The best French action movies

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

The 2000s changed the position of France on the cinematic map of the world. If earlier comedy was the lot of Parisian filmmakers, now they confidently took up action films. The list of the best French action films opens with The Transporter (IMDb: 6.80), which blew up the world's box office. In the future, the brutal Jason Statham continued to polish the image of a pedantic and accurate driver of strict rules, but loyal moral principles, providing specific transport services on his precious Audi G8 in two more sequels. The first two projects were directed by the talented director Louis Leterrier, in the third he was replaced by Olivier Megaton. In each part of the franchise, the creators followed clear rules that made the main character an indispensable professional. The unflagging interest of the public prompted TV people to create an action television series based on the eponymous series of production projects by Luc Besson.

With parkour on screens

Then the best French action films could not do without parkour - the 13th district famously popped into cinemas (IMDb:7.20) Pierre Morel. The project, in which stunning stunts were performed live, without the use of graphics, surprised the viewer so much that the public immediately began to demand continuation. The story of the policeman Damien and the extreme hooligan Leito was continued after five years in the movie with the sub title "Ultimatum", which was directed by Patrick Alessandren. And five years later, the public had the opportunity to appreciate the American remake of "Brick Mansions" directed by Camille Delamarre, which became the last work of Paul Walker. Which is evidence that French franchises have become popular not only in their homeland, but also tenaciously entrenched at the box office in other countries of the world.

Another franchise

Not the last place among the best French action films is the series of films "Hostage" (IMDb: 7.80). This one of the most successful national projects was originally oriented to the outside world. The production of the first tape was carried out by the same Pierre Morel under the vigilant supervision of the ubiquitous Luc Besson. The refinishing for American distribution brought tangible results: the film exceeded its budget 5 times in the United States, and around the world, the profit was ten times the initial budget of the tape. The actor who played the main role has become so accustomed to the image that he does not even try to get out of it, alternating the continuation of the franchise with participation in projects similar in atmosphere. Stories from the life of an ex-special service agent, whose daughter, parents, or threats to his ex-wife are kidnapped, appealed to the audience. Three films in the seriesTogether they grossed over a billion dollars at the worldwide box office. Now the French can rightfully be proud that their paintings are not only laughed at, but also respected for their real power.

Modern tale in the spirit of "Beauty and the Beast"

But the leading position in the top of the best French action films for decades has been held by the legendary "Leon" (IMDb: 8.60). Like the Underground, and Nikita, and The Last Battle, Luc Besson's author's project depicts a harsh reality, but does not try to plunge the viewer into depression. On the contrary, he makes us believe that even in such a reality there is a place for true love, heroism and self-sacrifice. The picture after the premiere caused a mixed assessment. Those who felt the work of Besson incessantly praised the production, noting the amazing acting skills, bold directorial decisions, and expressive visualization. Other critics could not accept the girl in the center of the carnage, so they deliberately underestimated the picture. But even the most categorical recognized the undeniable strengths of the film and the ingenuity of its creator.

Multilayered narrative

The film directed by Olivier Marchal with a police background, Quai d'Orfevre 36 (IMDb: 7.10), is being positioned by critics as a successor to the traditions of film noir. At the same time, many reviewers point to the similarity of the atmosphere of the tape with the style of police films of the 80s with Belmondo or Alain Delon. This project was the second in the filmography of the director, the first wasthe detective drama "Gangsters", which, together with "Orfevre Embankment, 36", can be safely ranked among the best French action movies. In his work, Marshal combined the narrative style of typical American police action movies and the traditional French story about people on opposite sides of the law. The director has kept the multi-layered narrative, thanks to which the tense story and the fascinating detective intrigue associated with the capture of a gang of rabid raiders are in harmony with the disclosure of the complex characters of the characters. First of all, the main ones - rivals applying for the position of chief of police.

No less worthy projects

Gerard Krawczyk's film "Wasabi" (IMDb: 6.70) is often mentioned among the best French action movies, in which the main role, like in "Leon", is played by the inimitable Jean Reno. What is more in the cinema - a comedy or an action movie, it is impossible to determine exactly. The picture was shot dynamically, beautifully and brightly, and most importantly, fun.

Also in the presented list it is necessary to include the film "From Paris with Love" (IMDb: 6.50) from the director of the brutal "Hostage". This film is full of ironic violence and dark philosophical reflections. In the center of the story is a spy story. The plot of the picture is very dynamic, but at the same time allows the viewer to gradually get acquainted with new details.

In the category "the best French action films of recent years" the contender for leadership will be the work of Olivier Marshal "The Untouchables" (IMDb: 7.00). Although the tape does not contain anything extremely innovative, being a classic crime drama, Marshall strictly followsestablished action movie rules: two great actors in the lead roles; simple but catchy plot; real friendship; street shootings; furious skirmishes. A real man's movie.

Bye dilogy

This list should also include two extraordinary French projects worthy of being called the best French action movies. This is the film "Crimson Rivers" (IMDb: 6.90) and its sequel, sub titled "Angels of the Apocalypse". In the original film, the postcard beauty of nature surprises, the tense detective intrigue, which is supported by a number of successfully introduced episodes, excites.

And the director Olivier Dahan, in the continuation of the mystical thriller, managed to lure parkour to the side of evil. He gave the skill of cross-country running to mysterious monks.