The Thousands

Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s films are often called ‘whimsical’, but there is nothing arbitrary or insubstantial about his impeccably filmed sight gags, eccentric characters and domino-effect setpieces. Micmacs references everything from ’40s cinema to Toy Story, but its mischievous hilarity serves a very contemporary political satire.

In an assured, economical opening act, Jeunet shows why Bazil (Dany Boon) has good reason to wreak revenge on rival arms dealers Nicolas Thibault de Fenouillet (André Dussolier) and François Marconi (Nicolas Marié). A land mine sold by one company effectively orphaned him, while a stray bullet from the other company entered his brain and could kill him at any time. Worse, while in hospital he lost his job, home and possessions. When Bazil falls in with a rabble of junk dealers – each with his or her own oddball skill – it’s time for the most convoluted, ingenious revenge plan ever.

Micmacs (which translates loosely as ‘hodgepodge’ or ‘bits and pieces’) is wonderfully funny and entertaining, almost like a live-action cartoon. Its motley protagonists give life to homemade devices… and triumph over corporations whose factory-made devices end lives.