Les tribulations d'un Chinois en Chine

Back in the '60s, everyone loved a cool spy flick. James Bond, Derek Flint, Harry Palmer (and even Maxwell Smart) were the famous secret agents, but probably not as many people remember "Les tribulations d'un chinois en Chine". It has French everyman Arthur Lempereur (Jean-Paul Belmondo) getting involved in espionage in Hong Kong. A really fun scene is the whole chase scene. However, in my opinion, the intrigue and stuff gets overshadowed by Ursula Andress's presence. There's one scene in particular that will very likely remind you of her role in "Dr. No".

So, there always had to be spy stories involving hot babes. A flick similar to this one is "Die Holle von Macao" (also called "The Corrupt Ones") which starred Elke Sommer. You'll probably like both movies.

This film was intended to be a bigger sequel that Man from Rio was lesser. The story is less logical and the adventure less subtle. The sequences are lost in grandeur and it is played in the absurd, almost like Monty Python. Several very good stunts nonetheless.

It's not boring and we find Ursula Andress, charming and intelligent. She is also part of the adventure.

Almost shot entirely on location, we can see a time capsule of very exotic places for us.

I liked certain adventurous moments and certain funny moments more than others. The weakest part of the film is the story which lacks credibility and which is played too much as a joke, I think.

Apparently - "Up To His Ears" (from 1965) was the rip-roarin' French comedy that actually inspired American film-maker, Steven Spielberg to undertake directing "Raiders Of The Lost Ark" (from 1984).

To be sure - When certain scenes (involving some truly wild and incredible stunts) take place in the action - The viewer will automatically recognize clear similarities between these 2 pictures.

I'd also say that there is clearly something of a "decidedly" Monty Python-esque feel to the overall flow of events that take place in this wacky tale, as well.

But - Unfortunately - When it comes to the whole slapstick eccentricity of this film's zany action - It seems that the French don't appear to know too much about creative restraint. And, so - Before long - This potentially amusing tale gets too carried away with itself. And, with that - Coherent sensibility promptly sails right out the window.

An action , spoof and adventure movie , very freely based on Jules Verne novel , which was a big hit at the international boxoffice . This funny and hilarious adventure deals with a unhappy millionaire called Arthur Lempereur : Jean Paul Belmondo who is attempting to commit suicide . Later on , he does business with an insurance company and hires two murderers to do it , then he meets a strip-tease dancer : Ursula Andress and falls in love for her . Later on , Arthur wishes to reverse the situation , it's why he has found the ideal couple , the gorgeous stripper Ursula Andress . So of course Belmondo does some international adventuring in order to get his purports. That Man from Río is up the Himalayas .. up the Yang-Tze .. up in a balloon .. up-stage with a Stripper...up-town in Hong Kong..you can't keep a great adventurer down !

A fun as well as extravagant comedy adventure full of turbulent action , fast paced and farcical events . It has a lot of stunts , in fact Belmondo himself did his own stunts . To compete the big boxoffice James Bond movies by the time, was made this picture that had a big hit , as well . A worthy companion piece to "That Man from Rio" also directed by Brocca and starred by Belmondo , both of them were the French highest films of the years 1964 and 1965 , respectively . Belmondo is pretty good as the young billionaire whose suicide attempts keep failing . Belmondo has a prestigious national and international career , playing all kinds of genres , outstanding in thrillers : "incorregible" , "Hunter Will Get You" , "Stravinsky", "Borsalino" , "Le Professional", "Sicilian Clan" , "Hold-up" , "Stuntwoman" , "Mississippi Mermaid" and Adventures : "Cartouche" , "Le Magnifique" , "Ace of Aces", "Happy Easter" , among others . Belmondo is ideally suited to his character , giving a very diverting and likeable acting , being well accompanied by the always gorgeous Ursula Andress , Jean Rochefort as his faithful butler , Jess Hahn, Darryl Cowl , Valerie Lagrange , Pacome , Valerie Inkjinoff , among others .

It contains colorful cinematogaphic with exotic locations from Katmandu, Nepal, Hong Kong , China Jama Masjid , Old Delhi , Red Fort , India . This engaging adventure spoof was professionally directed by Philippe de Brocca , though it has some shortcomings , flaws and disjoined scenes . He made nice films , most of them comedies , action and adventures , such as : "Cartouche", "The King of Hearts", "Oldest profession" , "Le Cavaleur" , " Dear Detective" , "Jupiter's thigh" , "The Green House" , "Louisiana" , being his best movie "Le Magnifique" . And his fetish actor was Jean Paul Belmondo .This film titled "Up to His Ears" was one of the best and most successful of its time , getting a great hit , thanks to sympathetic interpretations , gorgeous locations and big fun that make this one a joy to see .

I saw this when it was shown recently on TCM, because I have enjoyed Jean Paul Belmondo's films, particularly "The Burglars". Also this film had supposedly provided some inspiration for the "Indiana Jones" films.

Belmondo is a playboy type, living on a ship, who is propelled into an adventure. There is no logical plot to speak of, just a continuous series of madcap events. Some incidents are entertaining, and others less so, but in any event the movie is best viewed with the brain set in neutral. The scenes involving a balloon and also the escapades on scaffolding are particularly amusing.

Inspiration maybe, but comparisons to "Indiana Jones" would seem to be superficial. This movie is more light hearted, and Belmondo is more of a bumbler than a fearless adventurer. There is a scene with a vine bridge across a canyon, which was also part of "Temple of Doom's" plot, but that aside there are no obvious similarities.

Ursula Andress however, appears on a beach in a white bikini very similar to the one she wore in "Dr. No".

In summary, this is not bad if you don't mind a scattered but creative plot. See this if you have the chance just for the experience. It's fun, but not quite for everyone.

K-Rating: 5/10