Review of Le Cercle Rouge (1970) by Benoît R — 31 Mar 2010
Absolutely top-notch piece of French noir from Jean-Pierre Melville, the man behind such staples as Bob Le Flambeur and Le Samourai. Le Cercle Rouge has a bigger scope than those films, playing with both sides of the law as well as multiple protagonists, but it's all done with the same effortless sense of style and "cool" than made those films so memorable.
Melville's not limited to his own films for inspiration, though; there's a long heist sequence here whose tension, silence, and limited dialogue can't help but remind the viewer of Rififi, and it's to the film's credit that the comparison doesn't hurt Le Cercle Rouge at all.
The plot involves two criminals - one recently released from prison, the other recently escaped - who find their lives intertwined with a dedicated police captain and a sharpshooter battling his own alcoholic demons.
But, as with a lot of Melville, the plot is solid, but beside the point; what makes Le Cercle Rouge so amazing is the mood and style of it all, the way it touches on something deeper all while seeming to be a pure crime film.
An absolute masterpiece and well worth watching for anyone who loves films made in this particular variety of noir.
This review of Le Cercle Rouge (1970) was written by Benoît R on 31 Mar 2010.
Le Cercle Rouge has generally received very positive reviews.
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