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MESRINE Send This Review to a Friend
The import “Mesrine,” which comes in two parts being shown separately, is one of the best gangster films ever. Directed by Jean-François Richet, it is based on the true story of Jacques Mesrine, a legendary French gangster who robbed banks and dazzled the public and the press with his escapes from prison. He was finally gunned down in 1979 after a massive manhunt.
Vincent Cassel gives a huge, memorable performance as the violent, power-mad but charismatic Mesrine. It is a performance that heats up the screen, as do the super-charged atmosphere and explosive events. The film reminds me of the 1930s James Cagney and Edward G. Robinson black and white gangster pictures, only charged with all of today’s cinematic know-how and flashiness. Both parts, which can make sense separately, seize the attention and emotions of an audience and don’t let go.
The screenplay is by Abdel Raouf Dafri and based on Mesrine’s autobiographical novel, “L’ Instinct de mort.” (“Death Instinct”). The cast includes Gerard Depardieu as a crime boss. as well as Cecile de France, Ludivine Sagnier and Mathieu Amalric.
Be prepared for non-stop intensity, criminal bravado, action aplenty and thoroughly realistic performances and convincing atmosphere. The story is basically a tragic one in which Mesrine is bound to come to a bitter end, as shown at the start, but while his daring sprees last, he lives them cockily to the fullest. A Music Box Films release.
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