OSS 117: Le Caire Nid d'Espions (OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies) (2006)

76% of critics liked it
(58 reviews)
73% of users liked it
(6,647 ratings)

OSS 117: Cairo -- Nest of Spies constitutes the eighth installment in a long-running series of movies about OSS 117 (the government code name for Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath) -- a French super-spy and European equivalent of James Bond. The creation of author Jean Bruce, OSS eventually starred in… More OSS 117: Cairo -- Nest of Spies constitutes the eighth installment in a long-running series of movies about OSS 117 (the government code name for Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath) -- a French super-spy and European equivalent of James Bond. The creation of author Jean Bruce, OSS eventually starred in over 265 novels and seven cinematizations through 1970. The first seven film outings were sober and straight-faced; the eighth go-round (the first after a 38-year lapse) does a 180 to shamelessly poke fun of the rules established by the genre. A glib yet intelligent spoof, it joins the ranks of Our Man Flint (1965), Aghaye Hallou (1970), Mad Mission 3: Our Man from Bond Street (1984), and other international pictures that glibly satirize the subgenre made infamous to Americans by Bond; like Mad Mission 3, it even packs in an OSS 117 (Jean Dujardin) with a startling resemblance to Sean Connery. The film's comic conceit involves making OSS 117 arrogant, conceited, culturally insensitive, chauvinistic, and thoroughly moronic (he pretends that various cultural institutions and religious practices, for instance, are nonexistent if he is unfamiliar with them); yet the character somehow manages to slide through outrageously dangerous situations unscathed, time and again. The teaser prologue finds OSS 117 in Berlin, where he outwits the Nazis by stealing vital documents from them, hijacks an Axis plane in mid-nosedive, and saves himself and the craft at the last yawning moment. Ten years later, he journeys from Rome to Cairo, where he investigates the death of a fellow agent, posing as the proprietor of a chicken farm. His "side" activities during this jaunt involve hammering out a peace arrangement for the Middle East, keeping tabs on the Suez Canal, and monitoring the Russians. Jean-François Halin scripted the film, maintaining an utterly deadpan tone throughout; Michel Hazanavicius directed. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 39 min.
Directed By: Michel Hazanavicius
Written By: Jean François Halin
Genres: Action & Adventure, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: May 9, 2008 Wide
On DVD: Nov 7, 2006
Studio: Music Box Films

Critic Reviews

Joshua Katzman, Chicago Reader
This French comedy fondly lampoons both the popular French spy movies adapted from Jean Bruce's novels in the 1950s and '60s and the colonialist era they were set in.
Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
I have never been a particular admirer of either James Bond or Austin Powers, and could hardly be expected to be overjoyed by a 'cross between them.' Hence, I was hardly surprised when I didn't crack a smile over the antics of Mr. Jean Dujardin.
Richard Nilsen, Arizona Republic
A lame comedy with a few decent laughs and several yawn-spawning set pieces that don't really go anywhere.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
The French-made movie travels familiar ground, with a nod as well to Airplane!, Top Secret and that whole genre. Even compared to them, it pushes things just a little -- not too far, but toward the loony.
Sid Smith, Chicago Tribune
French cinema's reputation for subtlety goes up in smoke with OSS 117: Cairo Nest of Spies, a movie whose satire proves as lame as its clunky title.
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
A witty French espionage comedy that affectionately spoofs 1970s Eurospy thrillers.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A lowbrow spy spoof that can only go so far with such a silly plot.
David Parkinson, Empire Magazine
Infinitely superior to Get Smart.
Wally Hammond, Time Out
This light-hearted pastiche is a recommended antidote to 'Quantum of Solace'.
Trevor Johnston, Film4
Notwithstanding a willing central performance from Dujardin, the film simply lacks the comedic savoir-faire to leave us shaken, stirred or even reasonably amused.
Kevin Maher, Times [UK]
Impeccable standards, far above anything you'd expect from the parody genre.
Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]
In a week of overblown, unappetising or disappointing films, this makes a refreshing change. And how interesting to be offered a French movie that doesn't come straight from the "arthouse" stable.
Rob Daniel, Sky Movies
The amusingly cumbersomely titled OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies is about ten minutes too long for a great plot to gag ratio, but there are enough smart chuckles here to make the promised sequel worth looking forward to.
, Total Film
Despite a number of hilarious set-pieces, the stupidity never spoils the intrigue and by playing the pastiche game better than Austin Powers, this is an unexpected pleasure.
Matthew Turner, ViewLondon
Beautifully made, superbly written and frequently hilarious comedy that plays like a French version of Get Smart (the original series), with a terrific comic performance from Jean Dujardin.
Marc Savlov, Austin Chronicle
Leave it to the French to beat us at our own bizarrely self-reflexive comic shenanigans. OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies is a model of smart, often very silly, but never, ever stupid comic perfection.
Robert W. Butler, Kansas City Star
Those looking for big laughs will leave disappointed. OSS 117 barely qualifies as comic.
Jim Lane, Sacramento News & Review
...slick and funny, a pitch-perfect spoof...
Richard Knight, Windy City Times
A charming French spy farce replete with homoerotic undertones

