The Corsican File (2004)

Christian Clavier does well when he plays a normal guy and his character works. Jack Palmer (Remi François) is about as straight and narrow as they come. He's good at his job and he doesn't get too distracted. The opening sequence does well to establish his character. He gets pulled into the criminal world of Corsica as he searches for Ange Leoni to let him know about a 2 million euro inheritance. Catherine Munro is Gorgeous. I couldn't take my eyes off of her for the whole film. She plays Lea, the sister of Agne Leoni (played by Jean Reno). Lea is a smart and beautiful woman who takes a liking to Remi and that doesn't bode well for Ange. As Remi and Lea become closer, Ange becomes more upset and pulls Remi further into the Corsica lifestyle. It's got some good humor and beautiful scenery.But it falls apart. Some of the jokes and editing don't work for the story. The acting, as far as I can tell, is decent. It's just not as good as it could be. There's something about the flow of scenes that falls short and it doesn't pay off in most scenes. In the end, you would do well to enjoy the scenery (I'm talking Catherine Munro), but you wouldn't be missing much if you didn't watch the whole film.

I don't know much about Corsica, but it is not hard to imagine that this island stuck rigidly between Italian and French cultures is made fun of often. This hilarious film brings out the beauty of the island and its culture with great humor. Every scene has something hilarious in it. I suppose you do have to start off with an international mind set to enjoy the details. I do not speak any French, but the argument about Corsican ("it's not a dialect, it's a language" "but I understand everything you're saying" "shut up!"), the street names named after Rome and Napoleon, the mutt dog which the "mainlander" French detective calls a mutt and is corrected by an offended bar owner, saying it is a special Corsican breed, the island men singing songs "of Corsican culture" at 2 AM in the morning, the guilt tripping while drinking at the bar, the political separatist factions that are made up of the same group of 20 or so men with ridiculous outfits, the local police vs. crime unit vs. secret police trying to catch Jean Reno's character, Ange... Everything is just hilarious. The ridiculous backward and rural mindset of the locals is juxtaposed with the international tourist destination identity of the island. Everything is, as should be in a comedy like this, a bit over the top, and the locals are not that backward, and the island is just beautiful even in parts that are rural, or maybe especially so... Reno is excellent, as usual. Christian Clavier, probably even more so. The duo have great chemistry. The supporting cast, especially the two men who are Ange's most trusted accomplices, are superbly acted.Overall, a great crime farce and a heartwarming comedy (with a few bombs... with tampons...)

A good portrait of Corsica, those who know this part of France will definitely enjoy it. Many actors are actual residents of Corsica, and the ambiance is nicely translated.Even though the scenario isn't very complicated and elaborated, the story keeps you in and melts with the various aspects of Corsica : beautiful scenery, good charcuterie, good cheese, strong character (chants Corses, gangs preventing over-building), and of course the exquisite Myrte.Christian Clavier and Jean Reno fit their role very well, a good movie that will make you laugh and want to visit this beautiful part of France.

The movies is a quite good one in its category. It will give you some good time and laughs while you follow the story of the detective from Paris and the local people of Corse.Do not expect deep thoughts, special effects, multimillion setups or Oscar nominee scenes. Just some good time to relax. That's what the film is meant for...Jean Reno and Christian Clavier will provide you with their acting talent. They are very good at making you smile or laugh. 'Lea' gives something for the eyes. The locals give you some parody of the Corsican historical heritage...