OSS 117: From Africa with Love (OSS 117 – Alerte Rouge en Afrique Noire) is the 3rd instalment in the revival of the 0SS 117 series. Jean Dujardin returns as Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath, better known as OSS 117. However, this time OSS 117 is forced to partner up with a younger, sharper recruit, OSS 1001 played by Pierre Niney which leads to a bruised ego and much confusion.
For those unfamiliar with the OSS 117 series, think of the suaveness of James Bond with the intelligence of Mr Bean and the political incorrectness of Inspector Clouseau. There are Bond -like references with the imagery of the opening sequence and some of the music but the film never goes so close as to be called a Bond parody. OSS 117 is very much in its own league.
OSS 117: From Africa with Love opens in 1981 where OSS 117 has just returned from a successful mission only to be told he won’t be sent on another mission just yet but is instead sent to the office basement to computerise the DSESE’s files. He meets new recruit Serge, OSS 1001 (they’ve used all the 3 digit codes up now so have to use 4) before the latter is sent to Africa on mission. Skip ahead and OSS 117 is sent to Africa to find his missing colleague and help President Bamba, of an unknown African country. Once he finds OSS 1001, the two are forced to pair up to save the day! What could go wrong?!
It was a delight to watch Jean Dujardin and Pierre Niney on screen together – I believe it to be the first time the two have been cast in the same film. Serge realising the much talked about icon is not as inspiring as he thought and Hubert wondering why he doesn’t have the latest equipment his younger colleague give rise to many amusing scenes. It’s also been a while since we’ve seen Pierre Niney in a lighter role – after his more serious roles in Black Box and Yves Saint-Laurent in AFFFF’s of past years (and also starring in Goliath in this year’s festival)– but this shows just how versatile he is.
The sets in OSS 117: From Africa with Love place us perfectly in offices from the 70s with their browns, oranges and beiges, the huge computers, the floppy discs. Pierre Niney’s more modern outfits contrast nicely with his older colleague’s suits.
If you’re sensitive to sexist or racist attitudes, even if they are being parodied not applauded, then avoid OSS 117. However, if you want to have a giggle at the ineptness and incorrectness of Jean Dujardin’s infamous character, you’ll enjoy OSS 117: From Africa with Love.
4 CROISSANTS
Matilda Marseillaise was given access to this film via a digital screener
If you want to find out when OSS 117: From Africa with Love is showing at the AFFFF in your city, click here
READ OUR REVIEWS OF OTHER FILMS AT THE ALLIANCE FRANCAISE FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL
REVIEW: The Braves: a film about the strength of friendship
REVIEW: Paul W.R’s Last Journey: an apocalyptic, vibrant sci-fi fantasy
A Tale of Love and Desire: an exploration of religious and gender expectations in Paris
KEY INFO FOR ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL 2022
WHAT: Alliance Française French Film Festival
WHERE AND WHEN:
- Adelaide: 24thMarch to 24th April (Encore screenings: 25th to 26th April)
- Brisbane: 16thMarch to 13th April (Encore screenings: 14th to 18th April)
- Byron Bay: 30thMarch to 14th April (Encore screenings: 15th to 16th April)
- Hobart: 9thto 20th March
- Canberra: 2nd March to 6th April (Encore screenings: 7th to 10th April)
- Melbourne: 3rd March to 6th April (Encore screenings: 7th to 10th April)
- Parramatta: 7thto 10th April
- Perth: 9th March to 6th April (Encore screenings: 7th to 10th April)
- Sydney: 1stMarch to 6th April (Encore screenings: 7th to 10th April)
HOW: Discover the AFFFF 2022 programme here.
AFFFF PASSES TO BE WON!
To find out how to enter go to our competition posts on our English and French language instagram accounts and Facebook.
