The Stronghold

Excellent and visceral crime/cop film about the Marseille crime scene. For those that do not know, Marseille is a southern French town with high crime, particularly the "quartiers nord" (northern district) that is run by drug cartels.

The film is visceral in the way another film, "La Haine", was. Frankly I think it just shows the reality of what police have to deal with, and in fact a sanitised reality compared to the horror of real crime.

I remember a French Legionnaire (elite military unit) discussing how he had seen shocking scenes in Marseilles, as the Legion sometimes has periods where they assist police in "civilian internships". Things even more harrowing than he had seen on military operations abroad, like people who had been shot dead inside buildings, etc.

I believe this is a necessary & entertaining film.

One should not be afraid to make such films, about any social issue. It does not legitimise any politics, it is simply reality. One cannot live in a cocoon forever, as some journalists imply they want to.

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.

... with violence, brutality and anarchy leading the police and gangs into ruthless, confrontational battles in the neighbourhoods of northern Marseille. Inspired by reality, with cinematography, direction and a great story forming a vicelike hold that's hard to escape - especially when compounded through several standout performances that bind, unite, brace and support.

I expected something different, a pure crime action gritty flick, closer to LES MISERABLES. But it is not on the whole film. It is a crime movie, very brutal, for the first part, but for the second one, it becomes a drama; it's not the same film. But believe me, this feature is an awesome film, pulled by outstanding performances. Gilles Lelouche has never been better. In his role, he is his character, he doesn't play, HE IS HIS CHARACTER. And Cyril Lecomte is also very good in the "rat" role, a very usual character for him, a nasty, disgusting guy. Remember him in TRAVAIL D'ARABE, where he played a crook cheating on an old widow. The perfect traitor. Inspired from a true story. Olivier Marchal could not have made such a film, for the second part, I mean.

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.