Review of Le Cercle Rouge (1970) by Roger T — 29 May 2011

Much like the gems which the thieves set out to steal, this film is the creme of the crop in regards to heist films. You can rank it as the best in Melville's extremely impressive line up of crime dramas. He has created an utter masterpiece with flawless camera work, engaging atmosphere and an altogether immersive world that I loved getting lost in. Technically this film is faultless.

The acting is another subject altogether. Each actor gives a fantastic performance ranging from the master hunter of a cop who will stop at nothing to outsmart this gang of thieves, to the suave cool-guy head thief who exudes class, to the cunning thief who's expertise broke him out of jail, and also the schizophrenic genius who is battling his demons. Every character is perfectly crafted and portrayed by the excellent cast. Even the smaller characters are memorable and lend to the overall atmosphere in this enticing world.