A Gang Story - Eine Frage der Ehre

Entertainment at the highest levels of engagement. All the emotions are triggered and captured over and over again as we visit with 35 years of a friendship that was tested to the limits. Did it or does it hold is one good question. When it comes to crime, one never knows what to expect as crime doesn't play by the rules but by its own rules. One has to remember that as violent as a gang wants to be, there is always someone more violent that wants to prove that point. Both are motivated but only one can prevail. Everyone knows the police are restricted, dumb and don't catch on quickly, but what if they are not? Furthermore, what about human nature which proves to be unreliable time and again when things get dicey. Good acting, tense direction, clear cut story that makes several points and then does one good thing. It lets you be the judge of the outcome. This is as it should be. Tasty drink and finger foods recommended and this draws you in so no distractions to interfere with that or you will ruin the ten rating for yourself

The only possible answer to the question raised in this user comment's subject line is simple and straightforward, namely: nowhere near as badass as grandpa Edmon 'Momon' Vidal in "Les Lyonnais"! Or any of his fellow gang buddies, for that matter! "Les Lyonnais" is inspired by the true story and memoirs of Momon Vidal; the poor son of gypsy parents who built himself up to the leader of a feared gang that committed numerous of violent armed robberies in the Lyon region during the sixties and early seventies. However, all the crimes and trials of that era are narrated and illustrated through flashbacks, as the film primarily takes place in 2010 and opens at the baptism party of Momon's grandson. For the past 25 years he has lived a luxurious and relatively honest life, but now his oldest and dearest friend Serge is in trouble. Serge is apprehended by the police, but prison is full of henchmen of the crime boss that he double-crossed. Since friendship is the most important value to Momon, he organizes a plan to help Serge even though he very well realizes this will bring him right back to his old criminal habits. Given the nature of the plot, protagonist characters and a handful of significant sequences (like for example the baptism), "Les Lyonnais" is inevitably reminiscent to "The Godfather" and – like many other reviews so unmistakably state clear – not as good. Yeah well, so what? Hardly any movie is as good as "The Godfather", but that doesn't stand in the way of "Les Lyonnais" being an extremely intense and absorbing thriller with many brutal sequences, tight atmosphere and stellar performances. The main trumps of the film, apart from the charismatic ensemble cast, are the realistic brotherhood portrayals and the swift transitions between the gang's activities in the '60s and present day. During the flashbacks, being a criminal and kick- starting violent gang wars is glorified quite blatantly, but the script also clearly criticizes the contemporary French juridical system. Momon and Serge initially just were two harmless young troublemakers, but they rolled into the criminal life after they were sentenced to six months in prison for stealing a handful of cherries (which aptly also is the title of Edmond Vidal's memories). The flashbacks are the most entertaining parts of the film, since they seem to come straight out those primarily Italian & French euro-crime/Poliziotteschi movies from the seventies; which happens to be my favorite cult cinema sub- genre. You know, exhilarating chases in crummy old cars, characters with gigantic mustaches, harsh drive-by shootings and relentless executions in the middle of crowded streets! The scenes set in the present day are much more sophisticated and dramatic, but they are still fast-paced and loaded with suspense. Gérard Lanvin gives away a downright phenomenal performance as Vidal, and he's brilliantly backed up by Tchéky Karyo and Daniel Duval.

The irony of an ex-cop Olivier Marchal, co-writing, directing and acting in a somewhat true tale of real life French criminal Edmond Vidal aka Momon is something some, like me will find irresistably attractive. Surprisingly, although we are left in no doubt that Vidal and his compatriots are mired in the underworld and its sins, this film paints quite a sympathetic and humanistic portrait of its central players.

There is nothing really original about Gang Story (including the title). It's a story we've seen before (rise and fall of a career criminal and his associates), told in a semi-linear style combining plentiful flashbacks to pivotal past moments with present day events (The Godfather Part 2 and Goodfellas). Marchal frequently acknowledges and pays homage to Coppola and Scorsese throughout the film, but I personally would have preferred to have seen him, as Coppola does, use longer sequences before changing time periods. It does get unsettling, if not annoying and confusing, when some of these intercut scenes last all of 10 seconds, before changing time periods. I also would have appreciated an elaboration on the childhood relationship between Momon and Serge, which I think would have strengthened the story even more. Onscreen, it's all over within a minute, before we move on to when they were young adults. And the storyline to this movie, is its real appeal; the bonds of loyalty between crime boss and sidekick stretching over generations and examining how far those bonds can be stretched, before risking permanent dislocation. Gerard Lanvin (Momon) and Tcheky Karyo (Serge) are well cast in the contemporary lead roles, though the film, as mentioned earlier is seen from the former's perspective.

The film claims to be based firmly on true events and characters, though I have no idea how close to reality, the depicted events actually are. For all of that, Marchal presents a story, that is never less than compelling, culminating in a climax, which, while some may have predicted, is nevertheless full of pathos and feeling. Gang Story is worth your acquaintance.

I was not as enthralled with this movie as other reviewers.

Technically beautifully filmed---the use of constant flashbacks through out the movie makes for constant abrupt changes--not my favorite style of story line.

The positives = the acting is good/Lanvin in the lead as Momon Vidal a gangster whose "mate" from their heyday in the 70s is being hunted by a mobster.

Momon helps him out because of "mate" gangster honor. According to the story De Gaulle used thugs to rob money for his political needs--one I had never heard. ?? Possible I suppose. The use of ethnic gypsy (Roman) material is not syrupy PC and over done a plus.

Has the requisite number of quick shot em up scenes that would require the marksmanship of an Olympic gold medalist. You know the angry good gangster enters a restaurant and picks off half a dozen bad gangsters in as many shots.

Also a few twists including the denouement to keep you interested.

It is good quality crafted entertainment maybe even a 7.5

RECOMMEND

I expected a lot from this film as Lanvin and Karyo are big names in cinema no matter where you live. It surpassed my expectations by miles. The dialog is thought provoking, the plot contains enough twists to keep you hooked, but does so with finesse rather than going over the top. All the actors/actresses are well cast at no point did I feel anyone was in the wrong part or unconvincing. The action was perfectly balanced with the plot, too much would have spoiled it, too little and it wouldn't be much of a crime film. The settings were good, as was the style in which it was filmed. I don't want to describe the story as I think it's so good that it is worth watching with no preconceptions. For me a standout film, one of the best I have seen in a long time and the director should be applauded. Its subtitled but they were flawless and at no point did it occur to me that the lack of English sound was a problem. I would heartily recommend watching.