Watch La Cage aux Folles

La Cage aux Folles is a French-Italian comedy film released in 1978. Directed by Edouard Molinaro, the movie is based on a play of the same name by Jean Poiret. The movie is considered to be one of the most influential LGBT films to have ever been made. The plot focuses on the story of two men, Renato (Ugo Tognazzi) and Albin (Michel Serrault), who are a gay couple living in Saint-Tropez, France. Renato is the owner of a nightclub called La Cage aux Folles, which is famous for its drag queen shows. Albin is the star performer of the club, known by the stage name of Zaza.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Renato's son, Laurent (Remy Laurent), comes to visit him along with his fiancée, Andrea (Luisa Maneri). Laurent is the product of a short-lived affair between Renato and a woman, and has never met his father's partner, Albin. Renato and Albin soon realize that Laurent's future in-laws, who are ultra-conservative politicians, are coming to visit them to discuss the wedding plans.

Renato and Albin need to quickly come up with an idea to impress the conservative family members who do not approve of their lifestyle. They decide to get rid of everything in their apartment that may be considered "too gay," including Albin's collection of dresses and wigs.

The comedy in the film is mostly derived from the interactions between Renato and Albin, and how they react to the situation they find themselves in. Michel Serrault delivers an outstanding performance as Albin, with his flamboyant personality and impeccable comic timing stealing the show.

One of the most notable aspects of the movie is its portrayal of homosexuality. Despite being made in the late 1970s, a time when homosexuality was still largely taboo, the movie treats the subject sensitively and with a great deal of humor. The relationship between Renato and Albin is portrayed as a normal and loving one, and the film ridicules those who have narrow-minded views about homosexuality.

The movie was a big box office success in France and went on to earn critical acclaim around the world. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Costume Design. Although it did not win any of them, the film has since become a cult classic and is considered a landmark in LGBT cinema.

The cast, which also includes Claire Maurier as Renato's ex-wife, delivers excellent performances throughout the movie. The chemistry between Tognazzi and Serrault is impeccable, and they bring a warmth to their characters that makes it hard not to root for them.

The film's direction is also noteworthy, with Molinaro doing an excellent job of balancing the comedic and dramatic elements of the story. The movie's pacing is perfect, with the humor never feeling forced or over the top.

Overall, La Cage aux Folles is a fantastic comedy movie that has stood the test of time. It is a landmark in LGBT cinema and a testament to the fact that love knows no boundaries. The movie may be over 40 years old, but it is still as fresh and relevant today as it was back in 1978. If you're in the mood for a heartwarming and hilarious comedy, then La Cage aux Folles is definitely worth checking out.

La Cage aux Folles is a 1978 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 61.