Rebelles

A delightful surprise from France! I didn’t expect the French to deliver an absurd and suspenseful ride reminiscent of the Coen brothers’ Fargo. At first, it seems like it’s going to be another typical European drama about a washed-up model returning to her roots. But then it takes a wild turn, and suddenly it’s a lot of fun. It doesn’t quite reach the heights or absurdity of Fargo, but it comes close enough, and I’m always here for something original like this. Normally, I’d give it three stars, but with Yolande Moreau in one of the rebel roles — who already wowed me with her comedic chops this year — I’m bumping it up to four. (06/30/2021)

Strangely enough, I laughed quite a bit, even though the humor was often on the simple side. I enjoyed the setting of the fish cannery the most, where some quite interesting situations unfolded. The performances of the central trio, played by the hitherto unheralded Cécile de France, Yolande Moreau, and Audrey Lamy, were also impressive. Towards the end, the content felt quite far-fetched to me, but I definitely wasn't bored, and that counts for something. (70%) (07/04/2021)

I expected a little more from Rebels. It's not the typical funny French comedy, it's a little bit of an European gangster flick and it plays on a more serious note. In terms of story, the film offers nothing new, but fortunately it doesn't bore and can entertain on a boring afternoon. It's a film for undemanding viewers and the gentlemen can look forward to Cécile de France, who is still hot at 44. 60%. (09/03/2019)