I know none of the actors in this film BUT I have to say that I never took my eyes off of the screen for the whole film, from start to finish. There are so many feelings, moods and sentiments going on all the time, happiness, sadness, empathy, fear, etc, often all together. That it almost overwhelmed me. The three protaganists in this are all streetwise cops working in a part of France with a very high crime rate. It is a no-go area where officers are told not to enter and which houses every type of criminal committing every type of crime. The crims ARE the law but when the opportunity arrives one day for our three musketeers to start avenging matters NOTHING goes to plan. It made me reflect back to a real incident I was on the periphery of decades before, so raw and realistic were the incidents portrayed. Excellent acting and direction.
52 Reviews
Leverages Plenty of Grip...
Xstal27 October 2021
... with violence, brutality and anarchy leading the police and gangs into ruthless, confrontational battles in the neighbourhoods of northern Marseille. Inspired by reality, with cinematography, direction and a great story forming a vicelike hold that's hard to escape - especially when compounded through several standout performances that bind, unite, brace and support.
A true and sad story (in all ways)
d-delaunay25 July 2022
This police drama is inspired by the 2012 scandal in the Marseille anti-crime squad where eighteen people were prosecuted for drug trafficking and racketeering. Considered racist by some people, this film is for me a way to show the audience the rise of crime in the cities in France, and more particularly in Marseille, with also an ever increasing aggressiveness.
Feel bad for french cops
danilo_marchiori19 September 2021
Earthy ....grainy .....gritty
ambisai17 September 2021
What an actor: Gilles Lellouche!
alfonsoponcho29 September 2021
Nice movie, nice storytelling, nice shots and great acting. We're not very used to see actors like Gilles Lellouche, whose performance is so powerful. Loved that there's no need of clichés like an alcoholic cop or a flash of insight that suddenly helps the main character to solve the crime. I just felt the ending a little bit hollow.
Wow, such a well done French film based on true events.
Top_Dawg_Critic19 September 2021
Don't expect this to be some huge Hollywood blockbuster film, it's actually much better than that... if feels real.
This film is newb French writer and director Cédric Jimenez's 5th notch on his resume, and did he ever hit it out of the ballpark. The (true events) story was so well done and felt so realistic, you'd think you're right there where everything is happening. You'll be on the edge of your seat for much of the film. It sure is a rude awakening when you see how different politics, crime and policing can vary by country.
The 105 min runtime flew by with spot-on pacing. The story was told really well and effectively. There were only a few questionable scene transitions and/or editing issues.
The cinematography was great, the score and soundtrack (I saw the U. S. dubbed version) were excellent, and the casting and performances outstanding. I've never heard of or seen any of these actors, but man did they bring their A-game.
I'll be certainly recommending this little gem to everyone and most likely will watch it again. It's a well deserved 9/10 from me.
This film is newb French writer and director Cédric Jimenez's 5th notch on his resume, and did he ever hit it out of the ballpark. The (true events) story was so well done and felt so realistic, you'd think you're right there where everything is happening. You'll be on the edge of your seat for much of the film. It sure is a rude awakening when you see how different politics, crime and policing can vary by country.
The 105 min runtime flew by with spot-on pacing. The story was told really well and effectively. There were only a few questionable scene transitions and/or editing issues.
The cinematography was great, the score and soundtrack (I saw the U. S. dubbed version) were excellent, and the casting and performances outstanding. I've never heard of or seen any of these actors, but man did they bring their A-game.
I'll be certainly recommending this little gem to everyone and most likely will watch it again. It's a well deserved 9/10 from me.
Gritty
dierregi25 November 2021
Realistic enough story of three cops working in one of the worst areas in Marseille, who try to do the right thing using wrong methods and end up betrayed by their superiors.
Friends working in the police told me the plot is extremely realistic, since cops risk their life for a pittance and not only they are not thanked, but are reviled by society at large and humiliated by their hierarchy.
