Review of Le Cercle Rouge (1970) by Ld P — 15 Oct 2009

Le Cercle Rouge (1970) The red Circle. There is a new remake of this film starring Orlando Bloom in Asia Mid 2009. This 1970 film is certainly one of the masterpieces of 1960s-70s french crime film (film noir).

39 years later it does not appear dated (at least until you see the outdated security system in the jewelry store!!). The cinematography is fantastically beautiful and scene by scene its so cool to watch these criminals in action.

The Red Circle," refers to a saying of the Buddha that men who are destined to meet will eventually meet, no matter what. Melville made up this saying, but no matter; his characters operate according to theories of behavior, so that a government minister believes all men, without exception, are bad.

And a crooked nightclub owner refuses to be a police informer because it is simply not in his nature to inform. The movie stars two of the top French stars of the time, Alain Delon and Yves Montand, as well as Gian Maria Volonte.

Master thief Corey (Alain Delon) is fresh out of prison. But instead of toeing the line of law-abiding freedom, he finds his steps leading back to the shadowy world of crime, crossing those of a notorious escapee (Gian Maria Volontac) and alcoholic ex-cop (Yves Montand).

As the unlikely trio plots a heist against impossible odds, their trail is pursued by a relentless inspector (Bourvil), and fate seals their destinies. Jean-Pierre Melvilleâ??s Le cercle rouge combines honorable anti-heroes, coolly atmospheric cinematography, and breathtaking set pieces to create a masterpiece of crime cinema.

This is a really excellent film. highly recommend.