This film was shot a few years after the Mad Max and in some way it does seem similar. However, it is a very innovative and refreshing film. "Le Dernier Combat" has no dialogues, but it does have sound. It was also shot in black and white and the total budget was $500,000! It is very refreshing to see a good story well told, on a shoe string budget. This was Eric Serra's first film score, Luc Besson's first feature, but everything came together thanks to Luc Besson's genius and creativity. Excellent acting on everyone's part (especially Jean Boise, Jean Reno and Pierre Jolivet) helped a great deal. It seems that French actors just can't do a bad job... The film is about a loner in the middle of nowhere who somehow befriends another loner in that weird post apocalyptic world. Their interaction (even if non verbal), as well as the drama around them kept me glued to the screen. The occasional funny moments were great and contrasted well with the dark story. I consider this to be Bessons second best film (after Nikita). One can only wish that all the low budget independent films turn out to be this good.
