I saw this movie first when I was 12. Revisiting it 25 years later, I could now reassess and reaffirm what I already knew: it's simply best in class! Nobody can do comedy like the French (sorry Hollywood, it's in their culture since Moliere, before America even existed), and this is one of the best French comedies ever. But it's not just the hilarious scenes (of which there are plenty; the short tea-for-two Turkish baths scene is a masterpiece), but every single element of it shines: the story, the timeless De Funes/Bourvil duo, the gorgeous scenery, the score, the universal appeal with not just French but also British actors and the sense of camaraderie that creates... But above all, the unbridled optimism that permeates every single shot, making the entire film such an uplifting experience! Feeling depressed, lonely, aggressive? Watch this movie! Show it to all kids as they grow up and the world will become a better place!
