User reviews

When I first saw it a few years ago, I have been deeply moved by this movie. Now I don't find it so striking, but when I reconsider it its humanity still remains. The clue is to love the characters, and then you would look sympathetically even to the stupid farting recital. The two old friends are in fact so kind at heart, striving to remain merry and hopeful, though are gradually deprived of every gift of life (youth, wife, wealth, other friends etc)! The merit of this movie is to speak in a simple way about big, sad issues. "Comedy is acting optimistic" (Robin Williams). On the plus side, one should add the great performance of the two leading actors, the jolly "accent du Midi", a too short cameo by Claude Gensac, and first of all the bitter-sweet, child-like and almost unreal solution to the loneliness of the two old men. On the minus side, a bit of a hurry sometimes, and especially the total lack of skill and motivation from the actress playing Claude's wife, ruining an important and rather unbelievable character.

The best De Funes film, quite different from the usual bulk.

This film, based on René Fallet's book, is a must see in French comedy. For a start it features Louis de Funès in one of his best roles (I'm not a fan of de Funès, I find him too vigorous and slapstick) as well as Jean Carmet and of course the extremely young Jacques Villeret. Jacques Villeret plays the funniest alien (ALF excepted), attracted to a small French farm where two old winos drink and eat cabbage soup before farting under the stars. Jacques Villeret, in what is probably a revelation of his talent to come in Malabar Princess and Diner de Cons is the laughing stock of the film, nicely enhanced by a countryside music (a favourite ring tone today in France... believe it or not).

The most important aspect of this film though is the script by René Fallet. How come? Old people farting under the moon? Indeed. René Fallet asks two important questions through this book / film. What happens with old people when their kids are gone? What happens when old people suffer of loneliness? What happens in the countryside when small villages die? And for that twist, that important thought, this comedy reveals a more tragic side. Watch it for the funny bits though.

That revolve around cabbage soup being utilized by ... someone of not of this earth. Blhrl bhlbhhr

more than a film, a parable. more than a comedy, a reflection. about old age, about the fall of a world, about friendship, about importance of fairy tales who gives sense to life. it is seems absurd in many moments. but it has a special tool to become memorable- Louis De Funes. old, close to death, he does an unique mark to a character who reflects all the sins, virtues and absence of expectations of a rural France.he is not Cruchot or l'Avare but only a mall old man. and Jean Carmet is the perfect partner in a work far to be easy. so, The Cabbage Soup is a sort of legacy of a great actor. sad, almost cruel, using humor to describe the roots of contemporary France, it is a great film. for the memories. for the acting. for the special feeling who becomes useful after its end.

La soupe aux choux is a comedy that features the legendary Louis de Funès in one of his later roles. The movie centers around two elderly men in a rural village who accidentally make contact with an alien after consuming their favorite cabbage soup. While the premise is quirky and fun, the film doesn't quite capture the magic of de Funès' best work.

The humor is there, but it often feels forced or overly simplistic. There are some funny moments, and de Funès' charm is undeniable, but overall the film lacks the wit and energy of his most beloved classics. It's enjoyable enough if you're a fan of his work, but it doesn't leave a lasting impression.

Overall, la soupe aux choux is an average film that has its moments but is not a standout in Louis de Funès' filmography. I give it a 6/10 for its lightheartedness and a few good laughs, but it's not his best.

That doesn't necessarily mean it has to be a bad thing. Quite the opposite, Louis De Funes works magic and wonders once again. He was not afraid to show his age I reckon and with this one he did one that was appropriate. Well not in every sense, since there is a lot of farting going on - in a funny kind of sense, if you think farts are funny.

Also if you think Aliens that speak gibberish are entertaining, than that's another great thing for you. De Funes plays this as straight as he can, considering the visit he gets and the issues he has. Not just age wise but with the neighbor and other situations that only get worsened by the encounter(s). Then again, he does the best out of a crazy situation ... there is a lot of slack you have to cut, a lot of suspension of disbelief that has to be done ... but once that is through, the movie is entertaining enough

There's a little magic in this film I'll have to add a little sentimental note here: This movie reminds me of good and bad childhood memories. The good being, that (like many Germans of my generation), I grew up with the Louis de Funes comedies so, yes, I was laughing very hard when I saw this film for the first time. The bad memories: a few days after having seen it first, I heard the de Funes had passed away and this may have been the only time in my life when I had tears rolling down my cheeks after hearing about the passing of an actor (this was before the time when everybody was racing to put a random, make-myself-feel-better "RIP" on Facebook, whenever a celebrity kicks the bucket).

