Asterix and the Secret of the Magic Potion is a French animated comedy film based on the comic book series Asterix. The movie was released in 2018 and was directed by Alexandre Astier and Louis Clichy. It is the second film in the series to be animated in a 3D CGI format. The story of the film revolves around the wise druid Getafix, who falls off a tree while picking mistletoe. This incident makes him realize that he is the only one who knows the secret recipe for the magic potion that gives the Gauls incredible strength. Concerned about the future of their village, Asterix and Obelix set out on a quest to find a worthy successor for Getafix.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide. Get started Close
But Clichy and Astier s refusal to tone down Asterix s overwhelming Frenchness isn t just the result of national pride, or a refusal to tailor a beloved French story to an international audience. Then there are specific references that might not be crystal clear to non-French viewers Pectin, a girl who must pass for a boy in order to be accepted by Panoramix s fellow druids, is instructed to answer any question that might come her way by making a pffft sound with her mouth a typically French response that signals a lack of knowledge and or interest, which isn t a prominent part of the conversational repertoire outside of France.
Concerned about the future of their village, Asterix and Obelix set out on a quest to find a worthy successor for Getafix. As they travel through Gaul meeting different druids, they encounter various challenges and adventures. Along the way, they also face opposition from a sinister druid named Demonix, who wants to obtain the secret of the magic potion for his own nefarious purposes.
How Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion brings a quintessentially French story to an international audience
O ne of the most patently French characters ever created is heading abroad – again. Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion, the latest animated film to document the adventures of the famous Gaul, is now out in cinemas in the UK, almost nine months after its debut in France. For Louis Clichy, who co-directed the movie with French filmmaker Alexandre Astier, the idea of bringing Asterix’s story outside of the confines of the Hexagon (as France is lovingly known to its own nationals) is a bit of a head-scratcher. On the one hand, it seemed important to make sure the story made sense to an international audience. But on the other hand, the movie’s creators were unwilling to strip the Asterix franchise of its Frenchness – even if that meant some references would elude international viewers.
“We’re very chauvinistic,” Clichy says in his native French. “This was a film first and foremost for people who know Asterix and speak French.” The film, he says, assumes some knowledge of the Asterix franchise, though Clichy took care to remind the audience of its most basic elements (resolute Gauls resist Roman invaders thanks to their druid’s magic potion, which brings them superhuman strength).
But Clichy and Astier’s refusal to tone down Asterix’s overwhelming Frenchness isn’t just the result of national pride, or a refusal to tailor a beloved French story to an international audience. It’s also a way of preserving the storytelling and the appeal of the original franchise. “In order to talk about Asterix with the whole planet, you’d have to remind the audience of a lot of things,” Clichy adds – and that would be boring for those who are already up to date.
Watching the film in English as a French national is an interesting experience. The way I saw it, Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion works on several levels – much like a Pixar movie. There’s the overall plot (the village’s druid Panoramix, or Getafix as he’s called in the English version, realises that retirement is looming and resolves to find a successor with whom he’ll share his secret magic potion recipe), which can be understood by any viewer regardless of their nationality. Then there are specific references that might not be crystal clear to non-French viewers (Pectin, a girl who must pass for a boy in order to be accepted by Panoramix’s fellow druids, is instructed to answer any question that might come her way by making a “pffft” sound with her mouth – a typically French response that signals a lack of knowledge and/or interest, which isn’t a prominent part of the conversational repertoire outside of France). And to top it all off, there are references that even some French people might miss – namely to Astier’s series Kaamelott, a retelling of King Arthur’s legend that remains a fan favourite in France but might not be known to younger viewers.
Pixar, where Clichy worked for about three years (he animated scenes in Wall-E and Up), has built an entire brand out of releasing movies that are for children on the surface but contain deeper references for adults, without diminishing anyone’s enjoyment. The same applies here: if people miss out on a Kaamelott reference here and there, Clichy says, “it’s no big deal” – there’s still plenty for them to focus on.
Best films of 2019 (so far)
Flat animated tale has moments of peril, cartoon violence.
During their journey, Asterix and Obelix not only search for a successor but also strive to protect the secret of the magic potion from falling into the wrong hands. They showcase their bravery, intelligence, and humor throughout the film, providing entertainment for viewers of all ages. The film showcases the well-known characters from the Asterix comic series, including the brave and clever Asterix, his loyal and strong friend Obelix, the wise and elderly druid Getafix, and the mischievous and trouble-making pirate duo, Captain Redbeard and his first mate, Pegleg. Asterix and the Secret of the Magic Potion delivers a captivating and lighthearted storyline that keeps viewers engaged and entertained. The animation and visual effects are well done, bringing the characters and the Gaulish landscape to life. With its humor, action, and memorable characters, the film offers an enjoyable experience for Asterix fans and newcomers alike..
Reviews for "Uncovering the Mystery of the Magic Potion in Asterix"
1. Bob - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Asterix secret of the magic otpion". As a long-time fan of the Asterix series, I had high hopes for this movie, but it fell flat for me. The plot felt weak and unoriginal, and the humor didn't land as well as it did in previous movies. The animation was also a letdown, lacking the vibrant colors and dynamic movement that made the earlier films so charming. Overall, I found this movie to be a lackluster addition to the Asterix franchise.
2. Mary - 3 stars - While "Asterix secret of the magic otpion" had its moments, I couldn't help but feel underwhelmed. The story felt disjointed and rushed, with key plot points lacking explanation or development. The humor was hit or miss, with some jokes falling flat and others feeling forced. Additionally, the character development felt lacking, leaving me uninvested in the fates of the main characters. Overall, I was hoping for more from this film, but it failed to deliver the same level of enjoyment as the previous Asterix movies.
3. Kevin - 2 stars - "Asterix secret of the magic otpion" was a letdown for me. The animation seemed outdated and lacked the attention to detail that I've come to expect from modern animated films. The voice acting was also uninspired, with the actors failing to truly bring the characters to life. The plot felt predictable and formulaic, lacking the depth and excitement of the earlier Asterix movies. Overall, I would not recommend this film to fans of the franchise or those looking for a truly memorable animated adventure.