L'As des as

In 1982, when he made 'L'as des as' (the English title is 'Ace of Aces') Gérard Oury was a highly regarded director in France and had also gained an international reputation with action comedy films, including the best known of them 'La Grande Vadrouille' and 'Les aventures de Rabbi Jacob', both starring the formidable comedian Louis de Funès. 'L'as des as' tried to repeat the success of these films and used the heaviest possible artillery for this purpose, casting Jean-Paul Belmondo in the lead role. However, the success was only partial. The script failed to avoid the cliches and even a dose of melodrama. There are a few good and original ideas and plenty of gags (some good, some not so good) in this film, but there also many moments when the story drags on or seems terribly obsolete, now, almost 40 years after the film was made. Belmondo is Belmondo and largely carries the film on his shoulder, but even he fails to bring 'L'as des as' more than to the level of acceptable but not necessarily memorable comedy.

The story in the film takes place in 1936, in Germany, during the Olympics, an event that in that year was used by the Nazis as an opportunity for propaganda. The hero embodied by Belmondo named Jo Cavalier is the coach of the French boxing team, but also a former air force pilot during World War I. In the air battles he had befriended the German pilot Gunther von Beckmann (Frank Hoffmann) who had in the meanwhile become a general in the army , but also an opponent of Hitler. On the train carrying the French delegation to Berlin, he meets a Jewish boy, whose family is threatened by the Nazis' policies of racial discrimination. Cavalier, together with a beautiful journalist (Marie-France Pisier) and his German friend will intervene to save the boy and his family taking them over the border to the Austria still unoccupied by fascists. Of course, not all goes as planned. The truth is that more than half of the film develops a fairly conventional story and the comedy part is not great either. The idea of the lead hero protecting the orphaned child victim of the Nazis has been explored in many films from Chaplin's 'The Great Dictator' to Benigni's 'La vitta e bella'. The final part of the film, however, holds surprises and contains the comic sequences that seemed to me the best, those that approach the satirical sarcasm of Oury's best films. The Fuhrer himself and ... his sister (a double role played by Günter Meisner) will make an appearance, which for 1982 was a novelty, at least in the comic register, anticipating Taika Waititi, plus a little revisionist history a la Tarantino. This last part saves the film in my opinion and rewards the patience of those who get to it.

Belmondo's charm dominates the film. The actor was at the peak of his popularity and in a remarkable physical shape allowing him to perform many of the stunts by himself. The role of the eternal teenager with a big heart, enlisting for good causes against all adversity fits him perfectly. The team around him does its job professionally, but the script is a bit stereotypical, with a few successful jokes (especially about the Nazis) scattered from place to place. With 'L'as des as' Gérard Oury targeted a great entertainment film to repeat his successes from previous decades. The success was mixed right from the moment the film was released and the passage of time did not improve the place of this film in its filmography.

This movie is a fine example of fun adventure, set in hard times. Belmondo plays french boxing coach, who travels to the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Naturally he gets in all kind of trouble and saves a jewish family from deporation. Sound no fun? Well it is, the whole theme is played very light hearted and real fun to watch.

World War I and II have always been a good setting for European cinema as different films have been made by France, Germany and Italy which speak about two major conflicts which have brought mankind close to the brink of disaster. As we discuss the portrayal of wars in cinema, we need to mention that it is the French directors who have portrayed world wars in a comic fashion as opposed to the seriousness which a war film demands. Hence, it is with immense pride can one state that a long time before Italian comedy actor/director Roberto Benigni (Life is beautiful), French cinema was the first national cinema to give comic touches to wars especially in their humorous portrayal of Nazism. For example : PAPY FAIT DE LA RESISTANCE directed by Jean-Marie Poiré. Ace of aces is one such film which recreates the magic of comedy during a war by lampooning Nazi soldiers and their leader Adolf Hitler who were in power in Germany during 11th Summer Olympic Games which were held in 1936 in Berlin. For this film, French superstar Jean-Paul Belmondo is paired with Marie-France Pisier who get rid of their differences in order to help a Jewish family. It is not only the star cast which has worked wonders for this film as Gérard Oury has added too many popular cinema elements to make his film a nice viewing experience for all types of viewers regardless of their age or taste. One gets to see an incredible chase of airplanes in the skies, a French boxing team, a bear in a car chased by Nazi soldiers, Der Fuehrer 'Adolf Hitler' and his sister and even a short documentary footage of American sprinter Jesse Owens. You would not hesitate in watching this film as it represents a true example of light comedy in cinema if you have already enjoyed and seen 'La Grande Vadrouille'.

"The Ace of Aces," known as "L'as des as" in French, is a World War II action-comedy film directed by Gérard Oury and released in 1982. Starring Jean-Paul Belmondo, this French-German co-production offers a blend of thrilling aerial combat sequences, slapstick humor, and heartfelt moments against the backdrop of wartime Europe.

Set in 1943, the film follows the adventures of Jo Cavalier (Jean-Paul Belmondo), a French boxing champion turned bomber pilot in the Free French Air Force. Jo's life takes a dramatic turn when he is tasked with transporting a precious cargo to Casablanca - a chimpanzee named Bimbo, who is trained to communicate with Allied intelligence.

At its core, "The Ace of Aces" is a rollicking adventure that combines elements of action, comedy, and drama to create an entertaining cinematic experience. Gérard Oury's direction infuses the film with energy and excitement, particularly during the exhilarating aerial combat sequences that showcase the bravery and camaraderie of Jo and his fellow pilots.

Jean-Paul Belmondo delivers a charismatic performance as Jo Cavalier, imbuing the character with charm, wit, and a sense of derring-do. Belmondo's natural charisma and physicality shine through in the film's comedic moments and action-packed set pieces, making Jo a memorable and endearing protagonist.

Supporting performances from Marie Laforêt as the resistance fighter and Bimbo the chimpanzee add depth and humor to the film, while also highlighting the bond between humans and animals in times of crisis. The interactions between Jo and Bimbo provide some of the film's most heartwarming and humorous moments, showcasing the unlikely friendship between man and primate.

In addition to its entertaining storyline and engaging characters, "The Ace of Aces" also offers a poignant reflection on the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit. Amidst the chaos and danger of combat, Jo and his comrades find moments of camaraderie, courage, and sacrifice, reminding viewers of the heroism and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom during World War II.

While "The Ace of Aces" may not reach the heights of other war films in terms of historical accuracy or dramatic depth, its blend of action, comedy, and heartwarming moments make it a delightful and enjoyable viewing experience. With its thrilling aerial sequences, charismatic performances, and heartfelt message, the film stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic adventure cinema.

Jean Paul Belmondo is one of the greatest French actors of the last centuries, moreover one of the best stuntman alive in movie history. "ace of aces" is a incredible and great action movie of his taking place in the Berlin Olympic Games before World War 2. A French boxer is accompanying the French delegation to the Olympics but on the way befriends with a little Jewish boy and decides to save his family from the Nazis.

It is a wonderful and humorous film, although on the way focuses on turning events happening in Germany such as the upcoming holocaust.

In the same sense, the movie sort of creates this type of adventure film around World War 2 and how the main hero comes out victorious against Hitler, just like in other movies such as "Don't look now, were being shot at" and "Tex Avery". A really fun and well made movie.