A few nights ago I rented "Astérix et Obélix contre César" from the local video store. I loved reading the books when I was younger and I was very skeptical that this film had any chance of success in recreating the feel of the comic. However, starring Gérard Depardieu and Roberto Benigni I figured it at least had a flying chance.

The thing that really makes this film work is that Depardieu and Benigni are clearly excited to be playing the parts of Obelix and the roman guard Lucius Detritus respectively. Each of the other characters as well appear to take the film as a huge joke. When you see the scene of the Gauls rushing out the gates of their village to battle the Romans, you'll know what I mean. And then, Jean-Pierre Castaldi who plays Caius Bonus, a Roman soldier, looks so freakishly like a living breathing cartoon character it's frightening.

The only thing better than watching this movie in French with English subtitles was watching the Korean version in French with English subtitles. Someone entering the subtitles clearly lost a few of the details in translation. Not so bad you couldn't understand, but there were a few quirky moments such as when Julius Caesar proclaims in capitulation to the Gauls that "You will be able to love [sic] outside of Roman law." Take that how you will.