aisle-rollingly uproarious ever committed to celluloid.
It was remade by Hollywood as The Birdcage, but this original is far funnier. Although perhaps a little dated and stereotypical in its depiction of gay life there is real sympathy for, and affection conveyed between, Renato and Albin. The scenes with the Charrier family, who, it turns out, have problems of their own, cut an utterly gloomy bourgeois contrast with the screaming flamboyance of the nightclub scenes. The Charrier's unscrupulous chauffeur is one of the film's many treasures, his final "Combien?" provoking the film's crowning guffaw. All this iced with a delicious soundtrack from Ennio Morricone which wafts with the nostalgic scent of late-1970s South of France.
On the DVD: La Cage aux Folles is unfortunately presented in a not terribly good 1:66:1 transfer: much of the crackle and faded colours of the original remain, while the soundtrack is fuzzy in places. The only extra is the original trailer. --David Stubbs
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
34 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Although to younger viewers the style and presentation of this film may seem dated- stick with it. This is classic French farce. There are moments in this film which cannot be copied or bettered (i.e.the opening of the bottle of champagne). For best results, watch the film with the original soundtrack and use the subtitles. The dubbed soundtrack is camp and silly (Andrew Sachs sounds very silly and soppy). The French version is camp but brilliantly playful and in parts, trés elegante!
A great film that never disappoints, even after multiple viewings.
A great film that never disappoints, even after multiple viewings.
29 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Unlike the commentator from Stockport, I'd disagree that the remake is better than the original; matter of opinion, but I'd say classic farce is always better with reference to its context and time.
Since the days of Feydeau, the French have done farce far better than Americans, largely because American audiences miss the deep undercurrents of irony and see only the surface froth. The French version is drenched more naturally in social tension in the way only a collective and paternalistic society can, but retains a patina of freshness and charm. It's also more theatrical, though I rather like the performance element - it seems somehow more spontaneous.
Furthermore, Ugo Tognazzi and Michel Serrault are delightful. By comparison, the performances of Nathan Lane and Robin Williams seem worthy but derivative.
While I'd agree that the DVD translation could be better, many of the extras are worth having.
33 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Some years ago, Hollywood decided that there was a reason to retell this story, and the result was a pathetic excuse for a film called "Birdcage". Though it featured one of the great actors of the American film industry, Gene Hackman, it absolutely paled in comparison to the French original. In 1979, "La Cage Aux Folles" was not encumbered with the thoroughly modern concept of "political correctness", pathetic as that concept is. "Birdcage" was, and enough said about that. I defy any viewer to keep from laughing out loud at the antics of the magnificent Zaza and, especially, of the houseboy Jacob. This is a love story, a comedy and a farce all rolled up into one, and if you don't like subtitles, suspend your disbelief for a while. This film is entirely and more than entirely worth it!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Brilliant French farce
I have a video of this recorded from the television in the early eighties in black and white .It has been lovingly overplayed and is a bit battered . Read more
Published 18 days ago by Amber
Hilarious farce
This is hilarious farce, just that its in French, however, Don't let the subtitles intimidate you, this is the best version (& original). Read more
Published 6 months ago by Lord Anon
Very very funny
This is the best French comedy, don't worry about subtitles, it is worth it also after watching this you'll never bother to watch the American remake The Birdcage again as it is so... Read more
Published 6 months ago by acc254
Only slightly different from Hollywood's The Birdcage (1996)
This film, the original inspiration for the Robin Williams / Nathan Lane remake, was written by much the same team and so if you've already seen the US one you'll be picking out... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Philoctetes
Prepare to see human nature in a very funny and subtle way!
I saw this film at the Edinburgh Film Festival, with my now husband, in 1982. We laughed so hard we cried.Ugo Tognazzi and Michel Sessault are superb. Read more
Published 20 months ago by WEETADS
Gay Paradise
Having watched the Hollywood remake of this wonderful French farce, I always wondered what the original film would be like. Read more
Published 20 months ago by D. Deacon
Classic and Groundbreaking
An absolute classic - you've seen the stage play, you've seen the re-make, now clock the original.
For it's day it must have been ground-breaking: camp, outspoken,... Read more
For it's day it must have been ground-breaking: camp, outspoken,... Read more
Published 22 months ago by JohnB
camp delight
The original and best version of this script that Holywood ruined in the remake with Williams,Hackman et al. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Mr. F. R. S. Glass
Time has not been kind
This should be a delightful daring farce, and it probably was in 1980, but times have changed and some of what goes on makes the teeth grit today. Read more
Published on 5 April 2010 by W. Russell
The Original Birdcage
Be warned, this review is by someone who saw `The Birdcage' (Hollywood's adaptation) first and thinks that it is better. Read more
Published on 25 Oct 2009 by Nicholas Casley
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