Review of La Haine (1995) by Stephen C — 27 Apr 2008

Although this film is over 10 years old its still as powerful as it was back in 1995.

3 youths from an estate on the outskirts of Paris are drawn togehter when a friend of theres is placed in hospital after anight of rioting.

During the film we see how dull urban life can be ,and how the Police are seen as the enemy after the riots .

Vinz (an excellent Vincent Cassell) comes into possesion of a Gun which sets of a chain of events over a 24 hour period.

Hubert is the sensible one ,looking for a way out of his dull life and staying on the right side of the law.

Said follows the others but is sometimes the voice of reason when the others fall out.

Vinz only knows violence and is hell bent on revenge.

The film is never preachy and the director is keen to show how youth all over the world suffer the same problems .

Kassovitz took the bold step of shooting in black and white and this pays of handsomly as the film delivers a real knockout punch at its climax.

Since the film was made we have seen more riots in France in recent years ,which shows the message of the film is still very much a powerful one.

Essential viewing.