Alright, fellow tape travelers, let’s rewind to a time when international action-comedies felt grand, charmingly rough around the edges, and starred charismatic leading men who practically leaped off the screen. Today, we're dusting off the box for 1982's Ace of Aces (original title: L'As des As), a French blockbuster that flew high at the box office and remains a delightful slice of early 80s adventure cinema, especially if you have a soft spot for the inimitable Jean-Paul Belmondo.
Picture this: it’s 1936, and the shadow of Nazi Germany looms large over the Berlin Olympics. Enter Jo Cavalier (Jean-Paul Belmondo), a former World War I flying ace turned boxing trainer, arriving with the French Olympic team. Cavalier is pure Belmondo – cocky, effortlessly charming, quick with his fists and quicker with a witty retort. He’s not looking for trouble, but trouble, especially the kind involving Nazis and damsels (or boys) in distress, has a habit of finding him. What starts as a trip to the Games quickly spirals into a daring rescue mission, blending high-stakes chases with surprisingly effective moments of humor.
### Bebel Does Berlin
Let's be honest, the main reason this film crackles with energy is Jean-Paul Belmondo, or "Bebel" as he was affectionately known in France. By 1982, he was a megastar, transitioning from his French New Wave origins (Breathless) to becoming France’s go-to action hero, renowned for performing his own dangerous stunts long before Tom Cruise made it his signature. In Ace of Aces, even pushing 50, Belmondo throws himself into the action with infectious glee. Whether he's dangling from a plane, engaging in frantic car chases through German streets, or delivering a knockout punch with a grin, his physical commitment is undeniable. It's that sense of real danger, knowing it's actually him ducking under that closing gate or leaping between vehicles, that gave his films a particular VHS-era thrill. You didn't just watch a Belmondo movie; you felt like you were right there, dodging trouble alongside him.
The film reunites Belmondo with director Gérard Oury, a master of French comedy who, along with his co-writer and daughter Danièle Thompson, had previously delivered massive hits like La Grande Vadrouille (1966) and The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob (1973). They knew how to mix adventure, laughs, and historical backdrops. Ace of Aces follows this successful template, although the blend feels perhaps a bit more audacious here, given the chilling proximity to the Nazi regime. It’s a delicate balancing act, placing slapstick and daring escapes against the backdrop of rising fascism, but Oury mostly pulls it off through sheer energy and Belmondo’s irrepressible charisma.
### Adventure Against the Odds
The plot sees Jo Cavalier taking young Simon Rosenblum (Rachid Ferrache) and his family under his wing, attempting to smuggle them out of Germany. Along the way, he crosses paths with the journalist Gaby Delcourt (Marie-France Pisier, bringing elegance and wit) and even finds himself face-to-face with Hitler himself – played for broad satirical effect. It's pure escapist fantasy, relying heavily on coincidence and Cavalier’s seemingly boundless luck and charm. Some might find the tonal shifts jarring – one moment a lighthearted chase, the next a stark reminder of the era's peril. But viewed through the lens of 80s adventure filmmaking, particularly from Europe, it works as a kind of wartime fairy tale.
Behind the camera, Oury keeps things moving at a brisk pace. The production values feel solid for the era, effectively recreating the atmosphere of the 1936 Olympics, partly filmed on location in Bavaria. One fun tidbit: Ace of Aces was a colossal success in France, becoming the country's highest-grossing film of 1982. It cemented Belmondo's status as a box office champion and proved Oury still had the golden touch. While perhaps less known internationally than some of Belmondo’s other actioners like Le Professionnel (1981), its blend of humor and heroism clearly resonated deeply with its home audience. It was the kind of film that likely filled many French VCRs throughout the decade.
### Charmingly Dated, Enduringly Fun
Does Ace of Aces hold up perfectly today? Maybe not entirely. Some of the humor feels broad, the plot relies on convenient turns, and the portrayal of historical figures is pure caricature. But frankly, that’s part of its charm. It’s a product of its time – an unashamedly entertaining romp that doesn’t get bogged down in excessive realism. What endures is Belmondo's magnetic screen presence and the film's sheer, good-natured adventurous spirit. It reminds you of a time when heroes could solve international crises with a punch, a smile, and some daredevil driving, all while looking impossibly cool. You watch it remembering how larger-than-life these stars felt on your flickering CRT screen. I vividly recall catching this on late-night TV, utterly captivated by Belmondo's effortless cool and the thrilling, almost comic-book style action set against a genuinely tense backdrop.
It might not be high art, but Ace of Aces is incredibly effective comfort food cinema. It delivers thrills, laughs, and a satisfying dose of heroism, anchored by one of cinema's great charismatic leads doing what he did best.
VHS Heaven Rating: 7/10
Justification: The film earns solid points for Jean-Paul Belmondo's spectacular performance and stunt work, Gérard Oury's experienced hand at blending action and comedy, and its sheer entertainment value as an 80s Euro-adventure. It successfully creates a sense of fun and excitement against a unique historical backdrop. It loses a few points for tonal inconsistencies that might not land for everyone today and a plot that leans heavily on convenience over credibility. However, its charm and Bebel's star power make it a highly enjoyable watch for fans of the era.
Final Thought: Grab your aviator goggles; Ace of Aces is a high-flying testament to Belmondo's effortless cool and the kind of ambitious, slightly crazy action-comedy adventure that feels like a cherished relic from the golden age of video rentals. A true classic of French blockbuster cinema.