In many ways, his second-to-last film was one of the most unusual de-Funes-Films. For one, the viewer can intrinsically tell, that De Funes was a very sick man; somebody who's at the end of his road, yet still summoning up his strength to give us the usual over-the-top, hyper-ventilating performance for which he was known and loved. Despite this being a "typical" de-Funes-Film, there are very strong, melancholic moments (especially those involving farmer Claude and his resurrected wife Franchine or the when Claude is reminiscing about past days), which was very rare for the typical de-Funes-film. What was also very atypical was the electro-sound-music that at times reminds of Jean-Michel Jarre. Some people have complained that the soundtrack wasn't fitting. Matter of personal taste really, but I dare you to look up the title-song on YouTube and not have the tune, be it the original or one of the many covers, stuck in the back of your head for a long time to come.

In essence, all slapstick and de Funes hyper-conundrum aside, it is a movie about people longing for simpler, "down to earth" (paradoxically) times, when you could still enjoy the starlit, countryside-sky with a friend, getting drunk on wine and Pastis (and, yes, not to mention the fart-tournaments between de Funes and Carmet, which goes beyond the contemporary "laugh because somebody farted"-joke). One of the films highlights is the scene where de Funes introduces his alien friend into the "art" of eating his homemade cabbage soup – watch it and tell me honestly to the face that it doesn't make you long for a bowl and a piece of bread, whether you like cabbage or not. Is this movie vulgar? Sure thing it is. Dishonest? Quiet the opposite. Makes one almost feel a little guilty writing this over the internet. Sure, those times aren't coming back, but that's what movies are for, no? One can honestly say: they don't make films like this anymore. I tend to ignore the last De-Funes-film ("Le gendarme et les gendarmettes"), thinking of "La Soup aux choux" as the final farewell from this master-comedian, as if to say: hey, no matter how tough things get, face them with a mischievous grin; what comes will come, but it will come more smoothly with a glass of Pastis and a bowl of home-made cabbage soup.

Mind you: this is by no means an objective review but I personally give it 9 out of 10.

When I first saw this movie, about 10 years ago, I really liked it. I remember making cabbage soup and drinking an entire bottle of wine the same night! But today, my opinion of the film differs. Not that it's a complete waste of time, but it seems it was rushed into production. Great actors (De Funès, Carmet and Villeret), but not used to their full potential. And some scenes are just plain stupid, like the farting contest. The difficulty for peasants to adjust to today's lifestyle could have been more well explored, even in a comedy of this sort. One bright note: La Denrée, played by Villeret. His language is hilarious!

Out of 100, I gave it 66. That's good for *½ out of ****. Ten years ago, I gave it 78. Seen at home, in Toronto, on November 28th, 2004.

I've read some of the comments before and it surprises me that people really try comparing this movie to others and expecting from it a classic approach to comedy or sci-fi or even drama. I have the feeling that you cannot judge this movie using the same common patterns because it simply is different. I don't think that producers really wanted this movie to be rushed to cinema or trying to manage making it within a tight budget. Well, it is a small budget movie, maybe, but it didn't require too much funds. You don't need a huge budget to do something really excellent. This movie is a completely new approach to any of the above mentioned genres. And, as lnt-k said just before me, it is above all a wonderful ode to friendship. That's all that matters here. And the actors are magnificent. Louis de Funes, may God rest him in peace, is perfect in this movie, even if the critics were not generous with the movie. I don't need critics to really enjoy a performance like this. Each time I watch it again, I love it more and more. 10 out of 10 from me.

Non french people may feel very disoriented by this movie... Its dialogs and background refer to a scaring rural France which disappeared a long time ago. Dialogs sound dumb ? There are... Character look ridiculous ? They are... The story is a nonsense ? sure. So, what makes this movie so interesting and well known in french cinema history ? well, as i said in the title it is a very rare tale about friendship, and also loneliness and fate. The two protagonists are old poor isolated countrymen close to death. They have lost everything (love, youth, illusions, hope) but themselves and their friendship. The world has changed too much... The movie was released as a stupid comedy (it has this reputation anyway). But it is a very sad movie and i often saw people crying during the film.

one of the greatest movies of the greatest comedian. I have never laughed more, than in " Luis und seine verrückten Kohlenköpfe"! Unfortunately de Funes died do early to had the chance to see his movies in the cinemas (I was to young). But he is in my memory. Thank you for a lot of great movies!

