Review of La Haine (1995) by Toronto D — 26 Nov 2009

Deep within the ghettos around the world there lies an emotional bond among the people that are seemingly trapped there. Hate, or La Haine in french. But why the hate? That's what this movie is about.

Instead of staging massive riots and violent brawls, we are taken on a revealing one day journey through the projects and into the real world, by three ghetto residents who represent somewhat different attitudes within their world.

The Jewish thug, who vows to avenge the violence that he and his neighborhood suffer at the hands of the police. The rational black man, who has the most tools to make something of himself, if he could only rise above the oppression of the lower class. And finally the naive Arab, who appears to be the most resigned to his fate of poverty, of the three youths.

There are scenes that are so well shot and staged that you will remember the images forever. The authenticity of shooting on location ("We didn't even have to break any windows, the projects already looked that way.", claims Kassovitz in the audio commentary), and the use of real residents as extras, makes the film's message shine through the screen. The acting is perfect. The soundtrack consists of ambient music from the surroundings to immerse the viewer in the environment.

If there was ever an essay on the problems of the ghetto, that matches even Boyz N the Hood or Do the Right Thing, this film is it!