Le Jouet

Pierre Richard is the toy of the son of an executive in a tragicomic story with a social-critical background. No, that sounds bad, let me try again. It’s Richard’s best film. Yeah, that’s better. An amusing reflection on whether money can buy everything, including human dignity. And can it really? Watch this film and see for yourselves, it’s worth it. (21.04.2003)

A sombre but very good comedy with a message that is still true inside. Pierre Richard's performance is superb, and Francis Veber's script lets his talent shine through in many ways. (10.10.2014)

French comedy has never been my favorite genre and Pierre Richard was mainly a fool to me. But this movie showed me how wrong I was and what unnecessary prejudices I had. It's a great comedy that is not unnecessarily grotesque or overdone, and it also has a strong socio-critical subtext. (27.07.2017)

Who else but Pierre Richard could be manipulated into the role of a living toy intended for the spoiled and ill-mannered son of a rich press magnate. He may not come across as goofy here as in other films this unique comedian has starred in, but he won my sympathy all the more. The acclaimed French director Francis Veber has made an excellent bitter comedy with a strong social and moral subtext that manages not only to entertain brilliantly, but also to make the viewer reflect on life's values. I'm completely blown away that this movie was made over forty-five years ago and yet it is still extremely relevant. (90%) (15.12.2022)