District B13

[Yaddo 42]

Just watched the French action flick "District B13" this morning. It's set in a near future crime ridden ghetto for the poor and minorities outside Paris that has been walled off from the larger society. The story is a mish-mash of spot the influences from other films, a bit of 'Escape from New York", a bit of the "Transporter", a dash of "Die Hard", a touch of buddy cop films and HK action flicks, some parts even reminded me of westerns on crank.

The story is almost an afterthought, this is a Luc Besson production after all, but the action scenes and fights are the real reason to see this one. The first big chase/fight reminds me of parts of "Time and Tide" which is a good thing. The actress playing the hero's sister is super hot but underused, then again the first third of the film is just a prelude/set up for the main story and a way to introduce the players, almost a separate short film itself.

There are lines about what meanful statements are you making by burning cars, shades of the recent civil unrest in the housing complexes outside Paris, which 'm sure French or European audiences would appreciate more; but it really isn't that kind of film. Just take it for the fun amped up live action cartoon it is.

[Gerry]

I saw this a the local "art house" a month or so ago and really liked it.  The two leads, Cyril Raffaelli and David Belle accomplish some amazing action scenes.  Raffaelli is an incredible martial artist, and to appreciate David Belle's Parkour expertise (he is the founder of Parkour), you really have to see it in action.  He's definitely in the same category as Jackie Chan and I would say even ramps it up to the next level in certain sequences.  His moves remind me a bit of Brandon Lee as well.  I really want to get this one on DVD.

Here's a link to the trailer:

District B13 Trailer

[Gerry]

I just found this cool BBC advertisement featuring David Belle doing Parkour.  No wires folks!

David Belle -  BBC spot on YouTube

[Jim H]

Good film.  Only problem is all the best action is in the first half, and the end becomes disappointing as a result.

[Gerry]

Time Magazine critics have named DISTRICT B13 as #9 on their list of top 10 films for 2006 (right above CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER):

Time Top 10 Movies

How's that for a recommendation?

[Andrew]

I have seen stuff along this same vein before and the energy and muscle strength that some of those people have is amazing.  They also have a very good grasp of how to bleed off momentum through redirection.  Very cool.

[Mr_Vindictive]

It's a pretty good movie.  I caught it on DVD when it was released.  Fun, and action packed.  A bit of an Escape From New York rip off, but it didn't much matter.  Loved the ending.