This movie surely has some stories to tell. There are several layers and morals that enroll throughout the plot. Generally, I think that the plot is the strong point of this title, presenting something you didn't see in that way probably.As a matter of fact, I don't see many obvious weaknesses. It is quite long but that somehow fits the more subtle and quiet tone of the film. But of course, that also characterizes the movie. There are no huge turnarounds or breathtaking actions, you merely see people voluntarily ruining themselves.A film that can make you think, a film that isn't as scandalous as it is put in my eyes, yet surely not a film for everybody. But if you take your time and give it a serious chance, this movie has a lot to offer.

There is no question that many of us are slowly committing suicide by overeating, but the idea of eating until you die is probably a very unpleasant way to go.Yet, four men, three-time Oscar nominee Marcello Mastroianni, four time César nominee Michel Piccoli, two time César winner, and three more nomination, and a BAFTA winner Philippe Noiret, and Golden Globe nominee Ugo Tognazzi, join together to eat themselves to death.They are eventually joined by two time César nominee Andréa Ferréol and three whores because Marcello, the airline pilot, cannot manage without them.Needless to say, they eat and eat, engage in eating contests, and make expected noises when their bellies are full. They are constantly cooking and eating, when they are not doing things like using a manifold as a dildo.Michel gets constipated and what do they do? They manipulate him until he is relieved and then feed him more. The three whores finally get disgusted with the constant eating and leave. Just the four men and the teacher (Ferréol) remain.It gets a little creepy after two die and the rest go with them sitting there watching. But they do not last long, as they eat themselves to death.The film is quite funny at times, grotesque at times, and sad that excess is celebrated.The first-rate cast all gave excellent performances.

Four individuals plan to eat themselves to death at a retreat surrounded by women and non-stop catering. Throughout the film each character philosophizes, make sexual innuendos, have sex, and gorge themselves in one vice or another in every scene.I've seen the film a few times and it remains enjoyable. Each character has their own traits and different ways of exiting life. Prostitutes come and go yet a female school teacher decides to join the horde until the very end.Sadean to the core, without the pessimism, their hedonistic lifestyles continue until their bodies (or mind) can no longer take it.A satire of course, but given the time it was filmed can probably be looked at in a few ways. Three of the four characters greatly enjoyed their time even when facing death. Half expecting to see them have a revelation or biting realization on life, instead they continued on the same path. Kind of hard to have a satire without some sort of tragic ending or change in plans of the patronized characters.Not a masterpiece but worth seeing. The film is even strangely erotic. I don't think it comes together as a full fledged mock of society either. I dare one male to deny he would not enjoy a weekend at a retreat such as this.

It's not the purpose of death using the pleasures of food and sex as the ultimate sin. It's the cynicism used against the great value of life, the spirit. These 4 people and the women involved are figures, most respected in our society. From captains to judges, to teachers and dancers, all these people seem to turn exclusively to flesh, ignoring the values of the mind and thought, as it were completely unimportant!Are they right, or wrong? They don't care, nor the audience. What it matters the most is the way it's done rather the cause of it. The food and sex, both represent the ultimate good in life, the birth and as it is used to provoke death, seems to become a great innovative aspect of sin which rarely has been used elsewhere (also represented in a Greek film called "tempelides of Eforis koiladas")Finally if we must wonder ourselves the reasons this suicide is meant to be committed, we must first answer to our own reasons for living! Why are continue supporting a social system which is based in violent survival hunting? Why we categorise life as ethical and unethical and most important why every action we take is good or evil?Death as life are so pointless, equally to mind and flesh. There's nothing left to remember, apart the joys of the present...