‘Asterix and Obelix and the Middle Kingdom’: The Gauls return to the fray

It’s been 11 years since the ‘Asterix and Obelix’ saga was last seen on the big screen with that infamous title called ‘Asterix and Obelix: In Her Majesty’s Service’. While the franchise managed to be much more successful with its animated reboots, both ‘Asterix: The Residence of the Gods’ and ‘Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion’ were magnificent and proved that the Gauls still had a lot to do. fight do in animation; the producers have chosen to bet on a reboot in their live-action aspect with ‘Asterix and Obelix: The Middle Kingdom’with which the saga seeks its place at the current box office.

Truly, the franchise has undergone a complete facelift, with Guillaume Canet, former director of thrillers such as “Tell no one” or “Blood Ties” and comedies such as the “Little Lies” saga, who has become a true conductor. Canet, in addition to directing, writes the screenplay and plays Asterix himself, It has the challenge of reinterpreting French without losing that touch of acid comedy so characteristic of the franchise in its real-image films. Also, with the challenge of bringing an original story, not adapting any comics by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo or Jean-Yves Ferri or Fabrice Caro, the current authors of the series.

The result is that Far surpasses the last two installments of the original saga, both “In the service of His Majesty” and the unforgettable “Asterix at the Olympic Games”. Of course, it does not reach the level of the remarkable ‘Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra’ which is considered the best film in its live-action aspect. In fact, at ‘The Middle Kingdom’ you can see the seams in terms of having the princess of imperial china as the protagonist and his faithful bodyguard, with clear intentions of being one of the foreign titles released in commercial theaters by the Asian giant.

But, beyond that, the truth is that ‘Asterix and Obelix: The Middle Kingdom’ is an ideal family entertainment to have a moment of disconnection on the big screen, with scenes that manage to make the room laugh, which is commendable. It has the advantage of recovering the adventurous spirit of the first two chapters of the franchise, focusing on its two protagonists. Canet chooses to make Asterix experience an existentialist crisis, clearly in tune with the problems of current Western society, with a Frenchman who tries to eat in a healthier and more ecological way.

While who looks much better in this reboot is Obelix. Asterix’s giant friend didn’t have it easy, as Gérard Depardieu had made the character his own. Gilles Lellouche has not given up on his athletic body (the actor takes great care of his physique, having several action film projects, which he combines with comedies and dramas), although this does not prevent him from knowing how to bring the charismatic spirit and captivating of French fat. It’s more, It would seem that his evolution on film is much more coherent and mature in the face of Asterix’s existentialist crisis. In fact, they give Obelix love in return.

A reboot that lays the foundations for a new saga

This is where the female protagonists come into play. It’s nice that the saga continues the spirit of its animated counterparts and gives more strength to its female characters. Princess Fo Yong, played by Julie Chen, could very well be a pupil of Mulan’s bravery; with her faithful bodyguard Wang Tah, played by Leanna Chea, a much more interesting character, being Obelix’s love interest, thanks to her martial arts skills.

Sure, The scene-stealer is Vincent Cassel’s Julius Caesar. The actor shows his most irreverent side with a character who knows how to fulfill his role as a charismatic villain. Cassel also has first-rate second-rate comedians, such as José García, Bun Hay Mean or Manu Payet. The three give the tape that little bit of spice needed to create sardonic moments.

Even if the film has become one of the most expensive French productions in history (it cost 65 million euros), this does not mean that there are certain moments in which it seems that, in fact, the visual effects or the scenography do not stop having the sensation of being faced with a low-cost product (which it is not), something that spoils the final results. Not to mention it has some slightly outdated humorous moments.

Despite this, “Asterix and Obelix: The Middle Kingdom” is entertaining and ideal for experiencing a moment of disconnection on the big screen. Of course, it is far from the acid and satirical gaze of its animated counterparts, which enjoyed greater complexity. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy those moments when the Gauls make the Romans bite the dust. A comeback with signs of becoming a new saga.

Note: 6

The best: See Obelix shine with a new actor and a larger storyline than the original saga.

Worse: It has several dated jokes and its costumes, sets and visual effects give, at times, the feeling of being a low-budget production (its €65m budget claims otherwise, so it attracts attention). How wasted is Marion Cotillard’s Cleopatra.