El juguete

I saw this film in 1982. Our French teacher in High school took all her classes to see this one day during school. We were supposed to be immersed in the language while watching. Mostly, we got caught up in the story (and the subtitles) simple story that was simply told.

However, the US version screwed it all up by making making it a farce. Subtlty is lost here in the US. I really would like to see it again, since I only saw it the once 20 years ago

I saw this film in Washington DC in the '70s, and was captivated. Then I brought friends and saw it again and again. Unfortunately, it is not available now in the States, though the coarse remake with Pryor and Gleason has overshadowed it. How can this be?? Richard has a delightful blend of tenderness and integrity that urge the viewer toward a more optimistic view -- that one person can make a big difference in someone's life. And the ending of the film suggests that we need to give much more credit to our small ones' ability to recognize truth and honor. If you have the chance, see it. If you know how to lobby to get this film the North American distribution it deserves (in VHS or DVD), please get on board!

It demonstrates in an original and at the same time very simple way that True Love is more important than all the money in the world. Tiny Fabrice Greco is brilliant in the role of the super-spoiled child, but who needs parental love more than anything. Grand Michel Bouquet, as usual, has a memorable role. "Big Blonde" Pierre Richard, is very good. Jacques François too plays a subtle role.

This movie has unfortunately been unavailable in the US. It served as the basis for the later US film, The Toy (star, Richard Pryor) but retained an integrity and beauty that was lost in the US remake. Pierre Richard plays the part of a man who has been purchased as a plaything for a rich man's son -- and manages to turn the role around in such a way that the young boy learns in a subtle but unmistakable fashion that all human beings are deserving of dignity and respect. A top notch performance by Pierre Richard, surpassing any of his later films (Tall Blonde Man, Comperes, etc.). I urge you to try this one out!

Amusing movie about a unemployed man, François Perrin, who finally gets a job as a reporter for an important newspaper. The business is owned by billionaire Pierre Rambal-Cochet. His young son always get what he wants. And he wants François Perrin as a toy! Perrin doesn't have a choice if he wants to keep his new job. So he becomes a simple toy.

Francis Veber scores again with this one. It's no masterpiece, but it's a steady comedy with good laughs all along. And the cast is good. Pierre Richard shines as usual. Jacques François too as Blénac. And Michel Bouquet is great as Rambal-Cochet. So funny when we learn how he buys his properties!

Out of 100, I give it 76. That's good for **½ out of ****.

Seen at home, in Toronto, on December 2nd, 2002. I saw this film back in the eighties and I remember loving it at the time.