The Stronghold

It's not what you expect and it's unpredictable which is a good think !

Any preconceived notion will simply fall flat Just watch it for the pure energy exuded by the characters.

Nice movie, nice storytelling, nice shots and great acting. We're not very used to see actors like Gilles Lellouche, whose performance is so powerful. Loved that there's no need of clichés like an alcoholic cop or a flash of insight that suddenly helps the main character to solve the crime. I just felt the ending a little bit hollow.

Modern French films are often a let down, but this one did not disappoint.

There has been some buzz around it rcently, as some critics say it depicts people from poor districts in a cliché and humiliating way - do not believe these critics. It's never black or white, truth lies in the gray zone.

Media portrayed the real anonymous policemen (their names were not revealed) as villains, this films intends to provide a second point of view on the whole story - this film is based on true events.

It is filled with good action scenes, intense pace (at least the first hour), gripping moments, and food for thought.

How far would police officers go to either satisfy the politicians who pressure them into dangerous ops, or to really stop drug dealers ? This film shows you what a team of 3 of them did, and what it cost them. A recommended watch.

Don't expect this to be some huge Hollywood blockbuster film, it's actually much better than that... if feels real.

This film is newb French writer and director Cédric Jimenez's 5th notch on his resume, and did he ever hit it out of the ballpark. The (true events) story was so well done and felt so realistic, you'd think you're right there where everything is happening. You'll be on the edge of your seat for much of the film. It sure is a rude awakening when you see how different politics, crime and policing can vary by country.

The 105 min runtime flew by with spot-on pacing. The story was told really well and effectively. There were only a few questionable scene transitions and/or editing issues.

The cinematography was great, the score and soundtrack (I saw the U. S. dubbed version) were excellent, and the casting and performances outstanding. I've never heard of or seen any of these actors, but man did they bring their A-game.

I'll be certainly recommending this little gem to everyone and most likely will watch it again. It's a well deserved 9/10 from me.

Realistic enough story of three cops working in one of the worst areas in Marseille, who try to do the right thing using wrong methods and end up betrayed by their superiors.

Friends working in the police told me the plot is extremely realistic, since cops risk their life for a pittance and not only they are not thanked, but are reviled by society at large and humiliated by their hierarchy.

I watched this in the original French version and I heard some of the worst French language ever... but still, an interesting anthropological experience.