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Asterix in Britain (1986)

Asterix in Britain - 1986 film - French cover

Asterix in Britain (French: Astérix chez les Bretons) is a French-Danish animated film, directed by Pino van Lamsweerde in his directorial debut. The screenplay, written by Pierre Tchernia, brings to life the adventures of Asterix and Obelix, based on the album with the same name. Produced by Dargaud Films and Les Productions René Goscinny, the movie premiered in December 1986.

This adaptation is the fifth in the Asterix film series, and its captivating plot follows Asterix and Obelix as they transport a barrel of magic potion to a British village resisting Roman invasion. Featuring the voice talents of Roger Carel and Pierre Tornade in the original French, and Jack Beaber and Billy Kearns in the English version, this film is a delightful blend of humor, action, and charm.

Introduction

Julius Caesar, ever eager to expand the Roman Empire, assembles a formidable force of well-trained legions to conquer Britain. In this context, Asterix and Obelix embark on a daring mission to assist Anticlimax, Asterix’s British cousin, in his village’s struggle against the Roman forces. Armed with a barrel of magic potion and their indomitable spirit, the duo ventures across the English Channel to a land of peculiar customs. Along the way, they encounter challenges ranging from the British fondness for warm ale and boiled boar to unexpected encounters with Roman patrols. But as always, the Gauls rise to the occasion, with humor and courage lighting their path.

Synopsis

Julius Caesar believes he has conquered all of Britain, but one rebellious village continues to resist Roman domination. Desperate to save his village, Anticlimax travels to Gaul to seek help from his cousin, Asterix. Getafix, the druid, agrees to provide a barrel of magic potion to strengthen the Britons. Asterix and Obelix, accompanied by Dogmatix, are tasked with delivering it to the British village.

Their journey is fraught with peril. Crossing the English Channel, they rescue a Phoenician merchant from pirates, earning a mysterious bag of herbs in return. On land, they face relentless Roman patrols, lose the magic potion barrel in Londinium, and recover it only to have it stolen again by a thief. Pursuing the thief, they encounter a rugby match where the barrel is used as a prop. They reclaim it just as Roman forces close in, only to have the barrel destroyed during a naval skirmish.

Without the potion, Asterix devises a clever plan involving the mysterious herbs. The Britons brew them into a hot beverage, boosting their morale and energy. Empowered by this new “potion,” they repel the Roman assault, ensuring their village’s survival. The film concludes with Asterix and Obelix returning to Gaul, where they celebrate their adventure with a grand banquet. In a humorous twist, Getafix reveals the herbs to be tea, predicting its future importance to Britain.

Differences Between the Book and Film

While the movie follows the general plot of the original comic, there are notable differences. In the comic, Asterix obtains tea leaves from Getafix before departing, whereas in the film, they are gifted by a Phoenician merchant. The innkeeper in Londinium, Relax in the comic, is reimagined as Olive Escartefix, a Gaul from Massilia, in the film. This change pays homage to the character of Félix Escartefigue from Marcel Pagnol’s Marseillaise Trilogy. Other alterations include the absence of Relax’s cousin Surtax and minor changes to supporting characters and settings.

Fun Facts and Easter Eggs

The opening song, The Lookout Is Out, performed by Cook da Books, is an English adaptation of Astérix est là from the previous film, Asterix versus Caesar. Vladimir Cosma’s score incorporates themes from earlier works, such as The Wing or the Thigh and You Won’t Have Alsace and Lorraine. Several scenes, including Asterix and Obelix’s fight on the Roman galley, draw inspiration from previous films in the series.

The film’s humor often includes deliberate anachronisms. For example, Obelix humorously proposes building a tunnel under the Channel, a project that began in reality a year after the film’s release. Additionally, iconic London landmarks like Big Ben and Tower Bridge appear centuries before their actual construction. These playful touches, alongside humorous nods to films like The Longest Day, add a unique flavor to the story.

Cast and Crew

Directed by: Pino van Lamsweerde
Written by: Pierre Tchernia
Based on: Asterix in Britain by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Produced by: Philippe Grimond and Yannik Piel
Starring: Roger Carel, Pierre Tornade, Graham Bushnell, Pierre Mondy, Maurice Risch, Roger Lumont, Nicolas Silberg
Music by: Vladimir Cosma

Production Details

  • Production Companies: Dargaud Films, Les Productions René Goscinny
  • Distributed by: Gaumont Distribution
  • Release Dates:
    • France: December 3, 1986
    • United Kingdom: November 20, 1987
    • Denmark: October 14, 1988
    • Norway: December 15, 1988
  • Running Time: 79 minutes
  • Countries: France, Denmark
  • Language: French

Asterix in Britain continues to charm audiences with its witty humor, exciting action, and memorable characters, offering a delightful adventure for fans of all ages.