Bac Nord

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 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.

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.

Face this kind of criminal organizations with no inteligence and no shots, really? If this is the reality of France, I feel so bad for the cops.

... 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.