While I understand the irritation at criterion changing the subtitles (hell, I was the one who brought it up!), the film is so fantastic that I don't see it as an impediment to purchasing it. Actually, you don't even need a footnote for the Le Pen reference, as the liner notes mention 'far-right Front National leader Jean-Marie Le Pen.' Asterix would still be unexplained, but oh well, it's not central to the film anyway.Īnother option would be to add this as a dvd extra, which criterion did for Band of Outsiders, explaining some of the references. I like the idea of some footnotes or something along those lines. It was interesting to hear about why she liked the film and helped distribute it in the US, but I can't say I got any new information or a new perspective on anything in the film. I haven't dived into disc two yet but the introduction from Jodie Foster didn't do much for me. A small glossary of things like Asterix and Le Pen would go a long way.

On the subtitles, perhaps Criterion could consider doing a 'cultural notes' section in the booklet in the future, instead of changing the subtitles to make them more American-centric. Brilliant performances from all the leads and amazingly assured direction from Kassovitz, I feel like I need to stew on it a bit more before I can really start digging into it. Patrick wrote:I just finished watching this and I'm totally blown away what an amazing film. I also wonder if these subtitles were created at the time when Jodie Foster's production company acquired the film for American distribution? But for a company that prides itself on retaining the integrity of the films they present, this is a disapointment. I hope Criterion addresses the issue and fixes it. I agree with other members that part of what makes Criterion buyers so unique is not only their willingness to embrace, but their openmindedness, curiousity and understanding of other cultures.

I find it completely patronizing that the film has been ostensibly 'Americanized'.

Moreover, living in Quebec and having European 'in-laws', I know all about Asterix & Obelix and various other European cultural references.

I will be holding off on that purchase for now. Having not seen the movie, when I told my girlfriend who has seen the film and loved it, she was thrilled Criterion was putting out an edition as it was certainly a film she wanted in our collection. This subtitle boondoggle is certainly disheartening.

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