The Visitors: Bastille Day

The Visitors: Bastille Day (2016), also known as Les Visiteurs: La Révolution in its original language, is a captivating blend of history, comedy, and time travel. This French comedy is the third installment in a series that began with the wildly popular film Les Visiteurs (The Visitors) in 1993. Director Jean-Marie Poiré reunites with screenwriter Christian Clavier and a star-studded cast including Clavier himself, Jean Reno, and Franck Dubosc to present an exciting journey across time.

The cult storyline continues with time-traveling medieval nobleman Godefroy de Montmirail (Jean Reno) and his squire Jacquouille la Fripouille (Christian Clavier). The endearing odd-couple find themselves propelled from the 12th century into the tumultuous era of the French Revolution. They remain befuddled by the future's 'modern' technology and busy themselves with trying to navigate around the dawn of the French Revolution. Their introduction to this important historical moment unfolds in a series of comical mishaps and misunderstandings.

With the revolution spinning out of control, Godefroy and Jacquouille find themselves caught up in a world that is both bizarre and terrifying to them. Their time-traveling journey unfolds against the backdrop of some of the most significant events in French history, such as the uprising of the Third Estate, the storming of the Bastille, and the Reign of Terror. The juxtaposition between our duo's medieval mindsets and the fervor of revolutionary France is a consistent source of humor and tension throughout the film.

Jean Reno, a seasoned actor worldwide appreciated for his roles in The Big Blue (1988), Léon: The Professional (1994), and The Da Vinci Code (2006), returns as Godefroy de Montmirail. Reno’s splendid portrayal of this chivalrous yet overwhelmed knight delivers an impeccable performance full of expression and humor. At his side is Christian Clavier, a notorious comedy actor in France, who excels in his role as Jacquouille la Fripouille. Clavier's comedic timing and skill, coupled with Reno's balanced equilibrium, are undoubtedly major strengths of the film.

Franck Dubosc is also a notable figure in this film. He adeptly plays the dual roles of Luigi and Jacquouillet, offering solid performances that display his comedic range and highlight his ability to bring depth to characters.

In keeping with the film series’ signature blend of comedy and history, The Visitors: Bastille Day maintains its commitment to the layering of humor upon a solid historical framework, providing both amusement and enlightenment. Alongside the silliness and slapstick moments, the movie offers a deeper examination of class distinctions, societal change, human resilience, and the price of freedom. It successfully amalgamates the essential ingredients of comedy, spiced with the momentous events of the French Revolution.

In terms of cinematography, the film is visually appealing. The filmmakers have taken considerable efforts to ensure that the costumes, set designs, and overall visual elements reflect both the 12th century and the era of the French Revolution accurately. The grandeur of the aristocratic halls stands in stark contrast to the dystopian ambiance reigning over the revolutionary Paris streets, offering viewers a rich and engaging visual experience.

The Visitors: Bastille Day deals sensitively with moments of historical significance while keeping the audience laughing. The comedy is goofy yet accessible, a wonderful escape that doesn’t skimp on historical gravitas. Just like its predecessors, the film leaves the audience contemplating the essence of humanity through the lens of humor and history.

In conclusion, The Visitors: Bastille Day is a worthy continuation of a series beloved by many. It beautifully combines history, comedy, action and a touch of romance, making this French film a rollercoaster ride worth experiencing. It is a movie that not only stands as an engaging history lesson but also as an uproarious comedy that shines bright due to the memorable performances from its cast. The film will leave audiences educated, entertained, and eager to see what time-traveling dilemmas our medieval duo will encounter next.