... liking this one. Let's face it, Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi AND Jean-Pierre Darroussin, what's not to like. As it happens 2002 was an excellent year for French cinema so this one was in with some stiff competition but it still holds its own. Plot-wise we're talking flimsy: Darroussin is about to be divorced from Bruni-Tedeschi, he's not having much fun at the office, especially now there's a new head honcho and even more especially when that same head honcho seduces Bruni-Tedeschi who is still, technically, married to Darroussin. Then one day he hits the numbers bigtime, to the tune of 10 mil large. Now he has to go into double-life mode lest Bruni-Tedeschi realizes she is now entitled to 50% of 10 mil. It is, of course, predictable; he buys Château Lafitte by the case, decants it into el plonko bottles only to have them opened at a dinner party, etc. But as I've said before and will doubtless say again the pleasure is not in predicting the plot twists but in delighting in what two consummate artistes bring to those hackneyed situations. It's a soufflé, pure and simple, but if it were a dancer it'd be Astaire than better than which you do not get.
5 Reviews
Ah! I wish the French scriptwriters were a little more inspired!
dbdumonteil17 January 2004
This is the story of Aldo Bonnard, a modest representative for a capillary products firm who's having a rough time: he's about to divorce his wife Alice and his new boss, Gérard is a hypocritical and despotic man. To crown it all, he discovers that his wife has a love affair with his boss! But one day, he wins the fabulous amount of 10 millions of euros. From this moment, you can guess his intentions. He decides to leave his job, to take advantage as much as possible of his money and not to reveal this piece of news to his wife until the day of the divorce.
From the reading of this summary, you probably understood it: there's nothing new in this story. Moreover this new variation of the millionaire in spite of himself reveals something disappointing: there aren't any good French scriptwriters who are able to concoct an original script that is off the beaten paths for a comedy. It isn't Gérard Bitton's movie that will arrange things. When you watch it, you are on a well-known ground: convenient or predictable situations, abortive and nice enough comic, a correct performance but that's all and at the end, an easy moral.
You'd better avoid this movie.
From the reading of this summary, you probably understood it: there's nothing new in this story. Moreover this new variation of the millionaire in spite of himself reveals something disappointing: there aren't any good French scriptwriters who are able to concoct an original script that is off the beaten paths for a comedy. It isn't Gérard Bitton's movie that will arrange things. When you watch it, you are on a well-known ground: convenient or predictable situations, abortive and nice enough comic, a correct performance but that's all and at the end, an easy moral.
You'd better avoid this movie.
"Comedie à la Française"
mario_c14 April 2007
It's an excellent comedy made up in French standards. Usually, the French comedies have a typical kind of humor, which give them a special touch. They use to have hilarious scenes taken from the most common situations. And this movie fits perfectly in that kind! It's very funny from the beginning and it has a few scenes pretty hilarious! So, I totally disagree with a previous comment here on IMDb, where its author says that he "wished the French scriptwriters were a little more inspired"
I totally disagree! In fact I think they were very inspired creating this argument! The plot is pretty original and in spite of reporting a perfectly possible situation it relates the "adventures" of this new rich man in a very funny and interesting way! On the other hand, this argument, besides being interesting and original, proves that if sometimes money can't bring you happiness, other times it can! The acting is also good, especially from the main actors.
Can ten million euros change life for an ordinary man ?
faniouge28 November 2002
It is the dream of so many people, being an ordinary person, and suddenly becoming rich in only one day. What would you do with 10 unexpected million euros/dollars ?
The hero, Aldo has a little problem : he's just divorcing and doesn't want any cent of this fortune to end in the pocket of his future-ex wife, so he has to wait until the divorce is pronounced. A so big secret is very hard to keep. How can he change his life while apparently continuing the previous one ? What about his friends ? That's all the subject of this film, with an good scenario, an excellent Jean-Pierre Darroussin, very funny situations and dialogs. A film which make you rich for almost two hours.
The hero, Aldo has a little problem : he's just divorcing and doesn't want any cent of this fortune to end in the pocket of his future-ex wife, so he has to wait until the divorce is pronounced. A so big secret is very hard to keep. How can he change his life while apparently continuing the previous one ? What about his friends ? That's all the subject of this film, with an good scenario, an excellent Jean-Pierre Darroussin, very funny situations and dialogs. A film which make you rich for almost two hours.
Easy and funny film!!!
vintkd10 July 2012
Not bad French comedy with interesting plot and good actors. An idea of this film is very original although I saw many movies about lucky guys who won quite a few money like "Brewster's Millions", "Mr. Deeds" or "Mr. Billion" but these were all American films. "Ah! Si j'étais riche" is the story very similar to real life. The main character Aldo is not handsome man, he's not successful, he's miser and he has very bad disposition but easy money won't make him happy never, maybe just better and cleverer. It's remarkable situation comedy with good sense and nice humor. I recommend its everybody who wants just to relax after hard work day and to look an easy funny film.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
