DbcultAccessing Vault...
3.5/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 3.5/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. L'auberge du Petit-Dragon remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Honestly, if you have a soft spot for 1930s French cinema and don't mind a bit of narrative whiplash, go for it. It’s light, it’s loud, and it moves faster than you’d expect for something nearly a century old.
If you need a movie that makes logical sense or treats its characters like actual human beings rather than chess pieces in a frantic game of tag, you’re probably going to hate it. It's not trying to be high art, and thank goodness for that.
There’s a specific kind of joy in watching L'auberge du Petit-Dragon. It’s all about the rhythm. Characters fly through hallways, secrets are blurted out in the worst possible moments, and there is an abundance of people wearing hats while looking confused.
I found myself actually laughing when a character tried to hide behind a curtain that was clearly too small for them. It’s silly. It’s basic. It works.
It reminds me a bit of the frenetic energy in Divorce Among Friends, though this one feels like it’s having a bit more fun with the absurdity of it all. There’s no point in trying to trace the logic of the plot. Just let the doors keep slamming.
I did get distracted by the background extras at one point. There’s a guy in the lobby who just stands there for an entire scene, holding a suitcase like he’s waiting for a bus that’s never going to arrive. Was he supposed to be there? Does it matter? Probably not.
There’s a moment near the middle where the film just stops caring about its own stakes. It’s a bold choice, or maybe they just ran out of film stock. Either way, it’s refreshing. It’s nowhere near as grounded as School Pals, but it isn't trying to be.
It’s a bit messy. It’s definitely imperfect. But for a quick hit of old-school charm? It hits the spot just fine. 🎬