This movie was an experience! Let me know your favorite moment in this movie! Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Get ready for DREDD movie reaction/commentary Wednesday! THE THING (1982) will be Thursday! :) Enjoy the day!
I’ve heard speculation of it being tied to bhudism as there is 3 gods and one of them creates the universe when he opens his eyes and the universe ends with the closing of his eyes I haven’t looked much into it but that’s also one theory about why the cow pops up as it’s a sacred animal in bhudism
For that mirror scene, they had Vincent cassel and a body double looking at each other as the body double perfectly mimicked cassel’s movements. There was actually no mirror at all
You can find even more elaborate example of that technique in Terminator 2 deleted scene (it's up in UA-cam), where they used a dummy head and Linda Hamiltons twin sister to create on crazy cool mirror scene.
The subject matter isn't quite ahead of its time, Boyz N Tha Hood, Menace II Society, and Juice. I feel like the shot that resembled a drone shot now that was ahead of its time. It's used constantly now.
The sculture at the end of the movie (the big hand) is "Ecoute". It is placed in the "Forum des halles" which is a place were young suburbans were often fighting in the 90's. The other symbolic of the sculpture is via it's name "Ecoute" which can be translated to "listen / understand", while there's a misunderstanding between Vinz and his 2 friends.
I noticed that throughout the movie, even small things send the three of them into full blown arguments. Everything escalates so quickly. They’ve been conditioned to react this way because of the brutality in their environment. They never see disputes being handled peacefully, so discord is all they know.
Saw this for the first time a couple of months ago and was blown away by every shot, every moment of dialogue, every performance, the way it details life in this part of the world that feels completely genuine and authentic to Paris, but could be in any number of places as well. The word masterpiece is thrown around a lot, but this is, without question, a masterpiece
our french teacher showed this movie to us in class. back then i didnt like it. i thought it was boring because it was in black and white. now that i am older i love this move! i can appreciate the filmmaking, the realism, the symbolism, the message so much more
I'm so glad you got to watch this. Every time I watch La Haine, i'm left feeling cold (in the best way possible). Its choatic, unapologetic, yet so sincere in regards to the characters and story.
@@nuworldremix I love all but Citizen Kane. I appreciate the movie for being iconic. Creating filmmaking techniques and progressing plot in a way that was only seen/read in novels back then. But I can't just come to fully love it as I love other movies on your list. My personal top 10 1) Les Quatre Cents Coups 2) The Godfather 3) Stalker 4) La Haine 5) 8 1/2 6) Apocalypse Now 7) À Bout de Souffle 8) Das Leben der Anderen 9) Rashomon 10) Agguire, the wrath of God
I just love how the movie doesn't take anyone's side. Everytime the main characters are offered a chance to be better, they throw it away. Everytime the cops could show good example, they just ignore the possibility and abuse their power. Everyone is a piece of shit in this movie.
greatest hood movie ever to me this film is asking society the question of how long are we gonna do this sh** to people its actually based on true events in 1993 when a kid was shot in paris by the police during an interrogation the scenes in the beginning are actual footage of the civil unrest at the time wasn’t the last unrest in paris and probably won’t be the last edit: theres an awesome german hood film called “familiye” isn’t known as well as la haine and is more about a broken family in the hood with no parents in sight
Probably the best hood movie for a lot of people because it isn't full of murderers or people who get big dealers. Just friends from a borough the rest of the city doesn't see and hear.
Undisputed masterpiece, probably closer to Do The Right Thing than American History X to me. Gives off a hot-tempered energy like almost no other film. And the compositions :o
"C'est l'histoire d'une société qui tombe et qui au fur et à mesure de sa chute, se répète sans cesse pour se rassurer : Jusqu'ici tout va bien... J'usqu'ici tout va bien... J'usqu'ici tout va bien... mais l'important c'est pas la chute, c'est l'atterissage."
One thing I love about this movie is the way it captures the dynamic of the hood. When I was growing up, everyone knew each other around the hood. So when Vinz daps it up with people passing on the street, them walking up to people they already know and start talking, and especially that scene with the kid talking about someone famous. It really gives the feel that this was just a regular day for them, but no one knew it was going to be Vinz last day.
