Zem's spirited evocation of Paris bohemia, fin-de-siecle style, has turned the film into a box-office hit in France, as well as exciting debate about race relations.

Visually handsome and for the most part thoroughly entertaining.

If it's not much good as biography, the film is huge fun as a political comedy about race and entertainment.

The clown acts themselves are of their time but feel fresh, kinetic and organic, delivered with energy and joie de vivre, a reminder of the beauty in the art of clowning around.