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Asterix: The Mansions of the Gods (2014)

A 3D Animated Adventure

Asterix Mansions of the Gods 2014 - french cover

Asterix: The Mansions of the Gods (French: Astérix – Le Domaine des Dieux) is a groundbreaking animated comedy-adventure film that brought the Asterix series into 3D for the first time. Released in 2014, this French-Belgian production was directed by Louis Clichy with a story co-written and co-directed by Alexandre Astier. The voice cast includes Roger Carel, Guillaume Briat, Lionnel Astier, Serge Papagalli, and Florence Foresti. Notably, this was Roger Carel’s final film before his retirement and subsequent passing.

The film premiered on November 26, 2014, across 696 theaters in France, distributed by SND Films. With a production budget of €31 million, the movie grossed over $51 million, earning favorable reviews from audiences and critics alike. Its original score by Philippe Rombi received a nomination for the IFMCA Award for Best Original Score for an Animated Feature Film. Fans could later enjoy the film through DVD, VOD, and Blu-ray releases on June 9, 2015.

A Witty Plot Inspired by Classic Adventures

The story begins with Julius Caesar devising a cunning plan to conquer the rebellious Gauls without direct conflict. His scheme involves building luxury apartments, dubbed “The Mansions of the Gods,” in the forest near the Gaulish village, aiming to assimilate the Gauls into Roman civilization.

Asterix and Obelix discover the construction site during a boar hunt and, with the help of magic acorns from Getafix, work to sabotage the Roman efforts by replanting trees. However, the Romans’ persistence and the slaves’ newfound freedom—aided by the magic potion—lead to rapid progress on the Mansions.

The village dynamic shifts as Roman civilians begin inhabiting the Mansions. A Roman family, including Anonymus, Dulcia, and their son Mischiefus, temporarily moves into the Gaulish village, forging an unlikely friendship with Obelix and Dogmatix. Meanwhile, the Gauls’ attempts to drive out the Romans with rain, noise, and other schemes backfire spectacularly.

Tensions rise when Caesar’s plan escalates to offering free apartments to the Gauls, causing rifts within the village. The plot reaches a dramatic climax as Caesar orders the village’s destruction. With the magic potion at stake, Asterix and Obelix must rally their community to resist the Roman onslaught, culminating in a triumphant Gaulish victory and the demolition of the Mansions.

Behind the Scenes and Cultural References

Asterix: The Mansions of the Gods is rich with cultural nods and cinematic homages, delighting fans of both the franchise and broader pop culture. Some standout references include:

  • Ratatouille: A playful nod to the Pixar classic, where Apeldjus guides Obelix by pulling his braids, mirroring Remy and Linguini.
  • The Lord of the Rings: Getafix’s iconic line, “You shall not pass,” during a pivotal battle evokes Gandalf’s legendary stand against the Balrog.
  • King Kong: Obelix scales a building with a roar reminiscent of the iconic ape, clutching a cake instead of a damsel.
  • Jurassic Park: Obelix’s roar after consuming the magic potion mirrors the T-Rex’s signature sound.
  • Kaamelott: Several actors from this French series appear, and dialogue like “It’s not false” echoes its humor.

The film also integrates subtle callbacks to historical and literary moments, such as the general de Gaulle’s “I have understood you” speech and even a playful jab at Roman bureaucracy.

Fast Facts About the Film

Directed by Louis Clichy and written by Alexandre Astier, the film was based on The Mansions of the Gods by Réné Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. The production involved collaborations between M6 Films, Belvision, and Grid Animation, with Philippe Bony and Thomas Valentin producing. Running 85 minutes, the film’s vibrant storytelling and engaging animation have made it a favorite among fans.

A Sequel Worth Watching

In 2018, the Asterix franchise continued with Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion. Directed by Clichy and Astier once again, the sequel explores new adventures while maintaining the humor and heart fans adore.

Asterix: The Mansions of the Gods combines classic Asterix charm with modern animation techniques, making it a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike. Rediscover the hilarity, bravery, and camaraderie of the indomitable Gauls in this groundbreaking film.

Next: Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion