The Lumiere brothers, French by birth, created cinema, and for many years now, French cinema has been pleasing the audience with high-quality films. It is difficult to disagree with the statement that the best French comedies, funny and understandable to the viewer anywhere in the world, are rightfully included in the golden collection of world cinema. We will present in our review the best comedy films of France, both of past years, and the new works of French directors.
1
The law is the law / La loi c’est la loi ... 1958
The French and Italians are an explosive mixture, and the film of the French director Christian-Jacques will make you laugh in comic situations in which representatives of these two European peoples fall.
All the film takes place in the small town of Assola, through which the border of France and Italy passed. The French policeman, always proud of his origin, turns out to be Italian, and the whole plot revolves around the relationship of two friends - a Frenchman and an Italian. The film starred magnificent actors - the French comedian Fernandel and the inimitable comedian of Italy Toto.
2
Razinia / Le Corniaud. 1965
The list will be continued by the comedy of the French director, where the inimitable Louis de Funes and Bourville played the main roles. This couple made the audience laugh not in one film, but “Open” is rightfully the best example of a comedy genre.
In 1965, it was shown at the Moscow Film Festival, after which it was bought for display in Soviet cinemas. And today, after so many years, voicing of the film's characters by Soviet actors is the best example of Soviet voicing of foreign films.
3
Toy / Le Jouet. 1976
Sparkling comedy, where Pierre Richard played the main role, was loved not only by the French, but also by the audience of other countries. The usual report from the toy store turns for his hero, Francois Perrin, into incredible adventures after meeting the millionaire’s son Eric.
The good old French comedies are full of sentimental moments, and also, despite the genre, raise acute social issues. So “Toy” gives the viewer a lot of positive emotions, and also makes you think about the complex relationship of fathers and children.
4
Escape / La Carapate. 1978
Real historical events of May 1968 were inscribed in the uncomplicated plot of a magnificent comedy, where the main roles were played by Pierre Richard and Victor Lana.
A mass escape was committed in one of the prisons, and the lawyer, trying to save his client from the death penalty, involuntarily becomes an accomplice to the escape. In the Soviet box office, the film practically did not undergo censorship editing, although it has a scene of adultery, as well as a striptease outlandish for the Soviet audience of that time.
5
Unlucky / La Chèvre. 1981
Literally, the name of a light, funny comedy is translated from French as “Goat”, literally meaning “Fishing for live bait”. Unlucky was the first collaboration between Pierre Richard and Gerard de Pardieu.
The sitcom where the characters constantly find themselves in incredible, curious situations has been a great success all over the world. There are people who are unlucky always and everywhere, and the missing daughter of a billionaire, who first fell into the hands of a drug dealer, begins to search with the help of the same "unlucky" accountant.
6
To the left of the elevator / À gauche en sortant de l’ascenseur. 1988
Another great comedy of the situations, where on the same platform with Pierre Richard, the most beautiful actresses of French cinema Emmanuelle Beart and Fanny Cottanson played. But the jealous neighbor was played by the famous actor Richard Borenger.
The banal plot of the love triangle grows into incredible adventures in which the neighbors of the shy artist are involved, and the prevailing comic situation forces the heroes to reconsider the prevailing life values.
7
Taxi / Taxi. 1998
A comedy with elements of an action movie and a detective story with the uncomplicated name “Taxi” has become a leader in world box office, and the film itself has been awarded numerous prizes and awards of cinema.
The young guy Daniel, played by Sami Naseri beautifully, fulfilled his old dream and became a taxi driver in the city of Marseille. Getting into funny situations, he meets a policeman. Further, men become inseparable friends, and the creators for 10 years removed 5 parts of the adventures of a taxi driver and police inspector.
8
99 francs / 99 francs. 2007
French comedian Jean Dujardin from a new generation of comedians who talentedly transform into any images. In the comedy "99 Francs" he played an employee of an advertising agency.
The entire film, based on the novel of the same name by Frederick Begbeder, is an evil satire on the advertising business. One little man rebels against the system into which he fit so organically. A comedy with elements of social drama, opened a new page in French cinema.
