The Stronghold

After The Connection, the skilful Cédric Jimenez serves up another true story, this time from the high-risk sector in Marseille, which is dominated by drug gangs and high crime. The film is quite similar to Les Misérables and I have a soft spot for films like that, so I had a great time. It's not as striking and raw, but the depressing atmosphere, frantic pace and excellent actors (Gilles Lellouche and François Civil are great) make it an above average film that turns from action and crime to drama at the end, but the intriguing denouement definitely makes it interesting. It's good that Netflix has bought good stuff from France again after a long time. Story 4/5, Action 3/5, Humor 0/5, Violence 2/5, Fun 4/5 Music 3/5, Visuals 3/5, Atmosphere 4/5, Suspense 3/5, Emotion 3/5, Actors 4/5. 7/10. (09/19/2021)

Just when I thought French cinema was on the decline, BAC Nord popped up on Netflix to prove me wrong. France, you’ve still got it. This gritty crime thriller throws you straight into raw, visceral action, introducing a crew that would take a bullet for each other. You know from the start that this bond is headed for a major snag, one that’s going to tear at your soul. The film boldly tackles the realities of no-go zones in Marseilles, delivering an intensity and authenticity in its action that I haven't seen from the French in years. It’s critical of the issues, yet still embraces the cultural mix that defines modern France. The world is so deeply woven into their culture that even Babylon would fall short of capturing it. This movie doesn’t shy away from showing you what life in that multicultural bubble is really like. By the end, I was left feeling torn apart. (09/27/2021)

It is so loosely based on those events that it has almost nothing in common. Like really nothing. This doesn't really matter, as the strength of the adaptation is in an honest "gritty crime in the best spirit of the French school" genre, which takes a likeable turn for the dramatic in the final quarter. Exactly what you'd imagine after Jimenez's previous "crime in Marseille", which is good, because that one was bloody great. (09/20/2021)

If you saw the French Les Misérables from last year, then expect a film with a similar focus. Personally, I’m surprised that the French are not afraid to make a movie that somewhat undermines their image in the eyes of their neighbors. This film once again depicts the helplessness of police forces in the most troubled neighborhoods (and this is not just an issue in the city of Marseille). During a few moments, I physically felt ill from the omnipresent despair in which the main characters are literally and figuratively drowning. Otherwise, Cédric Jimenez earned his reputation with The Connection, and here he proved his undeniable qualities in directing and screenwriting. Gilles Lellouche is excellent! That 20-minute raid on the ghetto in the middle of the film is probably one of the most intense parts of The Stronghold; at times, I forgot to breathe :D The second half was slower in pace but still had a lot to offer. The ending was satisfying. It’s filmmaking at its best. 7.5/10 (09/25/2021)