O Ás dos Ases

World War I and II have always been a good setting for European cinema as different films have been made by France, Germany and Italy which speak about two major conflicts which have brought mankind close to the brink of disaster. As we discuss the portrayal of wars in cinema, we need to mention that it is the French directors who have portrayed world wars in a comic fashion as opposed to the seriousness which a war film demands. Hence, it is with immense pride can one state that a long time before Italian comedy actor/director Roberto Benigni (Life is beautiful), French cinema was the first national cinema to give comic touches to wars especially in their humorous portrayal of Nazism. For example : PAPY FAIT DE LA RESISTANCE directed by Jean-Marie Poiré. Ace of aces is one such film which recreates the magic of comedy during a war by lampooning Nazi soldiers and their leader Adolf Hitler who were in power in Germany during 11th Summer Olympic Games which were held in 1936 in Berlin. For this film, French superstar Jean-Paul Belmondo is paired with Marie-France Pisier who get rid of their differences in order to help a Jewish family. It is not only the star cast which has worked wonders for this film as Gérard Oury has added too many popular cinema elements to make his film a nice viewing experience for all types of viewers regardless of their age or taste. One gets to see an incredible chase of airplanes in the skies, a French boxing team, a bear in a car chased by Nazi soldiers, Der Fuehrer 'Adolf Hitler' and his sister and even a short documentary footage of American sprinter Jesse Owens. You would not hesitate in watching this film as it represents a true example of light comedy in cinema if you have already enjoyed and seen 'La Grande Vadrouille'.