The Fugitives

Jean Lucas, freshly released from prison, is trying to leave his troubled past behind and lead a straight life. He wants quiet routines, honest work, to rebuild trust. But fate interrupts those plans when a hare-brained bank robber drags him into a siege. Caught in the crossfire, Lucas finds himself treated as though he is part of the crime rather than a victim, with every policeman and onlooker assuming he is pulling the strings. He can only protest his innocence while trying to stay calm and one step ahead of the chaos. The situation becomes a test of nerve and wit, forcing him to improvise in a world that refuses to see him as anything but a suspect.

Directed by Francis Veber, this French comedy pairs Pierre Richard with Gérard Depardieu in a brisk, character driven caper. Veber, known for his buddy style, crafts the film as a playful study in miscommunication and unlikely partnerships.

Even though it sits in Veber's prolific late 80s catalog, The Fugitives helped solidify the enduring chemistry between Richard and Depardieu and reinforced a popular image of the straight laced everyman forced into chaotic escapades. The setup echoes in later French comedies that stage ordinary men against extravagant schemes, turning mishaps into sharp social humor.

Critics generally welcomed the brisk pace and the performers' comic timing, noting Veber's knack for swapping tension with wit. The film centers on reinvention and misperception, asking how much a man can change and how quickly others read him wrong. It frames a lighthearted satire of judgment, trust, and the thin line between law and chaos.

No major awards or nominations are documented for The Fugitives, a title that remains more notable for its place in Veber's oeuvre and the Richard-Depardieu pairing than for accolades. The film is remembered for its playful premise and the solid chemistry it showcases.