Dupont Lajoie

Based on the novel by Bastid and Martens, Yves Boisset's diatribe against crass stupidity, cowardice and ordinary racism is as relevant and powerful today as it was when it first came out, through its uncompromising and realistic depiction of how latent xenophobia can often result in dramatic consequences. A controversial piece that needs to be seen even more so today when racism and rape allegations are more rife than ever.

I am French, and am not ashamed, nor proud of it. I know that most of my fellow citizens are not racist; not all of them. But.... Many hide their racism, though, they also may feel sincere empathy for a Black or an Arab, but in PARTICULAR only. For the rest, at the first opportunity, they show their real nature, we can see what's exactly under the shell, under the nasty, disgusting hypocrisy. This film is sooo French, it could hardly be adapted for the US audiences. Even in a south states of America, where racism is deeply anchored in minds and souls, some lines and elements should have been changed. Jean Carmet and Jean-Pierre Marielle are outstanding and the dialogues exquisite. A real must see Frenchie social drama, not a thriller however.