"District 13" review

Genre: Action, Martial Arts,
Starring: Cyril Raffaelli, David Belle, Dany Verissimo, Bibi Naceri, Tony D'Amario, François Chattot, Nicolas Woirion, Patrick Olivier, Samir Guesmi, Jeff Rudom,
Year Of Release: 2004 (France)
Certificate: 15 (UK)
Runtime: 86 Minutes

Director: Pierre Morel
Synopsis: "Set in the ghettos of Paris in 2010, an undercover cop and ex-thug try to infiltrate a gang in order to defuse a neutron bomb." IMDB

It's now 2010 (being released 6 years prior) and the ghetto in Paris called District 13 has now became one of the most dangerous places in France, possibly Europe. The government has completely given upon on the borough and left its inhabitants to get on with their own devices. 

When an incredibly dangerous government issued missile is stolen by a gang member in District 13, go to super-cop Damien (Raffaelli) has to convince imprisoned District 13 resident Leito (Belle) to team up him. Their task, save the District from a bomb that will cause catastrophic damage. Both men are BAD ASS to say the least, not only are they tougher than most they are also experts in Parkour (a training discipline created by David Belle himself).

The opening 25 minutes are some of the most enjoyable cinema I have seen in a while, it's like a wonderful mix of Asian and European martial arts styles, you have the brilliantly choreographed fights scenes and perfectly executed Parkour thanks in no part to Belle and Raffaelli's expertise.

The whole film is a pure andreline ride penned by one of this generations greats Luc Besson the brilliant man behind "Transporter" franchise and "Leon" so you know he writing will be a nice mix of Action & Comedy. Also when you're watching the film you know they stunts are doing without CGI and it really shows in the end product, there is some action sequences in which you will physically gasp, a couple near the beginning with Leito on the run.

The film itself can be broken down into three chapters I guess, the first being pure action filled thrill ride, the second would be character development, while the third is very plot heavy. I for one really enjoyed the film as a whole, wasn't the best acting at times, however that is hardly a complaint when the film is an adrenaline thrill ride like this.

8/10