AZF (French initial-ism for AZote Fertilisant, i.e. nitrogen fertilizer) was the name of a chemical factory in Toulouse, France, which exploded on 21 September 2001. (Wikipedia)
Although he insisted "his story is based on a false story" ,director Pluvieux did use pictures of this disaster at the beginning of the movie. I've not heard of cancers caused by that,and anyway the events take place in Lyon.
"Amis Publics" (the title refers to "public enemies " ,a term generally used for dangerous gangsters;in the movie they are nice guys ,so "public friends")It should be considered a fable à la "La Vita E Bella",not a true story !
Leo wants his terminally-ill kid brother to make the best of time left for him .His dream is to stick up a bank.So they will organize a false stickup ,and they all will play a part ,like in thrillers;unfortunately,they get the wrong address and they really stick up a bank.
But as the victims of the before-mentioned disaster have not received compensation,public opinion sides with these "Robin Hoods of the Banks" ,soon to be joined by a Marian and pursued by a cop- turned-sheriff-of-Sherwood .
There are good ideas ,and an anarchist side (which remains very politically correct though) ,but the screenplay is repetitive, the dialogue is poorly written,and the last part remains heavy-handed and confused,in spite of the actors' efforts.
The best moments are to be found in the first half ,when little brother says he 'd like to walk in the streets as a normal person (therapy has made him bald),and when big brother shaves his head in public (via TV) to set an example.