Read all 19 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Spencer S

The first of the new OSS 117 films, this was the first ever collaboration between Michel Hazanivicius, his wife Berenice Bejo, and the impressive star, studly Jean Dujardin. Though I did like the second of these films better, there is such an amazing style, energy and creative blend… More
The first of the new OSS 117 films, this was the first ever collaboration between Michel Hazanivicius, his wife Berenice Bejo, and the impressive star, studly Jean Dujardin. Though I did like the second of these films better, there is such an amazing style, energy and creative blend to this film. The scenery, the look of this film is pointedly OSS original, taking something from the old spy series from the sixties and also being something new and beautiful. The lead character is sexist, egotistical, and stupid (not ignorant. That's forgivable.) While most parody spy films have the bumbling lead given understanding, OSS is shot at, kidnapped, and shown no mercy, even in the face of his romantic lead, portrayed by the gorgeous Berenice Bejo. I loved the myriad of plot, the humor, the music, the picturesque views that are oh so clean and bright. It looks and feels like the Brits' James Bond films while having the suave texture and feel of the French cinema, and the humor of a Steve Martin film from the seventies, almost fitting with the time period of this film. In short, the plot wavers between interesting and insanely confusing, if only because I do not have the attention span to look between Jean Dujardin being the goofy lead and the villain putting on a sneer while delivering his seminal evil genius speech. Really, it's again Dujardin who steals the show from the wiley temptresses and the melodramatic Nazis. It's his toothy grin and duplicitous insults that make this film into a very lewd comedy, though he does spar with Bejo a number of times, and seems reverent of his co-stars with maturity and childlike wonder. I look forward to more collaborations between Hazanavicius and Dujardin, as they have now made at least three films together, all of which I have found light and captivating. Hopefully Dujardin will have a sprawling career as the comedic relief, stupid and charming all at once.
Ross C

Marvellous. Who knew the French had a sense of humour? Daniel Craig eat your heart out. Keeps getting better every time I watch it - a sign of a true classic. A fantastic piece of historical satire with a charismatic lead - à votre service!
Carlos M

A clever, witty spoof on spy movies that perfectly recreates the looks of the Cinema in the late '50s, mainly the special effects. Dujardin is hilarious as the stupid, condescending French spy of the title, in a film that smartly plays with the conventions of the genre.
Robert C

Very ammusing spy parody. A sort of homage to 007. "Mad Men" meets "Austin Powers" meets "The Pink Panther", without the potty humor, slap-stick and goofy site gags. This was released in 2006, but the attention to detail is so amazing, you'll… More
Very ammusing spy parody. A sort of homage to 007. "Mad Men" meets "Austin Powers" meets "The Pink Panther", without the potty humor, slap-stick and goofy site gags. This was released in 2006, but the attention to detail is so amazing, you'll swear your watching a film from the 1950's-60's. Great sets, costumes etc. The cast is perfect and Jean Dujardin is impeccable as French super agent OSS 117, the perfect mix a sauve, sexy, nerdy, naive, clever and often inappropriate, but always charming. And he does what is quite possibly the best Sean Connery impersenation I have ever seen (without having to resort to "doing the voice" as most people do). An enjoyable little romp. I look forward to his next adventure in Rio!
Richard C

Suprisingly really funny. B
Gordon A

Lovingly crafted French homage to Sean Connery era Bond crossed with Pink Panther (and more worringly Mr Bean). Sharp 50's detail and committed deadpan delivery increase its charm. Unusual treat.
Anthony L

This is a spoof of the old 1950s/1960s OSS 117. It's fair to compare it to the original Casino Royale and the Pink Panther series but 'Cairo, Nest of Spies' is much more subtle and all the better for it. Michel Hazanavicius's direction is good and the supporting… More
This is a spoof of the old 1950s/1960s OSS 117. It's fair to compare it to the original Casino Royale and the Pink Panther series but 'Cairo, Nest of Spies' is much more subtle and all the better for it. Michel Hazanavicius's direction is good and the supporting cast are all very capable but it's Jean Dujardin who really steals the show. He has truly mastered the art of physical comedy and I think he's an actor to look out for. Although OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies doesn't always hit the mark, when it is funny, it's very funny! Please don't be put off by the subtitles!
Bruce B

