Review of The French Connection (1971) by Scott S — 04 Feb 2011
"The French Connection" is an action packed film with lots thugs, police officers, and thrills. It is about a drug smuggling ring between France and New York City. The first hour is okay and at the same time interesting, how it seems develop a setting for what the detectives who are looking for and what the item to bust is: drugs.
This may have been one of the first films to talk about drug busts, but not the first to talk about drug use ("Easy Rider" for example had characters using drugs extensively). The second half is packed with action from the shootouts to the chase below the subway and the hijacking of the train (possibly influencing the film "The Taking of Pelham One, Two, Three").
It is an exciting film, and Hackman is a great actor, thus taking home his first of two Oscars (the second for "Unforgiven"). Roy Scheider's performance is also good. The French and black actors also should be credited for their strong efforts.
The term "frog" is extensively used in racist fashion, of course referring to French people. This, like a number of other films from the 1970's, was worthy of the Best Picture Oscar.
This review of The French Connection (1971) was written by Scott S on 04 Feb 2011.
The French Connection has generally received very positive reviews.
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