"La soupe aux choux" is more than all things, the story of the sincere friendship between two old men. Besides and in spite of rough discussions between them, this friendship remains complete and always sincere. It's necessary to precise that these old men are not farmers, but peasants, one was a well-sinker, the other a maker of sabots. It's also a mistake to believe that peasants are some resistant to change; this kind of mentality comes from old age, and it's true for everybody.

The beauty of that film comes before all from the greay quality of the actors and of their interpretation. And it's true not only for Louis de Funès, but also for Jean Carmet and Jacques Villeret. It's surely because of the quality of the direction of Jean Girauld, on the one hand and the dragging of the quality of play of that tremendous actor who was Louis de Funès on the other hand.

I have seen that film about fifty times at least, and I feel the need to see it again about three to four times a year. Each time I like it and never find it vulgar, because it's necessary to be highter than the apparent vulgarity of certain scenes. Never forget that everyone can, at a time in his life do some scenes like these, and we should not feel ashamed to do that, it's all and completely human. It's precisely what the film is, very human, and it explains the attachment we have for it. Even if the film is a little budget one, it's one of the best of that great actor who was Louis de Funès.

I saw it and can say that this is very good old-fashioned comedy. (in the way Charlie Chaplin made). Louis de Funes - one of his last roles - is outstanding as always. Other cast is great too. Maybe the choice of Funes' wife is not good- I don't like her acting. SO, we have a very funny and sometimes sad movie with great language jokes and with couple of "words of wisdom":). See it if you like classic comedies, Louis, or just want not a stupid comedy for an evening at home. And of course this is much better than last de Funes movie - Gendarme and Gendarmettes - it's not show the level of de Funes talent and contains some really stupid jokes. So, if you want to watch some of the late Funes films see this one or The Miser (1979) which is so great!!!

I remember being in France in 1981 and being taken to see this film which I found totally stupid as concerns the script. The years have passed and due to regular showings on TV here I have become gradually attached to the film. The film has acquired a sort of value with its ageing which was not apparent at the time it came out. It should be pointed out that the film is set in " Le Bourbonnais ", an isolated area in central France near to Montluçon, in the Allier Department. The local inhabitants are portrayed as " country bumpkins " eating cabbage soup and farting all the time. The arrival of an alien ( Jacques Villeret - quite a famous actor in France today ) from the planet of Oxo ( is it a play on words with the English beef-stock product ? )who takes a liking to cabbage soup will change the lives of these two " gentlemen ". I'm not saying it's a work of art but it is definitely not as bad as reputed when first released. In addition to that the film music is quite a catchy tune and readily available on CD. So all in all, without going over the top, I would say the film has its place in

French cinematic history. I am not sure, however, whether it would have any success outside France. Is it known elsewhere under another title which I suppose would be " Cabbage Soup " ???

I've watched this a million times. I love the french humour and I particularly love de Funès. Great movie indeed about friendship with a touch of sci-fi. No cgi in those days and still they managed took make it look good. Personally I love how they live, drinking and eating not caring, trying too enjoy life. I love the story and humor, one life my favorite Funès movies

This comedy is a lot different from most other de Funès comedies in that it's very straightforward, there are few misunderstandings or complications, there's little of the choleric de Funès we know. Instead, at the heart of this film, there are two dotards leading their simple day-to-day lives and eating cabbage soup while waiting for their demise. Their quiet life is only endangered by the expanding city in the background.

When they unintentionally catch the attention of a cabbage-hungry alien, excitement ensues, friendships get adjusted, and of course there's a happy "ending". What makes this very simple story so fun to watch are the three main actors, they're so adorable you could watch them an hour longer without ever getting bored I think.