9
Beaver Bejourn / Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis. 2008
The hilarious director Dani Boone wrote the script and made a magnificent film, which was an incredible success with the French audience.
The slogan for a good comedy was the expression “It’s better you are to us!” Known throughout the world, its success is confirmed by the fact that the Americans, as always happens, again shot a remake of the French film.
10
Customs gives the go-ahead / Rien à déclarer. 2010
One of the best comedies of 2010 was ambiguously criticized by critics, but the viewer received the new comedy by Dani Boone with warmth. The film sends the viewer in 1993, when the borders between European states are erased, and relations remain tense.
The protagonist is a customs official, biased against the French, which is why curious situations constantly arise on his site of work. His French counterpart is trying to smooth things over, and both will face a new turn when the borders open on January 1, 1993.
11
Marquis / Le marquis. 2011
Unfortunately, the magnificent film of the French director Dominic Farruggia remained almost unnoticed in Russia, but was highly appreciated by world critics.
The seller of alarm systems goes to jail, and in order to survive in difficult conditions, he comes up with the legend that he is a well-known safe cracker. The story is full of funny episodes, and a week before the release of the imaginary "Marquis" kidnapped by a gang of gangs from behind bars.
12
Right to Left / Les infidèles. 2011
The French actress and director Emmanuelle Bercot, in collaboration with other directors, combined six sketches in one comedy, each of which is filled with its own meaning. But everything revolves around one topic - the infidelity of husbands.
Cheating on their wives, the heroes find themselves in ridiculous situations, and despite the seriousness of the topic, this is still a comedy, therefore it is necessary to perceive the film with humor. One of the main roles was played by Jean Dujardin, and no less talented Gilles Lellouche became his partner on the set.
13
Love with Obstacles / Un bonheur n’arrive jamais seul. 2012
France is incredibly lucky, and in addition to talented male comedians, there are inimitable actresses in this country who can laugh. These certainly include Sophie Marceau, who played brilliantly in the comedy Love with Obstacles.
An unexpected meeting on the street develops into great love, but life circumstances interfere with the relationship. Children require attention, the boss is burdened with work, and friends, trying to help, on the contrary, further confuse the situation.
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14
Crazy Teachers / Les profs. 2013
They decided to close one of the worst lyceums in France, but there is one salvation - this is a successful passing of exam tests by students.
For this purpose, teachers are invited to the lyceum, who are distinguished among their colleagues by unconventional teaching methods. Comedy films of this kind are interesting in that you never know how such madness can end.
15
Me, me and mom again / Les garçons et Guillaume, à table! 2013
Guillaume Gallienne’s comedy was awarded the César Award for best directing, but, most importantly, the film was enthusiastically received by the audience.
The protagonist named Guillaume imitates his mom in everything, which naturally annoys his father. All would be fine, but Guillaume often dresses up in women's dresses, and in the end falls in love with a guy.
16
Madame Mills. 2018
Considering the latest in French cinema, one cannot but pay attention to the directorial work of Sophie Marceau, in which she played the main role.
The measured life of the book publisher Helen, passionately in love with literature, is turned upside down with the advent of a new neighbor. The kind American grandmother, Miss Mills, is changing the Frenchwoman's view of real life.
17
Try rolling / Tout le monde debout. 2018
Modern French comedies once again prove that in France they have not forgotten how to make a good and funny movie. So the comedy "Try rolling" was no exception to the general rule.
This was the debut work of director Frank Dubosque, and actress Alexandra Lamy had to learn to play the violin for the sake of filming, as well as to master the skills of "driving" a wheelchair.
So our rating came to an end, which included the best comedies of French filmmakers. Naturally, the key to the success of a comedy film is a good script, the skill of the director, as well as the presence of a talented comedian, of whom there have always been plenty in France. What are the works of Louis de Funes, Pierre Richard, Gerard Depardieu?
Any rating is subjective, so advise in the comments which comedies are also worthy of attention in order to enter the top of French comic cinema.