Banzaï (1983): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1983, Banzaï is a comedy film directed by Claude Zidi, running about 102 minutes.

What it’s 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’s in it. Banzaï stars Coluche as Michel Bernardin, Valérie Mairesse as Isabelle Morizet, Didier Kaminka as Paul, le cousin de Michel and François Perrot as Le président de "Planète Assistance", among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.3/10, Banzaï has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Banzaï page.

If you liked it. Fans of Banzaï tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.