Directed by:
Francis VeberScreenplay:
Francis VeberCinematography:
Luciano TovoliComposer:
Marco PrinceCast:
Jean Reno, Gérard Depardieu, Jean-Pierre Malo, Richard Berry, André Dussollier, Leonor Varela, Ticky Holgado, Laurent Gamelon, Aurélien Recoing (more)Plots(1)
Quentin, a moron who drives everyone crazy with his mindless and incessant banter is caught after a hold-up and ends up in a prison cell with Ruby, a hard-boiled thief who refuses to say a word to anyone. Before being caught, Ruby managed to hide a vast amount of stolen money he in turn robbed from Vogel, a dangerous criminal who killed Ruby's lover, Sandra. Despite the fact that Ruby will have nothing to do with him, Quentin develops a deep friendship for him. Ruby manages to get transferred to the mental ward, followed by Quentin who pulls off a clumsy yet successful escape for both of them, just as Ruby is about to escape alone.A lone wolf to begin with, Ruby is on a quest to kill Vogel and avenge Sandra's death. Suspecting Quentin of working for the police, Ruby does everything he can to ditch him, even after Quentin saves him from Vogel's thugs... (Madman Entertainment)
(more)Reviews (6)
Narratively, it’s awkwardly segmented bollocks where the occasional attempt at a more serious approach and the incompetence of the villains is even more blatant, but it's still impossible to say no to it. Francis Veber, after all, has always been great at delivering gags and entertaining by combining two disparate characters, and in that sense, Shut Up! is his most accomplished work. Reno and Depardieu make such an amazing duo that they could make you laugh with the sound off, and there are perhaps more memorable lines here than in any Zucker brothers' movie. It moves along nicely, we're comfortable with the characters, and when we watch it again, knowing the jokes doesn't stop us from enjoying this non-committal banter between two iconic actors and a famous director in equal measure. And that makes for one hell of a comedy.
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Mandatory viewing for everyone who thinks that Gérard Depardieu is no longer funny. Shut Up! is wonderful entertainment for all fans of the two most iconic French actors of our time. This comedy is a testament to their mastery and brilliance. *Merde!*
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Veber simply knows French old-style comedies in a fairly wide range. In this film he takes aim at the refugee action genre, and again, it's a shot very close to the center. Mainly thanks to a great push-off and the irresistible duo in the title role. Both Reno and Depardieu confirm their extra class, and thanks to them, this film has a spark like good French wine. A joy to watch!
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Amazing! A typically French comedy that sticks to the style we know and love. Veber doesn’t hesitate, Reno and Depardieu entertained (and moved) me from beginning to end. The only thing missing to perfection is Vladimir Cosma's music.
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An absolutely perfect combination of Jean Reno's stone face and Gerard Depardieu's dumbfounded expression in one of the best comedies of the 21st century. The story is original and imaginative, the dialogue is witty and meaningful, and the running time is optimal. What more could you ask for! In short, the French have always been able to make classy comedies and Shut Up! is a prime example.
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How could this nearly 20-year-old French comedy have escaped my radar until now? After watching it, I have to say it’s one of the best in the genre I’ve seen recently. Gérard Depardieu as the zany Quentin and Jean Reno as the perpetually morose gangster Ruby work perfectly together. You’d think they couldn’t possibly click, but the opposite is true. Memorable scenes include the entire segment in the asylum and the sequence of exchanging the Mercedes for a BMW, both of which are hilariously effective. With some distance, I also have to commend the film for balancing between genuine humor and awkward situations. Nowadays, very few comedies manage to do this well, which is a shame. I’ll definitely watch Shut Up! again in the future. 8.5/10
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