Director
Ladj Ly

Starring
Damien Bonnard, Alexis Manenti, Djebril Zonga, Issa Perica, Steve Tientcheu and Almamy Kanouté

Let me begin by saying that this feature film isn’t the Les Misérables story you know, even though there is a connection you will learn of to the 1862 novel by Victor Hugo. This story is set in far more contemporary times and is inspired by a real-life event that took place in Paris in 2005.

It is a time of jubilation sweeping across the streets of the French capital as thousands of people celebrate France’s world cup victory. The overwhelming feeling of unity among them is evident and as magical as the famous Paris landmarks that we see throughout the opening minutes. Moments later, that infectious joy and profound beauty become a distant memory and unreachable dream, as Les Misérables follows several characters home to the lesser seen and undesirable side of Paris.

Policing these rough streets and neglected community are three members of the anti-crime brigade; the unruly squad leader Chris (Alexis Manenti), his complicit driver Gwada (Djebril Zonga) and the rather reticent Stéphane (Damien Bonnard), who is working his first-ever city shift after transferring from a rural location. The day starts off relatively normal from Chris’ and Gwada’s perspectives, as they show the ropes to their new colleague. However, a report and investigation into a theft leads to a chain of events that triggers a violent uprising within the impoverished community.

This is a riveting film. First-time writer and director Ladj Ly’s remarkable debut is a starkly and powerfully realistic film throughout with a gripping finale that completely overwhelmed me.

Earlier on, while Les Misérables takes some time to fully establish its central and supporting characters, the style of filming and the involvement of many amateur actors gives the film a distinct naturalism. The setting and the networking of people belonging to various cultural and religious identities are effortlessly observed and are vital for later proceedings. All of these facets combined, plus the integration of scenes following the three officers during routine patrol, breed and build palpable tension. Though my emphasis of this incredibly absorbing film is seemingly fixated over the impressive manner in which it assumes complete sensory control, its true worth comes to the fore during an unforgettable final act that continues to stay with me several days on.

I will refrain from delving into any specific detail. Instead, I will say that it isn’t until all events connected to the theft have unfolded where you will really begin to fathom and appreciate just how impeccably thought-out, layered and executed the screenplay and its message truly is.

4 ½ stars


Viewer Discretion
MA15+ (Strong coarse language)

Trailer
Les Miserables

Moviedoc thanks Rialto Distribution, Ned & Co Marketing and Publicity and Annette Smith  for providing the screener link to watch and review this film.

Les Misérables is showing in selected cinemas across Australia from August 27.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc
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