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The Visitors
Les Visiteurs
1993 107 min France R 18+
★6.6
Fantasy, Comedy
Director: Jean-Marie Poiré
Trailers
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Description
After a wizard's spell goes awry, 12th-century Gallic knight Godefroy de Papincourt, Count of Montmirail finds himself transported to 1993, along with his dimwitted servant, Jacquouille la Fripouille. Startled and perplexed by modern technology, the duo run amok, destroying cars and causing chaos until they meet Beatrice de Montmirail, an aristocratic descendant of the nobleman, who may be able to help them get back to 1123.
Budget:
$9.5M
US Gross:
$659,810
Worldwide:
$98.8M
Starring
Christian Clavier
Actor
Jean Reno
Actor
Valérie Lemercier
Actor
Awards
César Awards 1994
— Best Supporting Actress
César Awards 1994
— Best Film Editing
César Awards 1994
— Best Costume Design
César Awards 1994
— Best Actor
César Awards 1994
— Best Supporting Actress
César Awards 1994
— Best Director
César Awards 1994
— Best Screenplay
César Awards 1994
— Best Original Score
Key opinion
Les Visiteurs is widely regarded as a classic French comedy that succeeds through the chemistry of its lead duo and the clever juxtaposition of medieval and modern cultures. While some critics find the humor chaotic or occasionally childish, the majority praise its enduring wit and status as a genre staple.
| Acting | The comedic chemistry between Jean Reno and Christian Clavier anchors the film, with both actors delivering memorable, distinct performances. | |
| Originality | The core premise of medieval figures navigating 20th-century life provides a consistently effective and inventive source of humor. | |
| Production | The production design and costumes successfully immerse the audience in both the gritty 12th-century origin and the modern setting. | |
| Screenplay | The script is a point of contention: supporters view it as sharp and endlessly quotable, while detractors argue it relies on thin plotting and juvenile antics. | |
| Pacing | The film's high-energy, farcical tone is seen by fans as a joyous, non-stop experience, whereas critics find the chaotic delivery to be overacted and unamusing. |