When I was a child I saw this movie on TV. Right from the start I was fascinatedand and had to laugh, sometimes hysterically. There was Louis de Funes which I adored at that time. He looked older and you could see that he had health issues. Nevertheless his performance was as good as always. His hyper nervous fast-talking acting style was more nervous and faster-talking than ever. The story is quite simple: Two dirty old men (Claude and Francis, latter called the "hunchback") that are neighbors get drunk every night while they eat cabbage soup, talk about past days and perform fart contests. One evening after farting louder and longer than ever a thunderstorm starts quite abprupt. The old crocks think that God advises them to stop farting immediately and they flee in their houses but the thunderstorm was not from god. The following night an alien (a simple guy in a ridiculous space-suit) lands with his flying saucer and tells (in his own very special language) that he took the farts as a try to establish communication. Claude offers the visitor a bowl of his homemade cabbage soup and gives him some to take back to his planet. Because the soup is very well received there the alien regularly comes back to collect more soup. That means a lot of trouble for the two friends. Of course the movie is from the early 80s what you recognize immediately. The score is made by synthesizer and sounds quite cheesy sometimes. Nevertheless it is made by French composer and movie-score-legend Raymond Lefevre. I'm convinced that the music if played by orchestra would have been epic. The story is quite vulgar and simple but the style in which it is realised is so heartwarming and loving that you don't care. The fart scenes are the most exaggerated I've ever seen (and heard). This movie is THE one and only farting movie for me. Doesn't matter if you like that kind of humour. This scenes wrest even from the most serious person a grin. But there are some emotional scenes too some of them so well done that you feel your eyes get wet. Besides all the fart-jokes it's about getting old and coping with modern society. Even if this is not the best flick of Louis de Funes it is a good one and the one that burns into your mind forever. It's the most heartwarming one too. There's no chance of making a mistake watching it.

This was Mr de Funès on one of his last movies. Even if the health was not all there, he still had the touch and wacky ways of making us laugh. It had a moral, not to make fun at you elders, even if they are living in the past manners. You need to be open minded and you must be a fan of Mr de Funès to really appriciate his style of humour.

This movie is the one I watched most often. It seems to be a bit foolish first, two old men farting all the time and an alien allured by that sound. But the acting is simply great and the humor quite intelligent. The German title of that movie is "Louis und seine ausserirdischen Kohlköpfe" meaning "Louis and his extraterrestrial heads of cabbage". The German version is missing some of the original scenes, e.g. one where Chérasse tries to hang himself. Unfortunately I'm lacking of speaking French, so I can't assess the original version.

It is my favourite movie with Louis de Funès next to "L'Aile ou la cuisse". He seems to be born for such a role playing a grumpy old man.

Based on a novel of René Fallet "La soupe aux choux" this film tells the story of two old friends who live far from the village centre and share wine, food and jokes.Suddenly appears an alien from the planet Oxo where people live 200 years.Then begins a strong friendship between them. I liked very much this comedy : the performances of Louis de Funès, Jean Charmet and the young Bernar Villeret are really very gone.Last comment: who could imagine that a plain cabbage soup could unite people of different worlds ?

You're in for a treat with this movie! Louis de Funes, Jean Carmet and Jacques Villeret are going to make you smile and laugh out loud in this lovely comedy!

It's nice to see de Funes in a role not so tough and arrogant as usual, but delightful nonetheless!

Everything has been gathered in order to produce The French Movie of the Century : the best actors around (some of them even famous outside France), a great scenario written by a team of highly-skilled professionals (one of them, Jean de la Bine-Boilue, died last year and we will always keep high the flame of his memory), more than one hundred technicians, among the best ones available at that time, two SFX studios used for the UFO scene ... the list would be too long. But, maybe due to a lack of will, the project finally ended into a kind of common movie, airlines-designed film. We all know that this movie had a critical influence on famous directors like Roland Emmerich, the same way "The seven Samurai" influenced G. Lucas, but, with a kind of regret in mind, we have to think what a wonderful movie it would have been if all the people involved in the project would have done their best.

This film is an adaptation from René Fallet's novel: "la soupe aux choux" that is a good novel. Two farmers who are fond of red wine and of cabbage soup are visited by an extra-terrestrial who apppreciate the soup. In exchange of soup, he comes back to life one of the farmers's wife who will quickly leave her elderly husband due to his age. Because they are aware that modern world doesn't fit them, the two farmers are leaving on another planet with their houses and their soup. When you watch this film, there is one thing that is very obvious: it was especially made for Louis De Funès (besides, he wrote the screenplay of the film with the director Jean Girault) and consequently the other actors have got only a decorative role; if you compare Jean Carmet and Jacques Villeret to De Funès, the two actors are very pale. Moreover, this film is often vulgar (De Funès and Carmet who make a stupid competition of farts after drinking a lot), and dumb too; the music that is made of synthesizers is completely incompatible with the story and sounds like Abba music. This vulgarity can even fade to racism to farmers. All around the farmers' houses, an enormous town was built and its inhabitants are laughing at them. The only positive points that you can put forward are Jacques Villeret who is very funny when he's shouting "glou glou glou" and even if De Funès hams it up, it's always nice to see him getting angry. At last if Fallet had seen the film, he would have feel betrayed and if this film is too crude for you, you can always read the novel.