Laços de Sangue

This is an unusual foray in the English language for Chabrol (albeit set in Canada, where French is extensively spoken) but a most typical mystery for him (based on a novel by popular American pulp writer Ed McBain) and, in retrospect, an underrated (if unassuming) work.

The director also managed to rope in a good cast, led by Donald Sutherland (a genuine Canadian, playing a character not too far removed from his star-making turn in KLUTE [1971]), as well as David Hemmings and Donald Pleasence (quietly impressive in the role of a paedophile) to act as red herrings. However, the best performances come from the two young female protagonists (who were ostensibly assaulted one night at the film's very start) and especially the sole survivor, whose version of events keeps changing throughout the film, as Sutherland – and the audience – gradually begins to put the pieces together with every new disclosed fact. On the other hand, Chabrol's own wife – Stephane Audran – is saddled with a thankless mother role.

Though the ultimate revelation is hardly overwhelmingly original, the incestuous connotations are provocative enough to make the journey there a fairly powerful one. The copy I acquired (which seems to be slightly trimmed – running 91 minutes against the official 100) was full-frame and excessively soft, but certainly serviceable for such a rare item. Interestingly, the French edition of this title contains an alternate score by Chabrol regular Pierre Jansen to the one provided here by Howard Blake.

Evocatively directed and slickly photographed psychological mystery thriller with an exceptional lead performance by a sombre Donald Sutherland, and potent support roles from Donald Pleasence and David Hemming. The material decides to keep it all glum, and moves from the investigation period into the back-story of the victim. The seldom, and quite sullen nature of investigation pulled me in, but when it flashback to the victim's side showing her final days weren't as compelling, and became somewhat stodgy and stock-like. While the script is strongly detailed and to a certain degree complex in stringing us along, however the final and surprising revelation should have been more bone-jarring and it's not helped out by its sloppy execution. Howard Blake's music score has an emotional sting to its cues that simply linger, and director Claude Chabrol's capable handling (well for most part) has a strong stylistic and tight manner, which gets the best out of moody locations and flexible cast. The young faces Lisa Langlois and Aude Landry do an incredibly good job as well.

"Blood Relatives" ("Les liens de sang") is unusual because the famous French director, Claude Chabrol, made the movie in English.

The story is set in Canada. A 17 year-old has been savagely murdered...hacked apart by a knife-wielding killer. The only witness appears to be her 15 year-old cousin...who was also stabbed in the attack. However, after describing the assailant, the 15 year-old inexplicably changes her story and blames the attack on her brother! But there's more to the story than this and Detective Steve Carella (Donald Sutherland) is determined to figure out the whole truth.

The overall story is good...with some intersting twists. But the incestuous elements of the story were handled in a manner that seemed exploitational...hyping up the sex and trying to titillate the audience. As a result, I think it's a good film but one that also manages to miss the mark. With different direction (sorry Mr. Chabrol), I think it could have been much better and less sensationalistic.

A relatively interesting little mystery murder, the film is okay viewing despite some sections being dull and not lively. It is, however, surprisingly acted mundanely despite some great names in the cast, but the film does have enough going for it as it is. The music score used in the English version (the dubbed French version has a completely different soundtrack) is great, bouncy in bits and almost always adding to the action. Chabrol also sets up some great shots, and there are a few chilling moments to be had along the way. It is overall nothing too special of its type, but of its type, it is certainly a solid entry.

This oppressively creepy, sinisterly slashing, bone-fizzingly grim, Canadian-set murder mystery remains a darkly fascinating delight, so be sure to check it out if you dare to descend deep into the diabolically degenerated mind of one especially deviant killer!!! And nae bad it is too! (Personally, I'm rarely bored by murder maestro Claude!) Alongside the uber-talented character actor Donald Sutherland it also stars terror icon Donald Pleasence, sublimely gifted Gallic dream Stéphane Audran, and Deep Red's stilleto cool David Hemmings! Based on a popular crime novel by Ed McBain, Claude Chabrol's finely wrought, consistently engaging, impressively acted thriller is regarded by many cult film fans to be one of the very best McBain adaptations!