Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Reviews
From Amazon.co.uk
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
Product Description
Homosexual lovers (Ugo Tognazzi and Michel Serrault) have to masquerade as husband and 'wife' for the benefit of the straight son they have brought up. He is about to get married and his fiancée's ultra-conservative parents want to meet his 'parents'. The farce hots up when the boy's natural mother appears and the national media turns up outside the gay couple's drag joint.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 37 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.
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By Andy Millward
VINE™ VOICE
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.
34 of 35 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!
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 48 reviews
4.1 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fabulous
These are the original actors and the film does everything it should to cast an ironic and all-seeing eye on hypocrisy, prejudice and veneer. The acting is wonderful. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Suzanne Bosworth
5.0 out of 5 stars
love this
this movie is great fun and has a dubbing service so you can watch it in english or a number of other languages..very pleased with service
Published 2 months ago by Dino
2.0 out of 5 stars
The Robin Williams/Nathan Lane version is better
This original is quite dated and not (now) as funny as the later American re-make. So if you are wavering between the two, go for the later one
Published 2 months ago by NewBlogger
4.0 out of 5 stars
Retro French comedy
Great portrayal of characters, good story line, not put off by subtitles so it suits me. I love the butler/maid!
Published 2 months ago by mum bojumbo
5.0 out of 5 stars
La Cage aux folles
Only one word for this film. Brilliant. Whether it would suit a younger audience I have my doubts but for a more mature one, this film is ideal. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mrs. C. A. Hayne
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very funny
A very classic version of an old French play, now a successful film and ade into a musical as well, but this film is really funny and educational.
Published 4 months ago by Albert W. Barens
4.0 out of 5 stars
Le cage aux folles
Excellent film made in French speech but various subtitle languages are available as options. Easy to read and keep up with subtitles.
Published 4 months ago by Dazza
5.0 out of 5 stars
A mini masterpiece
First saw this on the TV when we were babysitting and thankfully it did not wake up. On second viewing on the dvd I was just as impressed. I do not think that I can fault it
Published 4 months ago by MR C MILSOM
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the joys of DVD
Great fun this I would recommend it to anyone feeling a bit down. Watch it for fun for laughter and jus to escape the everyday frustrations. Enjoy.
Published 5 months ago by Footeloose
5.0 out of 5 stars
Masterpiece
Just a wonderful film which has stood the passing of time well.
If you enjoyed "The Birdcage", then you will love this!
If you enjoyed "The Birdcage", then you will love this!
Published 9 months ago by Rm Burrell
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