Yes it must have been intentional. Just like their conversations, "this Farida, no that other Farida , that other mohammed" or when Said is eating at Vinz's house, or when they act like at home with their friend Darty, really depicts well the french projects ' life
I don't know if you noticed, but the movie ends the same way it starts, in the ending, Said closes his eyes and there's a bang, in the begginning, there's a bang and Said opens his eyes. I just love how this is almost a no plot movie, this is just a day in the life of these friends, the only constant is the anger of Vinz and the eventual death of the boy in the hospital, and it all comes around in the end, where he finally knows the hates just creates more hate, but he's still a victim of classism and abuse of power. This is just a perfect movie to me.
The statue is called L'Écoute(Listen), it was bult to remind the people of Paris to pay attention to the world around them. Its use in that scene is frankly brilliant, bravo
My favourite movie growing up. No one I've met has ever heard of it outside of my old friends, that was 20 years ago we watched it, can't believe the movie is 25/26 years old now. Will never lose it's impact.
This movie was a perfect depiction of 90's EU suburban life. Most of us grown up religiously lerning any line in the movie (jk, almost). It was so much talking of our true life and with a spectacular direction/photography. Also the music was spot on. It was really hitting hard all the right spots and you felt right there with the guys and their problems. I'm so astonished it is not knew in the US nor even translated (i grew up on Italian version of it)
This was the launching point for Vincent Cassel the opening music is Burnin and Lootin by Bob Marley. The film focussed on the French banlieues and reflected the social unrest among disillusioned youth. The film turns 30 next year. Kassovitz was 27 when he made the film.
One of my favorite films of all time. Glad to see you're showcasing lesser known and foreign films on your channel. I enjoyed your take on the themes and various cinematic techniques as well. You've got a really good eye.
I saw this film a while ago but I find this film great in so many ways. The camera movement, the editing, the dialogue and I love the way they give it this almost surreal feeling in parts yet the film still feels real and natural
I still maintain that from the day I first saw this film shortly after its release, to today, it is one of the greatest films ever made. There is so much in this film that it is almost like every single frame could be used for an academic thesis, from the actual cinematography and camera work, to the socio-political storyline and the societal representations of the characters. Everything about it is a masterpiece. I'm so glad that you were moved by it (I say "moved" because "I'm glad you enjoyed it" doesn't really convey the actual experience of watching it). A bit of trivia - the neo-nazi that they kidnapped and beat up, and Vinz had the gun to his head, was actually played by the director, Mathieu Kassovitz. This is a great channel. Keep up the good work.
This will always be a French classic and it takes a lot from "The Battle of Algiers" which is considered to be one of the greatest films ever made... and I agree! Great review bro
Man I've been waiting for months for someone to react to this movie... I love it. I don't know if someone already told it in the comments but the statue around 24:50 is called "Ecoute" which means "Listen". It gives another context to the whole dialogue with Vinz not listening to the others in that scene
I love how this film challenged my perception on what France was like as well France in all the media I've experienced is pristine, soft, usually extremely classy and rich, a bit sensual even. This movie not only lacks those traits, but is the exact opposite of them. Also, the fact that a character's death was A: offscreen and B: someone we never actually saw talk, but still had this much weight is the mark of excellent writing.
I watched this film months ago and I am happy you gotten the chance to watch it! This movie...This masterpiece reminded me so much when I lived in the southside of St louis. The hood, the memories and all that resonated so much in me and this was masterfully done well. I can't compliment the movie enough dude.
This movie was shown at a film festival, and the police turned their backs to it, displeased at the portrayal of officers. This movie is so, so important. I tell everyone to watch it
What a great review! When I first watched it with my brother we were so blown away we watched it again as soon as it ended. So many beautiful details in the film, like how each character is introduced by name first or Said opening his eyes and the sound coming on (start of the play), then closing his eyes (end of the play), the adherence to traditional french theatre rules (5 act structure, one location - Paris, 24 hours timeframe etc...), the joker, the moral one, the loose canon, a bit of deus ex machina, the poor Vs the rich, the state racism, the running gags, Cut Killer and on and on. Genius film. RE: the old dude in the car theft scene he was there at the window for a while and heard them use Said's name, so that's how he knows it. The director is the third cop who watches his colleagues torture Said and Hubert in custody.
Great reaction, James, especially at the end :) I feel most sorry for Hubert. He was be the most reasonable guy and ended up being consumed by hatred. Greetings from Germany.
One of my top 10 movies ever made, such a genious piece of cinema. Fun fact: the director Kassovitz also plays in the movie and he played the young skinhead they catch at night in Paris.
