One of “the most successful foreign films ever shown in the U.S.” (The Wall Street Journal),this “wildly hilarious” (Independent Film Journal) French farce is “giddy, unpretentious andan entirely lovable film” (Time)! When young Laurent returns to exotic St. Tropez, he bears big news for his beloved father, Renato. Laurent has found the girl of his dreams and they are engaged! What’s more, she and her family are on their way over for dinner at Renato’s home to meet the in-laws-to-be. This traditional meeting of families seems typical, but because this ultraconservative family will be expecting to meet Renato and wife, they’ll never be prepared for the shock of meeting Renato and his flamboyant, campy, outrageous loverand dragqueenAlbin! So in agreat effort to please his son, Renato asks Albin for the performance of a lifetime’setting up an unforgettable evening that is charged and ready to detonate an explosion of zaniness and absurdity.A likable 1977 French farce (and the basis for the 1996 American remake, The Birdcage), this popular comedy was one of the most successful international films of all time, and even spawned a Broadway musical and two sequels. It tells the story of a gay couple who–when one man’s son from a previous liaison brings home his fiancée–masquerade as husband and wife for their prospective in-laws. The film is saved from becoming an exercise in silliness by the heartfelt characterizations of the gay nightclub owners. La Cage aux Folles is one of the funniest imports from Europe and a great comedy in any venue. –Robert Lane
Buy “La Cage Aux Folles” For Only $7.98
March 27, 2008
#1
For all the foreign movie snobs who hail La Cage as the the masterpiece which enabled the Robin Williams – Nathan Lane 90′s knockoff — give it a rest. As one who saw The Birdcage first – this 1978 French farse set on the Riviera and populated with foppish dandies falls flat and vapid in almost every aspect when compared with the crackling performance of Williams and Lane and the thermonuclear setting of South Beach. Indeed, the only redeaming feature of this bore is its spawning of The Birdcage.
March 27, 2008
#2
Once having viewed “The Birdcage” (Robin Williams/Nathan Lane) This Frenchy “La Cage ” is a let down. Maybe half the laughs ? Only in English subtitle version. Acting is reasonably good, but comedy effort, if there at all ? is very subtle. Should a person buy his flick or should it be passed over ? It’s a toss up. If you understand the French language, go for it !
March 27, 2008
#3
The Bottom Line:
A funny and breezy French comedy, La Cage Aux Folles was more recently remade as The Birdcage and it’s the latter I recommend to modern audiences; while the original is a successful film in its own right, the modern American moviewatcher will find more to laugh at in the Mike Nichols remake.
March 27, 2008
#4
When I first saw this movie in the theatre about 26 years ago, it was definitely super hilarious. In fact, I returned a few days later to check it out a 2nd time! Some of the scenes, especially at the pre-wedding dinner were and are hilarious, and everthing in 1980 about the film seemed kookily and crazily off-beat with enough eccentic personnel to bring on dozens of out- loud laughs. Though still funny and very amusing, today it does seem somewhat dated with over-caricatured characters bordering on stereo-types. In fact the 2 most likable personages are the young future groom and his bride, even if they are also by far the dullest, and least interesting. Also, (obviously) AIDS has come about after this movie was made (or at least made much more public), and this recent past definitely puts a somber light on this mainly fun loving and very likable and amusing picture.
March 27, 2008
#5
…than ‘The Birdcage’ that if you came here looking to see if someone would tell you straight…someone just did.