, originally titled and later known as , is a French Mini-series directed by Alex Pilot and produced by Buki X-4 Productions from 2000 to 2013 (with a hiatus between 2004 and 2012). It is an homage to Toei's popular Super Sentai series, which was extremely popular in France in the 1980s and the 1990s. As a nod to Super Sentai titles having certain motifs, France Five has each member themed after certain aspects of French culture.
There have been four half-hour episodes of France Five produced. The fifth episode aired on May 5, 2012, during a projection in Paris, and also premiered in June for Japan and the French television, Nolife, created by the creators of France Five. The episode includes a preview of the sixth and final episode.
This series is said to be a nod to another Sentai pastiche, Aikoku Sentai Dai-Nippon (Patriot Squadron Great Japan) (1982) by Daicon Films (now Gainax).
The series has become somewhat popular in Japan as well, with singer Akira Kushida singing an original theme for the series starting with episode 4. Prior to that point, the themes were French remixes of older Sentai theme songs (Choujin Sentai Jetman and Choudenshi Bioman) as well as an original French theme.
Story
Glou Man Chou, ruler of the Lexos Empire, desires to conquer planet Earth. However, the Eiffel Tower generates a barrier around the planet that keeps him from sending his armies en masse. Glou Man Chou sends his warriors and monsters to Earth to destroy the tower and enable a full-scale invasion, but they are opposed by France Five.
In the fourth episode, the shield is disabled and Lexos's army is shown prepared to invade the planet. Professor Burgonde is captured and France Five go in hiding. In episode 5, France Five reappear to battle Lexos, but they are overpowered by Zakaral and his generals. After being freed from captivity by France Five and his robot assistant Margarine, Professor Burgonde initiates a top-secret program in France Five's system as a last-ditch effort to save them.
Characters
France Five
"En garde! Jūshi Sentai France Five!"/ "France Five!, En garde!"
Antoine Deschaumes/Red Fromage: A skilled boxer and leader of France Five. A very patriotic person who takes his duty seriously, he hardly ever laughs. Thierry Durand/Black Beaujolais: The son of a rich winemaker in the Beaujolais region, he rejected his family heritage to live a rebellious life, which often clashes with Red Fromage's authority. Albert Dumas/Blue Accordéon: The son of a musician, he is the comic relief of the team. Jean Pétri/Yellow Baguette: A bread baker and the youngest member of the team. Catherine Fontaine/Pink à la Mode: A fashion model who is very critical of cleanliness, much to the team's dismay. Aramis Leclair/Silver Mousquetaire: The mysterious warrior in the tradition of the Super Sentai franchise's "sixth warriors". Aramis is also an old friend of Antoine. He died protecting Antoine from a laser shot in Episode 4, and his spirit reappears in Episode 6.
Allies
Professor Aristide Burgonde: Creator of France Five's suits and mecha. He is an ethnologist, veterinarian and a robotology diploma holder. He secretly developed France Five in conjunction with the French Ministry of Defense. Margarine: Professor Burgonde's robot assistant. She was killed in Episode 6 by a piece of Antoine's broken sword thrown by Zakaral. Sylvie Dumas: A French tour guide who is Albert's sister.
Mecha
Jet Charlemagne: Flying fortress, carries the Falcon D'Artagnan and the Joan of Arc Mont. Falcon D'Artagnan and Joan of Arc Mount: Vehicles that combine into the France-Robot. A new, standalone France Robot appears in the final episode. Machine Chanteclerc: Silver Mousquetaire's rooster mecha. In the final episode, it combines with the new France Robot into the Robot D'Artagnan.