I watched this in the original French version and I heard some of the worst French language ever... but still, an interesting anthropological experience.
Friends working in the police told me the plot is extremely realistic, since cops risk their life for a pittance and not only they are not thanked, but are reviled by society at large and humiliated by their hierarchy.
I watched this in the original French version and I heard some of the worst French language ever... but still, an interesting anthropological experience.
Not entirely a crime movie.
searchanddestroy-118 August 2021
I expected something different, a pure crime action gritty flick, closer to LES MISERABLES. But it is not on the whole film. It is a crime movie, very brutal, for the first part, but for the second one, it becomes a drama; it's not the same film. But believe me, this feature is an awesome film, pulled by outstanding performances. Gilles Lelouche has never been better. In his role, he is his character, he doesn't play, HE IS HIS CHARACTER. And Cyril Lecomte is also very good in the "rat" role, a very usual character for him, a nasty, disgusting guy. Remember him in TRAVAIL D'ARABE, where he played a crook cheating on an old widow. The perfect traitor. Inspired from a true story. Olivier Marchal could not have made such a film, for the second part, I mean.
Very good movie
MovieIQTest21 December 2021
Some viewers said this movie sucks, poor acting, directing, screenplay... I was almost convinced before to give it a try. It turned out absolutely the opposite. Great acting, great directing, fantastic screenplay and storyline. The only thing that I regret is that I don't speak French, and the dialog/conversation between or among these actors were too fast to catch on completely in time. It also proved how good these actors were in this movie, they acted so natural, talked like they were actually who they are.
The other thing about these kinds of French movies that I always felt uneasy and uncomfortable is France through the lens doesn't look like the France I have been used to see, Paris or Marseille or wherever in France, just doesn't look it should be but a miserable 3rd world, an African city in Muslim country. What the hell is going on?
This movie to me is a great one. Highly recommended.
The other thing about these kinds of French movies that I always felt uneasy and uncomfortable is France through the lens doesn't look like the France I have been used to see, Paris or Marseille or wherever in France, just doesn't look it should be but a miserable 3rd world, an African city in Muslim country. What the hell is going on?
This movie to me is a great one. Highly recommended.
Raw but shallow
Nplus117 August 2021
Loosely inspired by actual events, the movie tries to show the image "behind" the headlines of a case related to the anti-crime squad in the Northern neighborhoods of Marseille (some of the roughest parts of the country). It has a certain "educational" value, allowing the general public to understand some of the complex aspects law enforcement has to deal with, the good, the bad and the ugly.
Although it has a good production value and manages to create a pretty authentic atmosphere, unfortunately it lacks depth. It raises some ethical questions, but does not insist too much (actually at all) on the social aspect, it doesn't search for reasons, it doesn't search for solutions, it just tells a story.
From this point of view I find "BAC Nord" less convincing and thought provoking than "Les Misérables" (Ladj Ly), which is kind of a shame because it feels like a missed opportunity.
Although it has a good production value and manages to create a pretty authentic atmosphere, unfortunately it lacks depth. It raises some ethical questions, but does not insist too much (actually at all) on the social aspect, it doesn't search for reasons, it doesn't search for solutions, it just tells a story.
From this point of view I find "BAC Nord" less convincing and thought provoking than "Les Misérables" (Ladj Ly), which is kind of a shame because it feels like a missed opportunity.
Gritty and realistic
hugues-talbot30 May 2022
This film tells the story of three French cops implicated in a big showdown with drug dealers in the city of Marseilles, in the south of France.
The acting and the direction are excellent. I honestly don't understand some of the reviews here that say either or both are lacking. The story is as close to true as possible, so if it appears unbelievable to some, I'm sorry, but they should get out more. The actors are very believable, so much so that this film caused quite a stir in France, with some politicians saying it was almost an extreme right-wing propaganda piece for their agenda.
Both the action part and the aftermath are thought provoking. An excellent film, thoroughly recommended.
