Les tribulations d'un Chinois en Chine

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

This film is very typical of the spirit of the sixties, a nice mixture of exotic adventure film, comedy and action. It seems not to be everyone's taste, but it's definitely my liking! The story is being driven at a frantic pace and Belmondo is completely in his element. He runs, jumps, and twirls in all directions. Some action scenes are still impressive by today's standards. Ursula Andress brings the necessary touch of charm and seduction and Jean Rochefort (without his legendary mustache) is impeccable in his role of faithful servant. The images shot on location in Hong Kong, India, and Nepal are a real treat and have a documentary value today. Ideally, watch it after the even better "the man from Rio", of which he does not quite reach the level, but constitutes a very pleasant and entertaining sequel. I recommend to watch it with your children and teenagers, the will love it!

Turbulent, fast-paced comedy adventure (one of the best of its time) about unhappy billionaire Belmondo, whose suicide attempts keep failing. When he hires some killers to do him in, he falls in love with beautiful Andress and wants to reverse the deal. Belmondo is ideally suited to this role, exotic locations and lots of stunts make this a joy to watch. A worthy companion piece to the Bond movies of that time. Based on a Jules Verne novel. Score by Georges Delerue. English title: UP TO HIS EARS.

...if you haven't seen it, seek it out... an absolute must! Text-book example of a fast pace... still unequalled in its mad-cap sequences