Happily surprised to see this upload today. I was literally thinking about recommending this after I watched your reaction to Portrait of a Lady on Fire yesterday lol.
Since you just watched this one, another dope French movie I’d recommend is Amélie. It has pretty unique camera work and use of color. It’s also just a fun film all around 👍
Amazing reaction! I enjoyed hearing your insight on these different shots! Your reactions to how amazing the shots were exactly like mine when I first watched this movie! And that’s coming from a person who doesn’t speak a word of French. Great movie and great reaction 👍🏽
Good review. We saw this film when it came out in 1995, and it blew us away. This was an important film for me growing up as a 17 years old. One of my best films of all time, up there for me with Do the Right Thing.
I remember the first time I saw this film. It was for my 11th grade film theory class. We had come in during Spring break to watch some of the films that we were supposed to write a paper on for our main semester paper. This was the first one we watched. Being in my highschool's theater with somewhere between 50-75 of my classmates as we all were thoroughly engrossed in this film was an experience. Every tense moment you could hear all of us take in a sharp breath as we waited to see what would happen (especially during the Russian Roulette scene because we had seen Deer Hunter a few weeks prior and that was still fresh in our minds). It definitely helped that my school was in an area where movies like this are a lot more relatable due to most of my classmates being able to see themselves in the protagonists. I ended up writing my paper on what is still one of my favorite shots. It was the part where Vinz was boxing in front of the television screens. While he's boxing, the televisions are playing footage of destruction and chaos. But when he stops fighting and turns to look at the screens, it switches to people smiling and dancing, but there are also now black bars covering the screen, showing how he's not able to get that kind of peaceful life anymore. 10/10 film in every regard
Camera work and tracking the guys' conversations as they move through the city is top tier. super intense emotions building up in me, tough to watch at the end as they zoom in and past the guys stand-off! Well made and powerful film. Great reaction, James!!
As a generic consumer (never studied film a day in my life) 'La Haine' is brilliant. It's amazing how you can understand and experience the film in a completely different way as a film maker. Really cool. Keep it up!
Yesterday I thought about requesting La Haine, and now today it’s here. I’m a psychic lmao. Def one of my all time favorite movies. But if you haven’t seen Audition (Japanese movie from 1999 or 2000 idr) you should give it a watch whether on camera or off camera.
This is my favourite movie of all time so far. When watching it for the first time, it took me about 30 minutes to realize it's in black and white. I was so captivated I didn't even notice the absence of color.
Grumwalski's story is basically about pride: he could've survived had he been next to his friends or had he decided to keep his pants down, but his pride killed him, pretty much like it would put the protagonists through so many problems (Snoopy, Police Officers, the Skinheads...)
the DJ Kut killer scene was done with a remote controled helicopter and recorded in 5.1 surround sound, in the DVD version, you can hear the sound going from front left to front right to rear back to left rear etc.. really great. the trans-travelling scenes are amazing too.
actually, we have some deep movie-makers over here in Europe. it's not the same kind of movie you American guy's do, but some are very interresting. English movie-maker are also quiet deep but in another king of deepness, a more social deepness.
What are the odds that I watch "La Haine" for the first time AND find this video 1 year to the date that you uploaded? I agree that this film is perfect...fully immersive, self-possessed, and aesthetically rich.
I can honestly said that only a handful of films have left me speechless in my seat. Films that have stuck in my mind for 20 years+. Films that I instantly mention when I have to recite the most powerful films I have seen. I saw La Haine during a film festival. It was only due to seeing a clip of the mirror scene that I went. Never regretted it. One of my all time favorites
I first saw this film when i was about 18 years old back in 1996. I had the pleasure of seeing it in my local cinema thanks to the recommendation from a class mate at the time. She was French and told me that I would love it seeing how she knew I was into Hip Hop and movies like Do The Right Thing and that stuff. I can honestly say that I have held this film in the highest regard ever since. Recommending it to others and I even bought it twice, once on VHS and the 10th anniversary DVD in 2005. Its a masterclass. It introduced us to Vincent Cassell and Said Taghmaoui and Michael Kassovitz. It doesn't age and it seems to get more powerful as the years go on. I'm glad you gave it a watch and I knew it would be right up your street. Also, the girl that recommended this to me said that there is a lot of French 'urban' slang used that she even had a problem understanding so I think that again shows the authenticity that was achieved whilst making this film. And that scene with the DJ has always had my mind pickled, its too good. Oh yeah, I dig your channel.
