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Asterix and the Big Fight (1989)

asterix and the big fight 1989 film - french cover

Asterix and the Big Fight (in French: Astérix et le Coup du Menhir) is a delightful animated film from 1989, directed by Philippe Grimond and produced by Yannick Piel. This French-German co-production offers a unique twist on the world of Asterix, blending elements of Asterix and the Big Fight and Asterix and the Soothsayer. With its captivating story, memorable characters, and vibrant animation, this film captures the spirit of the beloved comic series while presenting an engaging tale of chaos and humor.

While the title may suggest a straightforward adaptation of the comic Asterix and the Big Fight, the film’s narrative is more focused on the events of Asterix and the Soothsayer. In this adventure, the druid Getafix is accidentally rendered amnesic and insane by a well-meaning but clumsy Obelix. This leaves the village vulnerable to the manipulations of Prolix, a fraudulent soothsayer secretly working with the Romans. With Getafix unable to make the essential magic potion, Asterix must rely on his wits to save the village from both internal discord and Roman conquest.

Alternative name

On Asterix.com the movie is named Operation Getafix. This was also the title of the novelization of the film.

A Village in Chaos: The Plot Unfolds

The film begins with a Roman scheme to capture Getafix, aiming to rob the indomitable Gauls of their magic potion. During the rescue mission, Obelix accidentally hits Getafix with a menhir, triggering amnesia and erratic behavior in the druid. While the villagers grapple with Getafix’s inability to produce the potion, a conman named Prolix arrives during a storm. Posing as a soothsayer, Prolix exploits the villagers’ superstitions with false prophecies in exchange for food, drink, and eventually gold.

Meanwhile, the Romans learn of Getafix’s condition and send a spy to confirm the village’s vulnerability. After being discovered and inadvertently turned into a human balloon by one of Getafix’s faulty potions, the spy floats back to his camp, spreading word of the Gauls’ predicament. Seizing the opportunity, the Romans enlist Prolix to sow further chaos, ultimately persuading the villagers to abandon their homes.

With the village seemingly defenseless, Asterix, Obelix, and a still-erratic Getafix remain behind. Getafix’s accidental ingestion of a noxious potion miraculously restores his sanity and memory, allowing him to brew the magic potion once more. Together, they orchestrate a plan to expose Prolix and rally the villagers. Prolix’s fraud is revealed when he fails to predict the Gauls’ triumphant assault on the Roman camp, leading to his own downfall. Order is restored, and the villagers celebrate their resilience and unity.

Behind the Scenes and Fun Facts

Le Coup du Menhir
Book of the film – French cover

This was the first Asterix film to exclude Julius Caesar as a character, though he is briefly mentioned. It also marked the first time the Romans temporarily conquered the Gaulish village. The centurion Caius Faipalgugus and the optio, though unnamed in the film, are adapted from characters in Asterix and the Soothsayer, adding depth to the Roman antagonists.

The film’s musical direction, led by Michel Colombier, departed from earlier Asterix films. Colombier’s modern and dynamic score enriched the film’s atmosphere, influenced by his work on Hollywood productions.

Two English dubs were created: a British version featuring Bill Oddie and Brian Blessed and an American version starring Henry Winkler and Lucille Bliss. The latter, produced for an unfulfilled U.S. release, made significant alterations to character names and dialogue, which disappointed many fans.

A Remarkable Achievement

Astérix and the Big Fight received high praise for its animation quality, vivid colors, and innovative soundtrack. Albert Uderzo’s biographer, Bernard de Choisy, even called it “the most beautiful of the series.” Despite its critical acclaim, the film’s promotion struggled to convey its exceptional quality to a wider audience. Gaumont discontinued its animation studio afterward, making this film a bittersweet chapter in the history of Asterix adaptations.

Film Details

Directed by: Philippe Grimond
Written by: Adolf Kabatek, Yannick Voight
Based on: Asterix and the Big Fight and Asterix and the Soothsayer by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Produced by: Yannick Piel
Starring: Roger Carel, Pierre Tornade, Julien Guiomar, Marie-Anne Chazel, Henri Labussière, Roger Lumont
Narrated by: Tony Jay (U.S. Dub)
Music by: Michel Colombier
Distributed by: Gaumont Distribution
Release Date: October 4, 1989
Running Time: 81 minutes
Countries: France, West Germany
Languages: French, German