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Banzaï poster
6.2 / 10(200 votes)IMDb19831h 42mFrance

Banzaï

Synopsis

Michel works there manically solving people's problems over the phone. He is about to tie the knot with his girl friend Isabelle, an airline hostess. She flies all over the world, he hates to leave the office. A series of madcap mishaps involving theft or injury (as you would expect in his line of work) ensues after Michel promises Isabelle nothing will delay their marriage and she promises in turn that she's done flying. Once this unlikely promise is made, it becomes premise and both are forced into escalating white lies to maintain the appearance of keeping their word. Their predicament mounts as Isabelle is forced to do a few more flights, while Michel is compelled to travel to New York, Tunisia, and finally Hong Kong, where they are finally reunited in the throes of a contrived and hilarious drug deal involving a 747, water taxi chases, and martial arts.

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

November 11, 1983

Wide Cinema Exhibition

4K UHD / Blu-ray Debut

November 22, 2017

Physical Home Media

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Claude Zidi
Screenplay & Story
Claude Zidi
Original Score
Vladimir Cosma
Original Title
Banzaï
Country of Origin
France
Spoken Languages
French
Runtime
1h 42m
Production Studios
Renn Productions

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Claude Zidi

Screenplay & Story

Claude Zidi, Didier Kaminka, Michel Fabre

Original Score & Music

Vladimir Cosma

Director of Photography

Jean-Jacques Tarbès

Film Editing

Nicole Saunier

Producers

Pierre Grunstein, Claude Berri

Department Leadership Roster

Claude Zidi

Claude Zidi

Director

Jean-Jacques Tarbès

Director of Photography

Claude Zidi

Claude Zidi

Screenplay

Vladimir Cosma

Vladimir Cosma

Original Music Composer

Nicole Saunier

Editor

Claude Berri

Claude Berri

Producer

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

International Certification Matrix

Germany (FSK)12

FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.

France (CNC)U

Tous publics — Universal audience.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for Banzaï.

Featured In Curated Collections

Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Banzaï.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Banzaï

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is Banzaï about?

Michel works there manically solving people's problems over the phone. He is about to tie the knot with his girl friend Isabelle, an airline hostess. She flies all over the world, he hates to leave the office. A series of madcap mishaps involving theft or injury (as you would expect in his line of work) ensues after Michel promises Isabelle nothing will delay their marriage and she promises in turn that she's done flying. Once this unlikely promise is made, it becomes premise and both are forced into escalating white lies to maintain the appearance of keeping their word. Their predicament mounts as Isabelle is forced to do a few more flights, while Michel is compelled to travel to New York, Tunisia, and finally Hong Kong, where they are finally reunited in the throes of a contrived and hilarious drug deal involving a 747, water taxi chases, and martial arts.

Who directed Banzaï?

Banzaï was directed by Claude Zidi.

Who stars in Banzaï?

The principal cast of Banzaï includes Coluche, Valérie Mairesse, Marthe Villalonga, Rabah Loucif, Didier Kaminka.

When was Banzaï released and how long is it?

Banzaï was released in 1983 with a total runtime of 1h 42m.

Who composed the musical score for Banzaï?

The original motion picture soundtrack for Banzaï was composed by Vladimir Cosma.

What is the age rating and content advisory for Banzaï?

Banzaï holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); FR: U (Tous publics — Universal audience.).