Frères ennemis

It has been a while since I've seen a good crime drama movie. Frères ennemis (2018) would be in the list, although, not high in it.

Manuel Marco is trying to solve the mystery of who rat him and his partners out in a drug sale, leading to the death of his best friend Imrane. Things end up even eerier when an old friend shows up to give a helping hand.

The investigation element is kinda missing here. We don't see some detective work taking place to get facts straight. Driss, as he mentioned himself, knows everything about the drug world and is very informative. In fact, too informative.

Even though Manuel is trying to collect facts, it appears that Driss is always one step ahead, telling Manuel, and us, what is going on or what is the lead. Most information comes from facts that do not happen in-camera. They are just reported by someone.

I guess Rémi was not used correctly. His character had a lot of potential in the story but they couldn't fit him in with a better purpose.

The plot is OK. Nothing really major happens and, in the end, there is nothing you would not expect. The ending is very powerful, I will give it that.

I would say Frères ennemis (2018) is definitely recommendable. I can't say amusable to everyone.

When a drug deal goes wrong two lifelong friends cross paths in the projects of France. When the investigation comes around rumors and lies become life or death for these friends as they try to solve the incident themselves, while also clearing their names. The 2018 French film 'Close Enemies' directed by David Oelhoffen, was nominated for Best Film in the 75th Venice Film Festival however did not receive the award. Common themes that presented themselves in this film were that of betrayal and friendship. These two themes went hand in hand throughout this film because although the characters were friends and had deep ties to each other and each other's families, there was still betrayal that occurred. Throughout the film the mention of family and friends and the appearance of gatherings involving both of these friends' families shows the strength that friendship had to these characters. However, the plot of the film overshadowed the theme of friendship when more times than not the friends were betraying each other and their families. Manuel, the main character and involved in the Arabic mob was portrayed as the thug of the film. Although never mentioned Manuel seemed to be out for a vendetta, and one that was psychologically impacting his day-to-day decisions. Whereas Driss, who was the main cop was portrayed more as the heroic character even though they both ended up tied up in the same situation regarding their status to the community. His values were disappearing and became more corrupt as the film progressed. I would definitely recommend this film to others, more specifically to my friends. I would also recommend this film to those that I know have an appreciation for action packed and crime filled movies. This film had a lot of suspense and definitely was able to portray this storyline through a realistic point of view, while keeping the viewers attention. However, parts of it were too predictable and took away from the suspenseful moments and the impact that those moments had on the viewer.

A great piece of independent film making. Matthias Schoenaerts delivers a powerful performance. Highly underrated.

An authentic film noir from France as I crave for. Pulled by two promising actors: Mathias Schoendoerts, who has the perfect hoodlum face, lost man who faces his doomed destiny; and Reda Kateb, who is not used to crime movies, rather dramas. One of these men is a cop, the other a gangster. Both grew together. The last seconds are so powerful, so poignant. A pure fist in the face. A kind of MANHATTAN MELODRAMA scheme,the 1936 MGM production starring Clark Gable and William Powell.

It's your typical crime story with many of the characters ending up dead. What's atypical is the story's premise: 2 childhood friends end up at opposite sides of the law; one, a criminal, the other a narc agent. The way the story brings them together is something the viewer appreciates albeit it takes some time to set it up.

Matias Schoenaerts brings about a solid performance here as Manuel whose back is against the wall. Reda Kateb lends critical support to the engaging narrative.

It's initially slow burn but picks up speed and ends with an uncommon wallop.