One of the best Eurospy Films I have seen. A cross between James Bond and Pink Panther, guess you could say a Spaghetti Spy Film. A 5 star film, this has action, drama, and comedy mixed in it. I look forward to many more OSS 117 Films. Jean Dujardin plays Agent OSS 117 and does an… More
One of the best Eurospy Films I have seen. A cross between James Bond and Pink Panther, guess you could say a Spaghetti Spy Film. A 5 star film, this has action, drama, and comedy mixed in it. I look forward to many more OSS 117 Films. Jean Dujardin plays Agent OSS 117 and does an excellent job. Really enjoyed when he was part of the band playing the oud. If you like the Spy Films of the 1960-1980 time frame you will get a kick out of this. On the Funny Scale its a 10 out of 10. Trust me on this one you will not be sorry. 5 Stars
Eric H

Before "The Artist" made him the current critic's darling, Michel Hazanavicius made this fun homage to the spy movies of the sixties. As with his latest work this looks just like it was shot in the period it references. "Austin Powers" fans should avoid, the… More
Before "The Artist" made him the current critic's darling, Michel Hazanavicius made this fun homage to the spy movies of the sixties. As with his latest work this looks just like it was shot in the period it references. "Austin Powers" fans should avoid, the jokes are far too esoteric and referential for mainstream audiences. The running time could be pruned a bit but it's an enjoyable diversion.
Walter M

[font=Century Gothic]In "OSS 117: Cairo - Nest of Spies," it is 1955 and Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath(Jean Dujardin), aka secret agent OSS 117(Not his IQ, trust me. That's much lower.), intercepts an envelope from Princess Al Tarouk(Aure Atrika), the niece of the… More
[font=Century Gothic]In "OSS 117: Cairo - Nest of Spies," it is 1955 and Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath(Jean Dujardin), aka secret agent OSS 117(Not his IQ, trust me. That's much lower.), intercepts an envelope from Princess Al Tarouk(Aure Atrika), the niece of the deposed King Farouk of Egypt. The envelope contains a photo of Hubert's close friend and former partner, Jack Jefferson(Philippe Lefebvre) lying dead, having been murdered. Hubert is assigned the case to work undercover in Cairo to find Jack's killer, a missing Russian freighter and if he has any spare time left bring peace to the Middle East. His contact there is Jack's former secretary, Larmina El Akmar Betouche(Berenice Bejo), whose father was killed while playing paddleball...[/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]"OSS 117: Cairo - Nest of Spies" is an enjoyable and funny spoof with some truly memorable bits, most of which involve chickens. But since these chickens may be symbolic, the movie has more on its mind than just being a generic parody(I know satires can be political but can a parody?) of a Cold War spy thriller about a steel-jawed hero with a beautiful woman under each arm. But where this film differs is in reversing the politics of those old movies by intentionally making the hero an insensitive and ignorant clod. To be perfectly honest, Hubert is not totally useless, nor is he totally incompetent. But he prefers his fists to using his mind.(Sound familiar anyone?) In the end, actions have repercussions, especially in the events surrounding the Suez Crisis, with so much at stake, not only for the western powers, but also for the rapidly growing nationalism in Egypt.[/font]
Joey S

A surprisingly hilarious French comedy from the director of The Artist, the humor in this movie translates flawlessly. The best way I can describe is that it is essentially a combination of The Pink Panther and James Bond. Jean Dujardin plays a very stupid spy who goes to Cairo to… More
A surprisingly hilarious French comedy from the director of The Artist, the humor in this movie translates flawlessly. The best way I can describe is that it is essentially a combination of The Pink Panther and James Bond. Jean Dujardin plays a very stupid spy who goes to Cairo to investigate the disappearance of another spy. It stars Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo, the two stars of The Artist, and is directed by Michel Hazanavicius too. The movie's humor is far from subtle, but it pokes fun at the spy genre in hilarious fashion. As long as you don't mind reading subtitles, this is a very funny and clever comedy by an incredibly talented director.
meril l

Watched it without subtitles so I missed a lot of the plot... but that's ok! It was still really goofy, and though I don't (yet) know the source material, it was a great spoof of the spy genre. Jean Dujardin as the ridiculously inept OSS 117 was electrifying.
William G

A slight, amusing Bond riff.
Angela A

That was some extreme silliness. Utmost political incorrectness, but done in a satirical, almost bearable way.
Janice :

Has its moments, but more often dull than entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing the sequel nonetheles, since I have faith in Jean Dujardin and I know he has much more potential than this.