I caught this delightfully energetic and amazingly visually sumptuous 1969 70 minute film on YouTube. Although "Asterix" is a French-themed comic by Goscinny and Urdezo, I watched "Asterix and Cleopatra" (hereafter "A & C") in English. I'm not sure if the film was dubbed or originally shot in English, but there is a wry hint that it is dubbing at the beginning of the film which explains that since most of the film is situated in Egypt and Egyptians speak in hieroglyphics, the English dubbing may not synchronize with the mouth movements. At any rate, I thought the dubbing (if any) was rather satisfactory.
First, let's get to the plot. Julius Caesar is visiting Cleopatra at her palace and criticizes her kingdom's soft decadence. The outraged queen bets Caesar that her people have the will and know-how to construct a summer palace within 3 months. She tasks the inept architect Edifis with the challenge and the constant fear that if he fails, he will be fed to the crocodiles. In desperation, Edifis flees to Gaul to enlist the help of the diminutive but crafty Asterix, his rotund, pugnacious pal Obelix (and his tiny but devoted dog Dogmatix), and the druid Getafix and his super-strength potion. With their help and the potion, the Egyptian workers now have the power to erect blocks and pillars at astounding speed. But opposing Edifis, Asterix, and company are Edifis's jealously bitter and devious rival Artifis and his servile helper Crucut, who attempt to sabotage the construction. Also standing in our heroes' way is Julius himself, who uses his invincible army to try to stop the building and this win the bet. Can our heroes help Cleopatra win the bet and avoid imprisonment (and death by crocodile)? If you are an Asterix fan, chances are you'll enjoy this slavishly faithful animated version of the book. As another reviewer mentions, "A & C"'s animation is reminiscent of a 50's or 60's Popeye cartoon, with all the vigorous, lively movement, fighting, violence, and property destruction. In particular, "A & C" reminded me of a Gene Deitch Popeye cartoon, with the slightly surreal tone (especially Obelix's out-of-left field daydreaming about food). Besides the rollicking punch-ups, "A & C" retains most of the "Asterix" book trademarks, such as the punny names (Edifis, Artifis, get it), the effects of the super-strength potion, the reason Obelix (usually) doesn't get to taste any potion despite his earnest attempts, and even the ornate, luscious scenery and backdrops (a triumph in any cinematic year).
But even if you are an "Asterix" novice, I think "A & C" will give you a satisfying crash course in Asterix lore and will entertain you with its sheer vitality, sturdy and suspenseful plot, and outlandish characters alone, no matter what. Although a considerable amount of fighting goes on, it is cartoonish and non-graphic and thus safe as well as fun for young children. I highly recommend this extraordinary effort.
P.S.: Some viewers might be offended by the depiction of African-Americans with bulbous lips. Personally, I wasn't since practically every character sported an exaggerated anatomical part. Also, while I was generally okay with Asterix's and Obelix's vocalizations, they were a tad too similar to Looney Tunes cartoon voice-work, especially Obelix's, who sounded like Mel Blanc's Lenny "Duh George" impersonation. I consider these insignificant flaws in a movie that showcases what the "Indomitable Gauls" are made of.
First, let's get to the plot. Julius Caesar is visiting Cleopatra at her palace and criticizes her kingdom's soft decadence. The outraged queen bets Caesar that her people have the will and know-how to construct a summer palace within 3 months. She tasks the inept architect Edifis with the challenge and the constant fear that if he fails, he will be fed to the crocodiles. In desperation, Edifis flees to Gaul to enlist the help of the diminutive but crafty Asterix, his rotund, pugnacious pal Obelix (and his tiny but devoted dog Dogmatix), and the druid Getafix and his super-strength potion. With their help and the potion, the Egyptian workers now have the power to erect blocks and pillars at astounding speed. But opposing Edifis, Asterix, and company are Edifis's jealously bitter and devious rival Artifis and his servile helper Crucut, who attempt to sabotage the construction. Also standing in our heroes' way is Julius himself, who uses his invincible army to try to stop the building and this win the bet. Can our heroes help Cleopatra win the bet and avoid imprisonment (and death by crocodile)? If you are an Asterix fan, chances are you'll enjoy this slavishly faithful animated version of the book. As another reviewer mentions, "A & C"'s animation is reminiscent of a 50's or 60's Popeye cartoon, with all the vigorous, lively movement, fighting, violence, and property destruction. In particular, "A & C" reminded me of a Gene Deitch Popeye cartoon, with the slightly surreal tone (especially Obelix's out-of-left field daydreaming about food). Besides the rollicking punch-ups, "A & C" retains most of the "Asterix" book trademarks, such as the punny names (Edifis, Artifis, get it), the effects of the super-strength potion, the reason Obelix (usually) doesn't get to taste any potion despite his earnest attempts, and even the ornate, luscious scenery and backdrops (a triumph in any cinematic year).
But even if you are an "Asterix" novice, I think "A & C" will give you a satisfying crash course in Asterix lore and will entertain you with its sheer vitality, sturdy and suspenseful plot, and outlandish characters alone, no matter what. Although a considerable amount of fighting goes on, it is cartoonish and non-graphic and thus safe as well as fun for young children. I highly recommend this extraordinary effort.
P.S.: Some viewers might be offended by the depiction of African-Americans with bulbous lips. Personally, I wasn't since practically every character sported an exaggerated anatomical part. Also, while I was generally okay with Asterix's and Obelix's vocalizations, they were a tad too similar to Looney Tunes cartoon voice-work, especially Obelix's, who sounded like Mel Blanc's Lenny "Duh George" impersonation. I consider these insignificant flaws in a movie that showcases what the "Indomitable Gauls" are made of.