Direction that is astoundingly good.  Inventive touches throughout and tremendous narrative clarity make this 80 year old film seem as if it could have been made yesterday.

  A message movie in the most amusing and positive way -- Despite the inevitable ups and downs, never take life too seriously;  If the pursuit of love lets you down your friends will lift you up;  If industrialized work is more prison-like than prison itself, automate and go-fishing.

  Story is a soufflé as only the French could concoct, with universal appeal.  A hybrid of farce, some Les Miserable and social criticism that betters the best of silent Chaplin.

        » Brent Chastain, Top3films.com