Asterix and Obelix vs. Caesar (1999)

Inhabitants of the last unconquered village in Gaul (ancient France) use a magical potion to hold their independence from Roman invaders.

Director:

Claude Zidi

Writers:

René Goscinny (comic book), Albert Uderzo (comic book)

Stars:

Christian Clavier, Gérard Depardieu, Roberto Benigni

4 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Christian Clavier	...	Astérix
Gérard Depardieu	...	Obélix
Roberto Benigni	...	Lucius Detritus
Michel Galabru	...	Abraracourcix
Claude Piéplu	...	Panoramix
Daniel Prévost	...	Prolix
Pierre Palmade	...	Assurancetourix
Laetitia Casta	...	Falbala
Arielle Dombasle	...	Mme Agecanonix
Sim	...	Agecanonix
Marianne Sägebrecht	...	Bonnemine
Gottfried John	...	Jules César
Jean-Pierre Castaldi	...	Caius Bonus
Jean-Roger Milo	...	Cetautomatix
Jean-Jacques Devaux	...	Ordralfabetix

Storyline

The well-known little village from the Asterix and Obelix-comic books is in trouble: It is the last place not controlled by Rome. When Tax collector Claudius Incorruptus does not get his money from the villagers, Julius Caesar himself comes to the place to see what's so special about their resistance. A special magic potion, prepared by the village's druid, gives incredible power to those who drink it. And Obelix, who fell into the pot as a child has been invincible ever since. With the help of Tullius Destructivus, an intrigeur, the Romans try to get Obelix and the druid into their hands in order to wipe the little village off the map, when the last potion of it's stock has been used up. But each individual also has some plans of his own...

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Plot Keywords:

based on comic book | magical potion | roman emperor | character name in title | village | 

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Taglines:

The Gauls are revolting!

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Genres:

Adventure | Comedy | Family | Fantasy

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Astérix, le site officiel Odeon Film AG

Country:

France Italy Germany

Language:

French German

Release Date:

14 July 2000 (USA)

Also Known As:

Asterix and Obelix vs. Caesar

Filming Locations:

Brittany, France

Box Office

Budget:

FRF274,620,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$304,245, 6 June 1999

Gross USA:

$1,541,261

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,632,567

Company Credits

Production Co:

AMLF, Bavaria Entertainment, Canal+

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Gérard Depardieu is the only actor who appeared in every single Astérix movie.

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Goofs

When Obelix walks over the wooden gate he kicked down over its guard, it is clearly visible that there is a rack underneath to make it wobble like a seesaw.

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Quotes

Astérix: Look - the Man in the Iron Mask!
Obélix: Have they written that yet?

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Crazy Credits

This movie is dedicated to René Goscinny

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Connections

Referenced in Un jour, un destin: Gérard Depardieu: Blessures secrètes (2009)

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Soundtracks

She Didn't See Me
Performed by A1

User Reviews

Fairly good adaptation of the comic books

I thought this movie was a fairly good adaptation of the work by Uderzo and Goscinny. Of course, the comic books are better and I would read one album probably 10 times before seeing this movie again. But still, this film was entertaining and fun to watch.

The acting was good by Depardieu and Clavier (who's also playing in Les Visiteurs) and Roberto Benigni was very good as the Roman soldier. I also liked Michel Galabru as the chief of the Gaulois. I really like this actor that I came to know after watching the whole series of «Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez» with Louis de Funès, the great French actor.

Two things to end this review. First, the special effects, in this day and age, could have been a lot better. Second, the movie is lacking the subtlety that the comic books have. Verdict: on the way to the video store, stop at the library and get the comic books too. Compare for yourself.

Out of 100, I gave it 75.