La Haine

La Haine is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the lives of three young men living in the impoverished suburbs of Paris. The film, directed by Mathieu Kassovitz in 1995, is a raw and unflinching portrayal of the struggles faced by immigrants and minorities in France.

The film follows Vinz, Said, and Hubert, three friends from different ethnic backgrounds who are united by their shared experience of poverty and marginalization. The film opens with the riots that broke out in the suburbs of Paris in the wake of the police beating of a young man. The riots serve as the backdrop for the film, and the tension between the police and the community is a constant presence throughout the film.

The performances by the three lead actors are outstanding, and they bring a sense of realism and authenticity to their roles. Vinz, played by Vincent Cassel, is the most vocal and aggressive of the three, and his rage and frustration at the injustice and discrimination he faces is palpable. Said, played by Said Taghmaoui, is more reserved and introspective, and his character serves as a counterpoint to Vinz's anger. Hubert, played by Hubert Koundé, is the most level-headed of the three. The main story during the movie is how Vinz and Hubert are groing apart, Vinz wanting to be recognized in the suburb and Hubert is trying to get out of suburb.

Overall, La Haine is a powerful and important film that offers a sobering glimpse into the lives of those living on the margins of society. It is a film that is both thought-provoking and emotionally affecting, and it is a must-see for anyone interested in social issues and the human condition. What makes the film special is the fact that there is no story really, it is there to try and capture the day of a person living in the Parisian suburbs.

This leads to the “mise en scène” of the movie. The movie is unlike no other, at least that I’ve seen. The whole story takes place in 24 hours and the movie just cuts to a certain time. The watcher is therefore living like they are and is watching not a story but a documentary based on life. A documentary on human life. I say that not only because of the chronologic work but also the filming, it is filmed by hand and has a very authentic look to it, it almost feels as if you were there.

It is a film that is not just a snapshot of a particular time and place, but one that is still relevant today, and it is a film that is not just about the struggle of a specific group of people but one that tells the story of marginalized communities all over the world. It's a film that gives voice to the voiceless, and it's a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding.

Sources

CineVue. “Film Review: La Haine.” CineVue, 11 Sept. 2020, cine-vue.com/2020/09/film-review-la-haine.html#:~:text=La%20Haine%20is%20kinetic%2C%20frenetic,skyscraper%2C%20that%20bookends%20the%20film.. Accessed 13 Jan. 2023.

Mathieu Kassovitz. “La Haine.” IMDb, 23 Feb. 1996, www.imdb.com/title/tt0113247/. Accessed 13 Jan. 2023.