Synopsis:
Asterix and Obelix, the French comic book heroes created by René
Goscinny and Albert Underzo (their adventures have sold 280 million
copies to date in Europe), are brought to the big screen in their
first live-action adventure. Set in 50 B.C., Asterix (Christian
Clavier) and Obelix (Gérard Depardieu) are a pair of comedic
heroes living in a small but well-protected village in Gaul, where
a magic potion concocted by Druids turns the townsfolk into mighty
soldiers. When Roman troops carve a path through Gaul to reach the
English Channel, Caesar (Gottfried John) and his aide de camp Detritus
(Roberto Benigni) discover the secret elixir and capture the Druid
leader who knows its formula, and Asterix and Obelix are sent off
to rescue them. Shot in Brittany, Bavaria, and Arpajon, Asterix
et Obelix Contre Cesar brings these cartoon characters to life on
a grand scale; it was reportedly the most expensive French-language
film ever, at a cost of 274 million francs ($48 million).
© Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
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