Inspector Lavardin: The Kimstim Collection [DVD]

Inspector Lavardin, played by Jean Poiret, is a dapper, quick-witted man who also can be rather nasty when he comes across people trying to thwart him in his quest for justice. There are two "cinema" release movies here and two so-called "TV" movies. The only difference I can see is their length may be a bit shorter for the TV movies. I have been dying to see these TV movies after seeing the other two Inspector Lavardin films, and they are just as good as the others. All four are directed by Claude Chabrol, who I think has a wonderful way to combine humor, everyday life, and murder, in a single film. I can't understand criticism of him and don't care. I may have watched one of his films I didn't like so much, but the rest have all earned a place in my heart.At first I thought this set was pricey (around $45 when I bought it), but for two blu rays with two films on each, in superb condition and therefore showing Chabrol's cinematography at their best, I was very happy with this set. Films are in French with English subtitles (optional). Hurry and get this set before it's gone, so you can find the exact time Lavardin wants his eggs cooked (and how many of them). Salut!

Seeing Claude Chabrol's name as director and co-screenwriter (with Dominique Roulet) attached to these Inspector Lavardin crime dramas was sufficient enough to tempt me. Noted for his many psychological crime films, often regarded as the Hitchcock of French cinema, Chabrol's films have always contained fascinating personalities and complex issues. And this series which I was not very familiar with has plenty of intriguing characters and unusual elements to them to keep you totally absorbed. There are two feature films and two made for French television dramas in this two-disc set. And they are all very good and if a bit slow at times, very much in the French style, the overall effect is very satisfying. And the settings, in quaint country villages and on the coast give these films an added boost. Jean Poiret as Lavardin has an often rather unorthodox approach to solving crimes and a personality that may not appeal to all but Poiret has created an always interesting and unforgettable character. Don't expect another Maigret on the job!

It is unclear to me why people who should stick with mainstream Hollywood fare spend money and time to watch imported films. This is in reference to all the negative reviews. Chambrol's inspector in this movie is a God like figure who can figure out anything, provides absolution to some characters and condemns others, not necessarily for their actual crimes. I do not want to give away the story but until the very end we have no idea what the actual conclusion will be. The interesting detail is that the victim is a Catholic intellectual. This is a crime movie with cars that obey the speed limit and a single pistol that is never fired. The movie is propelled by character building and unexpected twists. You have been warned.

Similar commentary as for Inspecteur Lavardin, "Poulet au vinaigre". I am unsure why this movie was even given subtitles and made available outside of France. Unless you are French and have lived through the 80s in France, or are fond and close to the French culture, this movie, with its simplicity, real people and its ability to capture the atmosphere of "deep France", will be somewhat of an enigma or plain boring for most viewers. Of course, there is no special effect, thousands of gun bullets, multiple explosions and blood everywhere which are the prerequisites of the nowadays generation. Personally, a small budget movie does more for me than multi-million special effects. Ex-president Chirac once said, perhaps in a somewhat regretful way, that no foreign culture really understands the French culture. This was not meant to be arrogant, but from my experience it is factual. So stay away, unless you like and are accustomed to "French police" movies.

This is a 1986 film, and you know, 1986 should not be filmed. Inspector Laravdin is an attractive man, played by Jean Poiret, but the acting, the storyline, the filming are all so passé.The inspector travels to a small French town to investigate the death of a wealthy Roman Catholic writer who is found murdered on a beach with the word pig written on his back. When Inspector Lavardin arrives to investigate, he discovers that the widow, Helene, is an old lover he hasn't seen in 20 years. In the course of his investigation, Lavardin iuncovers several skeletons in the closet.Not an interesting film at all. French film with English subtitles, which I prefer, by the way. Nothing to see here, folks, move along.Not Recommended. prisrob 07-11-14

This movie is entertaining. I'm trying to watch a lot of French movies to improve my language skills, and frankly I am sick of the ones that (a) end in the most horrible and sadistic way possible, (b) focus attention on their narcissistic directors, and/or (c) are pretentious in some postmodernist BS way. If you just want to be entertained, you might like this flick.

Les 4 films sont excellents mais d'après moi par ordre de qualité et d'intérêt. COQ AU VIN est le meilleur et MOTS CROISÉS est le moins bon des bons. Les 2 autres étant entre les deux. Excellent quand même et à voir!... je parle français et donc j'ai enlevé les sous-titres!...

Witty from beginning to end

Interesting to see this highly recommended film, but not as clever and gripping as I expected it to be being a fan of the work of Claude Chabrol.The crime investigation was made secondary to the character observations, which is typical of Chabrol and often works, but in this case the principal character, played by Jean Poiret, didn't quite convince.

No English subtitles as advertised.

Le début est visible puis de façon incompréhensible le cd ne peut être luC’est doublement frustrant puisque je n’ai pu voir la fin et que j’ai payé pour rienDonc mauvaise qualité du cd

J'ai vu ces films étant plus jeune et je les aimais bien, je suis donc ravi de les trouver en dvd des années plus tard.Un flic sans gêne, avec des méthodes pas toujours très légales, mais qui ne fait pas plus de cadeaux aux notables qu'aux simples citoyens, c'est ce que j'aime bien chez lui.De plus, il ne manque pas d'humour.

Ah, ce Jean Poiret! Que ce genre d'acteur manque au cinéma... On ne s'attardera pas trop sur l'enquête un peu convenue du film, l'important, ce sont les dialogues et le jeu de Poiret et ce cynisme si jouissif!