IFFK Assignment - Les Misérables Review

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 The French feature film explores the mob mentality, from its formation to the danger it poses once triggered.

Laurent aka Pento joins the Anti-crime squad in Montermail, headed by two fellow officers Chris and Gwada who have already adopted some brash methods for serving law in the unstable region. Pento gets irritated by their arrogance, but puts up with them until they take an overzealous teenager too seriously. Soon after an unfortunate event that follows, deep trouble ensues. To make things worse, all their regrettable actions were being recorded by a drone without them knowing.

The tight writing plays a key role in making the film succeed as a palpable thriller till the end. Damien Bonnard as Pento effectively portrays the overlooked humane side of cops. He is disturbed by the consequences that others have to face because of his actions. Interestingly, he never does anything that could potentially hurt anyone, revealing the innocence of the character. Alexis Manenti as the cocky cop Chris, delivers the attitude without fail in each scene. Gwada who seems a lot to be like Chris, is actually a very mild person inside. The nature of the job and the region of Montermail persuades him to sport the guise. Djibril Zonga looks perfect as Gwada and exhibits his range as an actor at different stages. Issa Pera plays the minacious teenager Issa who strikes terror when his rebelliousness gets fed with vengeance. The young actor underplaying the character unlike his peers, suggests the potential acting genius in him. Buzz is another teenage character, who likes to peep into the affairs of others without their consent, using his drone. Al Hassan who plays Buzz also never overdoes it and gives a remarkable performance.

The episode involving the circus folk is one among the few lighthearted moments that eases the tension when needed, without dampening the pace of narration. The ending sequence is spectacularly staged and shot, completing the message the makers intended to convey.

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