This is fascinating. It’s years since I saw La Haine, but it certainly stayed with me. Vincent Cassel’s raw performance reminded me of seeing Tim Roth on screen for the first time in Made in Britain (1982). I recently rewatched and it has similar themes. Time to rewatch La Haine I think!
I should watch French films more often. Recently. I watched a classical Egyptian movie based on the true story of a revolutionist against the French occupation in Algeria. From this, I gained a perspective, a different one from all the French movies you learn about Napoleon's greatness, this revealed a different side of the story. Although I've seen only a handful of French movies, this is one I look forward to watching and learning more about what it was like to deal with police brutality from a French perspective.
What's the Egyptian film called?! The French Rev is my favourite historical period and I know a little too much about Napoleon lol, but most of the sources I have encountered are either French or British, so it would be fascinating to see the narrative from an Egyptian perspective.
But yes, La Haine is brutally honest, definitely worth a watch
It's called Jamila, the Algerian (1958)! Jamila is considered a symbol of resistance and is well-known in Arabic media as the woman who fought was shot, and endured hardships by the French forces in her native land. Many singers sang and poets wrote for her to encourage her and rebuild her resilience. I find her story absolutely fascinating and wish more people knew about her!
I saw the movie when it came out and it stayed with me all these years. I'm dismayed to see how relevant it remains today and how little has changed. And don't get me started on the RN, France's facist party! I hated Le Pen père when I was a teenager, and I hate his daughter and her cohort today. I lived through trump in the US and moved back to France right on time to see the RN inches away from power - yay lucky me... In any cases, your breakdown of the movie and France's ailments is right on point, bravo
Oh thank you. I'm massively interested in French history / culture and spent much of my time at university researching it, but I'm always a little worried that my perspective is skewed due to language / locational barriers. So I'm glad I haven't misrepresented anything here!
But yes, the general shift towards the right in recent years is a worrying trend across Europe..
I thought your breake down was on point. If I may, I would recommend using the word “projects” when translating “banlieue,” as “suburb” carries a completely different image for an US audience, even if you explain the economic and ethnic context like you did. Just a thought :)
I did wonder how best to phrase that one. 'Projects' wasn't really a term I'd come across until I studied French culture, but I also didn't realise 'subburb' had difference connotations in the US. I'll find a way of rewording it so hopefully it's clear to everyone haha, thank you for this :)
This is fascinating. It’s years since I saw La Haine, but it certainly stayed with me. Vincent Cassel’s raw performance reminded me of seeing Tim Roth on screen for the first time in Made in Britain (1982). I recently rewatched and it has similar themes. Time to rewatch La Haine I think!
100% agree about Vincent Cassel, such a heart-wrenching performance. His internal conflict is wonderfully played out.
And I've never seen Made In Britain, but I'll definitely have to now!
This is a great review of the movie, Lucy. Thank you very much for writing it!
It's been a while since I saw it but I'll hopefully go back and watch it again soon!
Thank you! It's a superb film
Fascinating modern social context. Such a great article, thanks.
Thanks! It was so interesting (and worrying) to see just how much our current society is reflected in La Haine
I should watch French films more often. Recently. I watched a classical Egyptian movie based on the true story of a revolutionist against the French occupation in Algeria. From this, I gained a perspective, a different one from all the French movies you learn about Napoleon's greatness, this revealed a different side of the story. Although I've seen only a handful of French movies, this is one I look forward to watching and learning more about what it was like to deal with police brutality from a French perspective.
What's the Egyptian film called?! The French Rev is my favourite historical period and I know a little too much about Napoleon lol, but most of the sources I have encountered are either French or British, so it would be fascinating to see the narrative from an Egyptian perspective.
But yes, La Haine is brutally honest, definitely worth a watch
It's called Jamila, the Algerian (1958)! Jamila is considered a symbol of resistance and is well-known in Arabic media as the woman who fought was shot, and endured hardships by the French forces in her native land. Many singers sang and poets wrote for her to encourage her and rebuild her resilience. I find her story absolutely fascinating and wish more people knew about her!
I saw the movie when it came out and it stayed with me all these years. I'm dismayed to see how relevant it remains today and how little has changed. And don't get me started on the RN, France's facist party! I hated Le Pen père when I was a teenager, and I hate his daughter and her cohort today. I lived through trump in the US and moved back to France right on time to see the RN inches away from power - yay lucky me... In any cases, your breakdown of the movie and France's ailments is right on point, bravo
Oh thank you. I'm massively interested in French history / culture and spent much of my time at university researching it, but I'm always a little worried that my perspective is skewed due to language / locational barriers. So I'm glad I haven't misrepresented anything here!
But yes, the general shift towards the right in recent years is a worrying trend across Europe..
I thought your breake down was on point. If I may, I would recommend using the word “projects” when translating “banlieue,” as “suburb” carries a completely different image for an US audience, even if you explain the economic and ethnic context like you did. Just a thought :)
I did wonder how best to phrase that one. 'Projects' wasn't really a term I'd come across until I studied French culture, but I also didn't realise 'subburb' had difference connotations in the US. I'll find a way of rewording it so hopefully it's clear to everyone haha, thank you for this :)
I regret to say that I've never seen La Haine. Fixing that this weekend!
Definitely do! Such a landmark film, and scarily relevant today!
Incredible film!
MAD how contemporary it feels despite its age, one of my favourites ! Shame French cinema still hasn’t woken up !
I know right?! These films have a massive cultural impact then.. nothing happens.. so sad