This is one of those cases where you can see the comedy talent of Louis De Funes. Some may not realize it much now, especially those who didn't watch his movies I assume, but he was quite the big comedy star back in the day. And while I did not live in his heydays to I guess enjoy them - let's say I saw them way later than they usually were released. And I only had the german dub in my head until I rewatched a few of his classics recently. His german dub voice did a fantastic voice, but it was nice hearing his own voice for once too.
I almost rated this higher but there is a scene of almost complete vile and something that is borderline torture ... I reckon it was supposed to also be funny but I personally don't like these scenes, even though I know they are part of a movie. Anyhow, that scene is important because it sets our main character back in a "duel", which he wants to win strongly. And that is what makes this movie so funny ... that and Louis being Louis! With the addition of a son and some other side stories there of course
Plot summary
Charles Duchemin runs a Michelin-style culinary guide, personally visiting restaurants in disguise. He plans to retire and leave the firm in the hands of his son Gérard, ignoring the latter his little interest in gastronomy but secretly performs as circus clown with penniless friends. When assistant Dubreil reports that Jacques Tricatel, CEO of a despised fast food chain, plans to buy and qualitatively ruin several reputed restaurants, and even sends a spy to steal the Duchemin stars list for the new edition, who fails, Charles make sit his mission to find out and counter this. During a tour along restaurants outside Paris, accompanied by Gérard (his circus in tail and Charles's foxy interim secretary Marguerite, he finds the Tricatel factory which is even ghastlier then he feared, but also looses his taste. Tricatel sent his deputy to spy on them, who finds out about father and son's weaknesses, while Charles and Jacques accepted to debate on the provocative TV show 'anything goes'.
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The Funes AND the Coluche (DVD)
This is almost the last movie of this giant french actor who can squeeze my heart as no one else. His big heart, his class, his musical beat and his funniness shine as never and he is blessed to give the torch to a spiritual son, Coluche. I don't find any other movie where two generations are together on screen: Funes was the best in France in 60-70 and Coluche followed him for 70-80. Sadly, Coluche died young and 30 years later, no one takes the seat. Thus, this reunion is exceptional and the movie is as funny as prophetic: Funes is the old wealthy world, Coluche is the common people and the great villain, Ticastel, is the new industrial leader. Those who loved France will be happy because you can see Paris and the country when it was still developing. The offices and factories are brand new. And for sure, the main subject is about a french emblem, the food. It's true now that we cook some industrial food and that the fight fast-food / restaurant is heavy. The movie is totally right when it depicts french waiter as unpleasant. In conclusion, have a taste of this fantastic french flavor!
Brings back sweet memories...
As several other readers pointed out, "L'aile ou la cuisse" is probably an integer part of German television culture. At least for those of us who spent a lot of time glued to the screen, as I did as a child... This movie is a very funny satire on modern life and De Funes and Coluche are just great to watch performing. Above all, there's the wonderful 70ies music score of Vladimir Cosma that plunges you right back into those grand days of French comedy. Probably one of the best ones De Funes ever made. Unfortunately, it was also one of his last ones. Another interesting fact is that Pierre Richard was first to play the role of Gerard, the son of Duchemin. He was occupied by another production at that time, so Coluche came in.