Most Helpful Customer Reviews
32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
C'est Magnifique!, May 31, 2002
This review is from: That Man From Rio [VHS] (VHS Tape)
The first foreign language film I ever saw was "That Man From Rio" and it was a great way to start. I went because it had been billed as being in the style of Hitchcock's "North By Northwest". There are superficial similarities, but the French film is more than capable of being judged on its own merits - of which there are many. It certainly has its tongue farther in its cheek than Hitch ever managed. A great deal of the film's success is due to the charisma and sheer star quality of Jean-Paul Belmondo, then in his prime and thoroughly enjoying himself. He seems to be constantly on the move - running, jumping, climbing, fighting - pausing only to deliver a droll line of dialogue or two or to share a kiss with the delectable Francois Dorleac (sister of Catherine Deneuve and, in my opinion, far sexier). The plot - some nonsense about lost treasure - begins in Paris, then takes a rollercoaster ride to Rio, the eerie cityscape of (then new) Brasilia, and on into the Amazon jungle. Cliche after cliche is employed and parodied - and done as well or better than in the subsequent Bond films. Through it all, Belmondo is the perfect comic book hero - dirty, confused, bloodied, but never out of breath and always triumphant. After going for too many years without seeing this film, I was delighted to finally find it on video. And equally pleased to confirm that it has lost none of its fun or charm. In fact, in many ways, it seems considerably less dated than many American or British films from the same period. This may be because director Philippe de Broca, while very inventive, does not overdo all the sixties camera tricks and artsy techniques so fashionable in that decade. "That Man From Rio" is a joy to watch and still one of the best comedy/thrillers ever made. I cannot praise Belmondo or de Broca enough. And I can only lament that Francois Dorleac's career was cut so tragically short.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a pleasant and breathless trip !!!, July 3, 2000
This review is from: That Man From Rio [VHS] (VHS Tape)
First,"The man of Rio" is a very well done comedy and a nice adventure story, although the archeological facts are fully invented. It's pleasant to see these wonderfull actors playing the french 60's way, which was , dynamic, young and with a good rythm. This film will make you do a wonderfull smilly travel in the world and in time. It take place in Paris in the 60's and go on in the Brasil of the the 60's, and especially in Rio de Janeiro, which was still magic at this time. You will even see that somme scenes had been made in the city of Brasilia when it was under construction...That makes the film a bit historical...for brazilian people... Anyway, don't miss one of the monuments of the french 60's "nouvelle vague".
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Wonderful Film, July 14, 2006
This review is from: That Man From Rio [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Having grown up reading Hergé's Tintin adventures, I was thrilled to see his/their influence in this wonderful rollercoaster ride of a movie. The great actor Jean-Paul Belmondo is in fine form, and the look of many scenes as well as many plot points can all be traced directly to Tintin albums.
The movie has the fun 1960's feel to it, with the 60's colors, musical soundtrack, etc. Don't let the fact that you have to sit through English subtitles put you off from enjoying this fun French film.
My only regret is that it is not out on DVD in the U.S. This gem of a film deserves Special Edition treatment, perhaps with extras tying it into to specific Tintin albums? Bring on a DVD release!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