The acting and the direction are excellent. I honestly don't understand some of the reviews here that say either or both are lacking. The story is as close to true as possible, so if it appears unbelievable to some, I'm sorry, but they should get out more. The actors are very believable, so much so that this film caused quite a stir in France, with some politicians saying it was almost an extreme right-wing propaganda piece for their agenda.
Both the action part and the aftermath are thought provoking. An excellent film, thoroughly recommended.
A tough-as-nails French cop drama...
tccandler18 September 2021
Also known as "BAC Nord", this French cop drama is a hard look inside the world of the poverty-stricken Marseille projects and its culture of drug crime and lawlessness. The film is well paced and very nicely acted by the entire cast. If there is one complaint, perhaps it is hard to find anyone to like or respect or admire amidst all the corruption.
Just the worst
mosullvn19 September 2021
If policing in France is like this then it is more similar to the US than I realized. Police officers who patrol immigrant neighbourhoods to harass the residents - check; policing crimes of poverty - check; abusing your power by bullying, breaking a 60-year old man's nose with impunity or making street vendors pay you with their wares - check.
And we're supposed to believe that their actions are due their frustration at not being able to truly help? Or that the neighbourhood has devolved into Baghdad and so their actions are justified? Seriously?! All this reveals is that the entire system of policing, their quotas, this fake "war on drugs" is set up to reward these behaviours. Don't try to sell me on this BS.
And we're supposed to believe that their actions are due their frustration at not being able to truly help? Or that the neighbourhood has devolved into Baghdad and so their actions are justified? Seriously?! All this reveals is that the entire system of policing, their quotas, this fake "war on drugs" is set up to reward these behaviours. Don't try to sell me on this BS.
A police viewpoint on urban poverty
daydreamers-7241411 February 2022
Three plainclothes cops have to arrange a drug-busting operation in the crime-ridden working class neighbourhoods of Marseilles. To obtain the required intel they need to give several kilograms of hashish to an informant; unable to use that in the police vault they start seizing drugs from small-time buyers, stashing them at home. The operation is a success but there will be a price to pay.
The film is put together well and the main actors are fantastic. However, it suffers because of its narrative and worldview: while the police claims it wants to help the neighbourhoods' inhabitants and to be their only hope these law-abiding citizens are never seen. Instead, the city is a wholly hostile body where everyone, man or woman, kid or adult, appears to be a pickpocketer, a smuggler or a dealer of some sort, and the only possible approach to policing is that of militarisation to 'break down' these people. Despite going for a realistic and gritty tone this is inevitably two-dimensional and only shares one side of the story. Might be a tough one to swallow depending on your ideas and experiences.
The film is put together well and the main actors are fantastic. However, it suffers because of its narrative and worldview: while the police claims it wants to help the neighbourhoods' inhabitants and to be their only hope these law-abiding citizens are never seen. Instead, the city is a wholly hostile body where everyone, man or woman, kid or adult, appears to be a pickpocketer, a smuggler or a dealer of some sort, and the only possible approach to policing is that of militarisation to 'break down' these people. Despite going for a realistic and gritty tone this is inevitably two-dimensional and only shares one side of the story. Might be a tough one to swallow depending on your ideas and experiences.
two third very good, 1 third bad, cop movie
jjr-7647426 September 2021
This is a movie which has generated heated debates in France. Loosely based on a real case of police corruption, it prompted political siding of both critics and viewers, both police union and BLM equivalents. Depending on opinions the movie was either praised for its honest depiction of lawlessness in some urban zones or reviled as a racist caricature of same areas.
The truth is that it probably is both and that the movie doesn't have much to offer in terms of insight on these subjects. This is no "la Haine" or "les misérables". It is a cop movie, very much in the vein of french cop movies of the last 10 years, disenchanted and brutal.
