Le bon roi Dagobert

Why this movie got such a low rating at IMDB is beyond me. This is one of Dino Risi's most unusual and delightful films. This period of French history is barely covered on film and 'Good king Dagobert' is surprisingly realistic in showing the realities of early barbaric France. Movie's soundtrack is very good too - sort of a cross between John Barry and Michael Nyman.

It is a very funny story about Frankish king Dagobert I but not a real story but based a 18th century anti-Royalist song. It is worth to watch to laught anyway(but warning: nudity!!!). It shows diplomatic conspiracy, life of a dummy king who is depend on his more clever servants. What I liked: very authentic dresses: middle age Franks, church and Byzantine clothes and shields look like as should be. And the story is very funny But of course in the normal circumstances if a king was so stupid he shouldn't survive even a year but deposed by one of his relative but not a no name priest so it is not worth to watch more times.

When I first saw this movie in the 80's I loved it because it's a rare piece that illustrates the barbaric middle ages of Europe in a realistic manner. At first glance, it may seem crude to some with its nudity and humour, but this first impression dissipates with the consistent touch of silliness (Coluche style) that keeps you smiling. The ignorant, libertine and vulgar lifestyle of that period, intermixing with the influence of catholicism, are well delivered by Coluche and Serrault who make a wonderful team in this comedy. The mood of the movie is quite relaxed, it's as if the actors were having fun making the film. The dubbing might be annoying sometimes (franco-italian movies were common in the 80's) but it's only a minor issue that one can become used to. And finally, the music is quite amusing; the theme song is light and stays in memory for a long time :)