Perfect movie, one of my favourite. The director appears on the documentary: Just for Kicks. Funny thing: the building where they go meet Asterix is the building where Vincent Cassel parents live, in center of Paris. Great reaction man! Love it! It's the only reaction to La Haine I ever saw on youtube!
This movie was fucking amazing, but there is just one thing I can’t get over: the characters. Every character, with the possibility of Hubert, were abusive to people outside of there class, while simultaneously being abused by everyone outside of their class. What makes this film feel so genuine is because everyone claims victim hood while being horrible to each other, like it said in the movie “hate breeds hate”
I was wondering if you were getting around to watching La Haine. I love that you did and I'm really looking forward to your commentary! Thank you for your great and insightful work - Cheers from Germany!
@@JamesVSCinema Haha, your reaction to the mirror scene at the begging is just pure joy! I think what you said at the begging incapsulates my fascination with film so very well: A filmmakers "job" is to see different sides and perspectives to one story. I also like your point about the movie feeling like it's in color through the use of amazing camerawork - it's something I've never thought about while watching La Haine but it really hits the nail on the head! As always: Very insightful and interesting listening to your reaction! Edit: I remember watching this movie a long time ago. My reaction to the finale was kind of like your's. It is such a sudden gut punch that really sticks with you. Also the "so far so good" monologue is so depressing and on point. You can never unheard that stuff. Also it is gruesome how this message fits our time still.
This is probably the most important movie i've ever seen. I saw it back in 2001 when i was 17. Probably the best time for me to see it because of my age and my life at that time. I think it adds an extra layer of connection if you come from a European country and grew up with Hip-hop in a multicultural environment, racism and skinheads, riots and with a sense of society exclusion. It hit me hard watching the movie because it touched me in so many areas, i saw myself and my friends in that movie. Also all the hidden messages though out the film, the excellent cinematography, the relatable characters and superb acting, the scenes that said nothing but in the same time said everything. Just like that scene when they are just chillin in the park waiting and the young kid comes up to them and starts telling a story to a uninterested Vinz while Said is throwing small rocks at the kid. The kids persona, that young unfearful old man persona is so common in these kind of neighborhoods. That scene is so magical in so many ways and i just love how the director Mathieu Kassovitz (who also plays the skin-head) made the film so authentic by shooting scenes like that. I've seen it so many times through out my life and i always catch a new thing every time i see it. For instance i hadn't picked up on the mirror scene being shot with a double until i saw this reaction video. This movie is so important and timeless. In my opinion it should be shown in every schools in order to have kids debate and reflect on society and themselves.
Wow you are the only guy that reacted to this movie. Its been one of my favs for ages. If you want a trippy french flick with tons of weird and unique cinematogrophy, then I highly recommend the movie climax, from gaspar noe. Its his tamest film but also his best imho :)
Ahhh YES. LOVED this movie. "It's not the fall that matters, it's the landing" I saw this with my friends at the time we were the age of the kids in the movie. First French film I ever saw (I'm from the Netherlands!) Such a powerfull message/look into the world of troubled, misguided and confused young kids in Europe/elsewhere. Still relevant today!
said's opening his eyes at the beginning and his closing at the end suggests that he had a vision at the beginning of the movie that he only had a day to save his friends and his closing that his vision came true. The scene with the old man is about pride and coincides with Said's unwillingness to tell either Hubert or Vinz of the vision for fear of ridicule and being labelled a looney. They are even prevented from going home at night, so they still had an opportunity to postpone arriving at their fate however they still take the mornings first train home. Hubert himself has the same vision, the scene with his sister that he "hasn't got the time" to help is indicative of someone trapped by fate. He also closes his eyes, suggesting he knows he'll never leave the banlieue despite his ambitions.
Classic french film! Great choice this time around, a lot of themes still relevant today and the “banlieu” situation in Paris/France is really similar to projects in the US.
@@JamesVSCinema Watch the recent Les Misérables (2019). A great companion piece to La Haine (and obviously influenced by it). Oscar nominated for foreign language film last year.
One of the best movies ever, apparently it was shot in color and they put it in black and white in post. I wish they would release a colored version just for comparisons sake. Excellent reaction! It's always good to hear your thoughts on these movies!!
