Rent La Haine (1995)

My favorite film - La Haine review by AD

I first saw this about 20 years ago, late night on either BBC or Channel 4. And wow. Just wow! What an amazing film.

I won't go into detail about the plot, but this is the film that made me really start to appreciate foreign films and really enjoy the idea of watching a subtitled movie.

Incredible acting from all of the cast, with Vincent Cassel now being my favorite actor. The film is interesting, gritty, funny and different to what else is out there. An absolute classic that has stood the test of time, and the topic is just as (if not even more) relevant today. Can't recommend it enough.

The Thin Line Between Boooom and Bust - La Haine review by griggs

La Haine hits like a gut punch in monochrome. It’s angry, yes—but also razor-sharp, bleakly funny and tragically clear-eyed. The film tracks three young men over 24 hours in a pressure cooker of police violence and poverty, where time doesn’t just—tick it hisses. Kassovitz directs with fire and flair, while the cast (especially Cassel) smoulder with restless energy. What lingers is the tension—coiled, crackling, and close to the skin. Every scene feels like a naked flame hovering over petrol. It’s not just what happens, but how it’s framed: with style, and a terrible clarity. La Haine doesn’t shout—it simmers, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.

War Zone - La Haine review by Steve

Groundbreaking social realism shot on location -in b&w- against contemporary inner city riots in Paris, and inspired by the death of young men in police custody. Though perhaps because of its influence, this no longer imparts the same bruising impact as on release. Plus the lack of an overarching narrative.

It was innovative because it put unfamiliar lives on screen; the left behind immigrant families of the Parisian banlieue, and in particular the boys who turn to violent crime. We see an Arab (Saïd Taghmaoui), an African (Hubert Koundé) and a Jew (Vincent Cassel) over 24 hours of restless, futile resentment.

The actors are credible as the uneducated outsiders who cause trouble for their own community almost as much as the racist cops. Most of their scenes are bitterly comical, at least until they get hold of a revolver lost by the riot squad. There is some minor consideration of why all this is happening, but no sermons.

While writer-director Mathieu Kassovitz looks for balance, he is broadly sympathetic to the rioters. In France this offended the police and conservatives. But they are part of the problem and the trio are not presented as heroes. These same issues are still with us, but the shock of its innovation has passed.