The first 70 minutes are great, fast paced and good storytelling, but in the last 30 minutes when the focus shifts from urban cop work to individual fates, i don't want to spoil, it suddenly loses all rhythm and acting becomes caricatural. It's like the director had gone missing and the second unit director had to finish the movie. It is a pity as there are lots of good things in there.
The truth is that it probably is both and that the movie doesn't have much to offer in terms of insight on these subjects. This is no "la Haine" or "les misérables". It is a cop movie, very much in the vein of french cop movies of the last 10 years, disenchanted and brutal.
The first 70 minutes are great, fast paced and good storytelling, but in the last 30 minutes when the focus shifts from urban cop work to individual fates, i don't want to spoil, it suddenly loses all rhythm and acting becomes caricatural. It's like the director had gone missing and the second unit director had to finish the movie. It is a pity as there are lots of good things in there.
This movie had all the ingredients to make it, but they failed to complete the dish
hans_de_smedt1 March 2023
The movie starts great, you get thrown immediately into the raw Marseille reality, the dialect, the scenes, the characters, the acting, it's a joy to watch and you feel you're on a train that's gaining speed rapidly.
The main action scene is very well done, realistic, raw, you can almost smell the fear of the police officers through your screen.
But in the last half hour the movie lacks the quality it had in the first hour. The acting goes sour. The storyline becomes blurred and they don't even bother to explain what happens to the bad guy.
It seems that the director of the first hour either quit or got fired and was replaced by an intern. The latter is probably impossible, but the former often happens in movie projects. A pity.
The main action scene is very well done, realistic, raw, you can almost smell the fear of the police officers through your screen.
But in the last half hour the movie lacks the quality it had in the first hour. The acting goes sour. The storyline becomes blurred and they don't even bother to explain what happens to the bad guy.
It seems that the director of the first hour either quit or got fired and was replaced by an intern. The latter is probably impossible, but the former often happens in movie projects. A pity.
A solid French cop drama
teetoh66619 September 2021
Modern French films are often a let down, but this one did not disappoint.
There has been some buzz around it rcently, as some critics say it depicts people from poor districts in a cliché and humiliating way - do not believe these critics. It's never black or white, truth lies in the gray zone.
Media portrayed the real anonymous policemen (their names were not revealed) as villains, this films intends to provide a second point of view on the whole story - this film is based on true events.
It is filled with good action scenes, intense pace (at least the first hour), gripping moments, and food for thought.
How far would police officers go to either satisfy the politicians who pressure them into dangerous ops, or to really stop drug dealers ? This film shows you what a team of 3 of them did, and what it cost them. A recommended watch.
There has been some buzz around it rcently, as some critics say it depicts people from poor districts in a cliché and humiliating way - do not believe these critics. It's never black or white, truth lies in the gray zone.
Media portrayed the real anonymous policemen (their names were not revealed) as villains, this films intends to provide a second point of view on the whole story - this film is based on true events.
It is filled with good action scenes, intense pace (at least the first hour), gripping moments, and food for thought.
How far would police officers go to either satisfy the politicians who pressure them into dangerous ops, or to really stop drug dealers ? This film shows you what a team of 3 of them did, and what it cost them. A recommended watch.
Style and no little substance.
mickclarke4817 September 2021
I enjoyed this movie and although I accept that alot of what it says has been said before it is a film that can be enjoyed on different levels.
Yes it's a cop procedural,yes it's a buddy movie, yes it explores corruption.
But it does do with some style and some good acting.
What for me was new and most interesting was the light it shone on the level of personal endangerment suffered by these policemen on a daily basis ,and all for we are told was 24k per annum!
Yes it's a cop procedural,yes it's a buddy movie, yes it explores corruption.
But it does do with some style and some good acting.
What for me was new and most interesting was the light it shone on the level of personal endangerment suffered by these policemen on a daily basis ,and all for we are told was 24k per annum!
Slow-driven but powerful
gabriel_sanchez18 July 2022
Before the review, I need to complain a little: I hate most of the titles they choose for the version published in Brazil. Most of them use the original title with some silly subtitle. In Brazil, BAC Nord, The Stronghold in the United States, became BAC Nord: Under Pressure. Ridiculous.
