The French film series "Les Tuche" has captivated audiences with its quirky characters and absurd humor since the release of the first film over a decade ago. With the new installment, "God Save the Tuche," hitting theaters this Wednesday, audiences are eager to revisit the franchise's beloved characters and comedic escapades. The first film, originally released back in 2011, is being re-aired tonight on TF1, providing fans with the perfect opportunity to refresh their memories.
The saga follows the misadventures of the Tuche family, particularly Jeff Tuche, portrayed by Jean-Paul Rouve, and his wife Cathy, played by Isabelle Nanty. The story begins as the family struggles to make ends meet on unemployment benefits until they hit the jackpot by winning the lottery. Their winnings propel them from their modest life in Bouzolles, Northern France, to the glitzy lifestyle of Monaco, challenging their values and relationships along the way.
"God Save the Tuche" promises to take the family's antics even farther as they head to England for more comical adventures. The film's release is eagerly anticipated, especially since previous installments have dramatically increased their box office receipts with each new addition. The first film made waves, recording 1.5 million admissions, followed by the sequel, "Le Rêve américain," which saw 4.6 million viewers, showcasing the growing popularity of the Tuche clan.
Critics had mixed reactions when the first film premiered, questioning its portrayal of working-class life and dismissing it as lowbrow humor. Jean-Paul Rouve has passionately defended the film against these critiques, stating, “It makes me crazy when people say, ‘They are just average folks.’ That sort of commentary puts you at a higher level, as if you’re superior to others, and I find it ridiculous.” During his interview on the show "C à vous," Rouve expressed his belief the Tuche family resonates with audiences because they feel relatable, stating, "I feel touched because the Tuches are like friends we know. It’s like we mock our own family."
Unfortunately, the sagas of the Tuche family don’t come without minor errors. Viewers have pointed out several continuity mistakes throughout the films, most infamously highlighted by the popular program "Faux Raccord". One such mistake appears at the end of the first film where an article about a lottery winner inexplicably shifts topics to contemporary Italian art, illustrating the slip-ups synonymous with many film productions, French or otherwise.
The cultural impact of the Tuche series is significant within French cinema, as evidenced by both box office performances and audience connection, marking them as staple features of contemporary comedic cinema. The creator, Olivier Baroux, attributes part of this success to the authentic relationships forged between the actors and their characters, which naturally inject humor and poignancy throughout the films.
A noteworthy anecdote shared about the series is its resemblance to iconic American sitcoms. Baroux has stated he sees parallels between the Tuche family and "The Simpsons," connecting both to the idea of eccentric family dynamics. This claim finds merit when considering the outlandish situations the Tuches find themselves, akin to the mischief of the Simpson family.
Looking forward, barrelling through the success of previous films, "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternituche" astonishingly broke records during its release, collecting over 5.6 million tickets sold. Yet, it's interesting to note the fourth film, delayed due to the pandemic, underperformed compared to its predecessors, garnering only 2.4 million admissions by the end of 2021. The fluctuations depict not just the series’ evolution but also how external factors such as timing affect audience reception.
Part of the charm of the Tuche films is their highly relatable satire of contemporary life. The juxtaposition of their absurd escapades against serious backdrops, such as their socio-economic standing achieved through luck rather than effort, resonates with viewers who often find themselves caught up within similar societal struggles, albeit with less whimsical outcomes.
Despite fluctuated reception, the series continues to be treasured by fans and solidifies its place within France’s comedic legacy. Anticipation surrounding "God Save the Tuche" speaks volumes about the impact it has had on French cinema and audience's hearts alike. "Les Tuche" has transcended its initial criticism to become not only culturally relevant but also beloved—a clear example of how film can reflect and inspire laughter amid the trials of daily life.