36th Precinct

This is an old-fashioned (in the good sense of the word) crime flick about a duel of characters rather than firearms. Depardieu suits the role of the villain as if it was created specifically for him, the supporting characters make sense, and there’s not a single hole in the plot, which is not in any way complicated. Police action in a respectable and intelligent European package. The only drawback is a few overly sentimental and drawn-out scenes, which make the film seem longer than it actually is. (03/18/2006)

Even before Olivier Marchal sat in the director's chair, he must have seen a lot of bad things during his previous police career, because otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to portray this harsh story of an uncompromising battle between police officers and criminals, even among themselves, with such perfectly honed rawness. Formally, 36th Precinct only lightly hints at the style of older French and American crime films, but then it continues as a modern narrative in which Marchal hands over the sharp editing and fast camera movements to the pace itself, which at times rushes incredibly wildly and then slows down mainly in the second half, as a completely different storyline emerges. The slower rhythm of the story is mirrored in the music, transitioning from booming samples to romantically sounding piano tones, and every audience member begins to desperately hope for at least a small happy ending that would somewhat soothe their jolted senses. Under the director's firm hand, Daniel Auteuil and Gérard Depardieu give riveting performances, especially the latter who surprises in an uncharacteristically negative role. If there's anything wrong with 36th Precinct, it's probably the somewhat roughly carved psychology of the characters in the first part of the film, where the viewer must speculate a bit about the reasons for the mutual animosity between the policemen. However, this is just a minor flaw in an otherwise formally and thematically brilliant film that will make you sick not only of the police but also of "all the filth around" as a whole. (08/03/2005)

The professional experience of a cop and the talent of a filmmaker (bravo Marchale!) combine to create a compelling crime drama that reminded me in its mood of the old Delon movies and the crime films made in France in the 1970s. The film stands on an engaging plot, the excellent performances of two of the most prominent personalities of French cinema today (I like Auteuil more and more from film to film, and Depardieu is very believable as a villain) and a raw realistic atmosphere starting with solidly shot action scenes and ending with the production design. French cinema as I like it is still alive!! Fuck Besson’s disposable production prefabs :) (10/29/2005)

I cannot help but compare this excellent crime film to the king of the genre, Heat. In several aspects, both are quite similar. Two strong characters, their families and friends, accomplices and enemies, murders, intrigues, cold nights in the city – there is indeed a lot of it. However, while Michael Mann plays out a literal epic battle, Olivier Marchal takes a more intimate approach, which is not at all a bad thing. The shortcomings of the screenplay, which is excellent in its own right, are richly compensated by the actors – their captivating performances will stay in your memory for quite a while. The action is more than solid, and the shootout at the warehouse is a breathtaking experience thanks in part to the excellent DTS sound. No sentimentality, no pathos, and no unnecessary emotions where they shouldn't be, a strong, honest, and captivating French crime drama. (12/03/2005)

36th Precinct gives you a whiff of the good old days, when all those Gabins, Venturas and Delons were swarming in front of French movie cameras. On the one hand, we have an excellent central pair of actors, a coldly raw story (which may turn out well, but may just as well turn into a tragic slaughter) and an unenviable oppressive atmosphere. On the other hand, there is an effort by the director and screenwriter(s) to make the film "watchable" for everyone, including the younger generation, and so the calm pace is disturbed by almost unnecessary action inserts for my taste.... And as much as I'd like to, I won't give it a fifth star for that. Nevertheless, the film is excellent. And I especially bow to Depardieu. (12/04/2010)