BAC Nord is a depressing film. We quickly sympathize with the good guys: Greg, Yass, and Antoine. They are from the Anti-Crime Brigade (BAC), a police department ruled by the sameness of being a shadow of organized crime. Their day-to-day comes down to brushing ice, as we say in Brazil. But things change with the possibility of being able to settle accounts with the criminal organization that rules a residential complex. The catch is that all this needs to happen under the hood.
We follow the good guys on this journey. The mission is simple and, overall, little happens. Half the movie is character development.
Things get complicated starting from the middle of the movie. The situation is tense enough to keep us hooked on the film. The story also seems reasonably convincing to the point where we don't question the progression of events.
The plot twist, although expected, happens naturally and causes a strong impact. I liked the approach the screenwriters used to unfold the facts of the final conflict.
The only negative point I raise is that nothing serious happens. Even the final conflict doesn't result in anything really bad.
I don't recommend this movie if you're looking for frantic, wild action. This is a slow movie about frustration, friendship, corruption, and injustice.
BAC Nord is a depressing film. We quickly sympathize with the good guys: Greg, Yass, and Antoine. They are from the Anti-Crime Brigade (BAC), a police department ruled by the sameness of being a shadow of organized crime. Their day-to-day comes down to brushing ice, as we say in Brazil. But things change with the possibility of being able to settle accounts with the criminal organization that rules a residential complex. The catch is that all this needs to happen under the hood.
We follow the good guys on this journey. The mission is simple and, overall, little happens. Half the movie is character development.
Things get complicated starting from the middle of the movie. The situation is tense enough to keep us hooked on the film. The story also seems reasonably convincing to the point where we don't question the progression of events.
The plot twist, although expected, happens naturally and causes a strong impact. I liked the approach the screenwriters used to unfold the facts of the final conflict.
The only negative point I raise is that nothing serious happens. Even the final conflict doesn't result in anything really bad.
I don't recommend this movie if you're looking for frantic, wild action. This is a slow movie about frustration, friendship, corruption, and injustice.
Surprisingly good
jannikpeveling12 October 2021
Very nice and raw presentation of the rough live in the streets of Marseille. I expected a typical action movie but had surprisingly much fun watching this movie and really enjoyed the action and suspension. Nice to watch if you like action and dont have a problem with a lot of swearwords ;)
good potential material, disappointing result
bilbtataye21 October 2021
The movie seems, like the justice usually does, to be quite lenient with the cops. What is supposed to be the apex of the movie is not that tense (as it should be when police is fighting goons) and was let down due to my expectations. Neither that informative or entertaining.
Gritty and harsh
sergepesic25 July 2022
Police movies usually depict non-existent world of policing. Car chases, massive shootouts, constant excitement- bread and butter of Hollywood, very often tired, crime genre. " The BAC NORD" or " the Stronghold" is a different kind of movie. The city of Marseille, rough and crime ridden, gangsters holding whole housing projects hostage and the police force underpaid, not above corruption, but working in impossible circumstances. Upper police echelons worrying about their careers and crime statistics, politicians taking care of the number one, themselves. No loyalty, no reward, no hope. Gritty, harsh movie, at times screaming in your face, but how else to portray the city abandoned and ravished. Blinding sunlight, dusty air and the strong sense of inevitable disaster to come. Whatever comes the politicians will survive, like cockroaches after the nuclear explosion.
Difficult movie for difficult times
jaccohc19 July 2022
This is like a poster movie for the joys multiculturalism where immigrant gangs take control of large parts of the city and police can do nothing about the crime and lawlessness in the no-go zones. I feel bad for French people living over there.
The movie is well made, a potent display of actorship craft from antire cast.
The movie is well made, a potent display of actorship craft from antire cast.
Really good!
paraicm19 September 2021
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