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 is a remake of "L'homme de Rio" of the same director and also starring Belmondo. The producers told De Broca to make a "super"-L'homme de Rio this time. But the comedy is taken a bit too far this time, which means the border to pure slapstick is crossed several times throughout the movie, which is unfortunate. Also the actor of the suicidal millionaire and the actor playing his butler should have switched roles; I think even the director stated that once in an interview.

There are several references to its preceding movie, most obvious; in one scene the girl calls Belmondo "Arthur" instead of "Adrien"; "Arthur" was the name of Belmondos character in the first movie. In the first movie Belmondo asks his girl; "what's next, are we going to China?".

User reviews of "L'homme de Rio" correctly mention the fact that Spielberg very obviously was inspired by that '63 French movie when making Indiana Jones. Well, watch this movie and you will experience even more deja-vus.

This is a well done and very entertaining adventure-comedy movie. Go see it.

I won't say much as you need to see the movie to be caught by it's adventure theme that's never stop. Bebel is great, Ursulla, sexy of course, and the plethora of second characters make a kind of in movie family. If you like to travel and enjoy visual humor, this movie is for you.

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.

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