Takes itself way too seriously

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

This movie is something my mother and her brothers have talked about since I can remember myself. It was showed on TV here in Iceland some 30 years ago and after few minutes when they realized how funny it was, they threw a videotape in to own it. Couple of years later the Adventures of Jacob the Rabbin was also showed and of course they made sure to own that one too. Since then they've been on the lookout for French comedies. I finally saw this movie 2 weeks ago.I don't speak French (besides "oui", "mademoiselle" and "monsieur") but just looking at Louis de Funès and Yves Montand talking and acting is hilarious! The plot is more than in many comedies today, it's timeless in a way, you only need to have eyes or ears to enjoy this film! The second time I saw this film I was laughing before the scenes had happened.Truly a masterpiece. I'm beginning to adore French movies, I think.

A great performance from France's Charlie Chaplin - Luis de Funes. This movie is about a money-loving ruthless tax collector in the renaissance Spain, who loses his job and is determined to get it back. One of de Funes' best acts, and a very good job by Yves Montand as his servant. If you don't die laughing while watching this film you may safely assume that you don't have a sense of humor.

Yves Montand at his best, even for those, who deny intellectual appearances with him. De Funes tries to overtake him with his abilities, and the spectator is the winner. Unfortunately this movie had been squeezed in the mills of cold war time, but don't exaggerate. Turn your color-button up and enjoy.

Let's not forget that this movie is a wonderful retelling of Victor Hugo's social drama "Ruy Blas", featuring social themes he used in other fictions - Montand uses the beginning of Ruy Blas' long speech, "Bon appétit, messieurs" at one time. But this retelling is madxe for laughs and succeeds without forgetting the social comments and, if crude at times, it actually works. A classic of its times - but try Hugo's writings, you IMDB folks, you might be surprised by his power and before-his-time awareness and c