The Stronghold

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.

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.

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.

Excellent and visceral crime/cop film about the Marseille crime scene. For those that do not know, Marseille is a southern French town with high crime, particularly the "quartiers nord" (northern district) that is run by drug cartels.

The film is visceral in the way another film, "La Haine", was. Frankly I think it just shows the reality of what police have to deal with, and in fact a sanitised reality compared to the horror of real crime.

I remember a French Legionnaire (elite military unit) discussing how he had seen shocking scenes in Marseilles, as the Legion sometimes has periods where they assist police in "civilian internships". Things even more harrowing than he had seen on military operations abroad, like people who had been shot dead inside buildings, etc.

I believe this is a necessary & entertaining film.

One should not be afraid to make such films, about any social issue. It does not legitimise any politics, it is simply reality. One cannot live in a cocoon forever, as some journalists imply they want to.

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.