That scene with je ne regrette rien mixed in as it zooms in through the ghetto is one of my favourite scenes in cinematic history. If you liked this you might like British film Ill manors which has a great opening of events on a housing estate with traditional French music mixed in incidentally
Love this movie! One of the coolest parts for me is that dolly zoom effect when they are on the roof with the city zooming out in the background. Have you seen any Gaspar Noe movies? From a filmmakers point of view i think you would find his work interesting. I’ve seen Climax, Enter the Void and Irreversible and they are some amazing films. Irreversible is hard to watch tho just be warned
11:35 it's worth noting that most French nouvelle vague films, and many French films since, stick to a tradition of having unknown actors in them, to give them a better feeling of authenticity. Really allows the direction and the story to come first, without recognisable faces who can sometimes be distracting
This movie was an experience! Let me know your favorite moment in this movie!
Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema
Get ready for DREDD movie reaction/commentary Wednesday! THE THING (1982) will be Thursday! :) Enjoy the day!
DJ playing for the whole neighbourhood, while no one reacts to it, implying that it is an everyday thing. Plus that flying shot.
the falling scene , superb. Check out the prophet another amazing frech movie.
Grave of the Fireflies (1988) &
Nobody Knows (2004)
Yessss those scenes were incredible!
So damn good!
It's so cool how the film starts with Said opening his eyes and ends with him closing his eyes
I have never noticed that
I’ve heard speculation of it being tied to bhudism as there is 3 gods and one of them creates the universe when he opens his eyes and the universe ends with the closing of his eyes I haven’t looked much into it but that’s also one theory about why the cow pops up as it’s a sacred animal in bhudism
@@Dloading203 Hmmm could be true as Said wears a Buddhist hamsa hand necklace throughout the movie
Exactly one day later aswell
For that mirror scene, they had Vincent cassel and a body double looking at each other as the body double perfectly mimicked cassel’s movements. There was actually no mirror at all
Knew it! That’s so awesome and ingenious
You can find even more elaborate example of that technique in Terminator 2 deleted scene (it's up in UA-cam), where they used a dummy head and Linda Hamiltons twin sister to create on crazy cool mirror scene.
First time i know about that!
Though i ve watched the movie numerous times.
if you look very carefully you can see some objects that break the fiction, such as the brush that is not reflected
Also done in Evil dead 2
What an ending, holy shit I remember throwing my hands up in shock. The message is so timely too. Just a phenomenal film that everyone needs to see.
Yeah my heart just flew out of my chest at that moment!
this film was so ahead of it's time! Sadly such a relevant movie for the present day
It actually depicted its time (France in the 90s, even 80s)
The subject matter isn't quite ahead of its time, Boyz N Tha Hood, Menace II Society, and Juice. I feel like the shot that resembled a drone shot now that was ahead of its time. It's used constantly now.
@@alexm2930 yeah it definitely wasn’t ahead of it’s time it was relevant at the time and it’s relevant today sadly 🤷🏾♂️
It was NOT ahead of it's time, like not even remotely close. Still, a GOAT film.
The sculture at the end of the movie (the big hand) is "Ecoute". It is placed in the "Forum des halles" which is a place were young suburbans were often fighting in the 90's.
The other symbolic of the sculpture is via it's name "Ecoute" which can be translated to "listen / understand", while there's a misunderstanding between Vinz and his 2 friends.
Thank you!!
I noticed that throughout the movie, even small things send the three of them into full blown arguments. Everything escalates so quickly. They’ve been conditioned to react this way because of the brutality in their environment. They never see disputes being handled peacefully, so discord is all they know.
That's a really salient point.
@@ponfed So true, well said
The ending is my favorite and least favorite part 😭
Took my breathe away
myvheart never punded as fast while watching a movie
I've never had such a full on physical reaction to a moment like that ever in a movie. Legitimate grief
@@Laizerdisksame, its genuinely crazy
Same
Saw this for the first time a couple of months ago and was blown away by every shot, every moment of dialogue, every performance, the way it details life in this part of the world that feels completely genuine and authentic to Paris, but could be in any number of places as well.
The word masterpiece is thrown around a lot, but this is, without question, a masterpiece
Couldn’t agree more my friend!
our french teacher showed this movie to us in class. back then i didnt like it. i thought it was boring because it was in black and white. now that i am older i love this move! i can appreciate the filmmaking, the realism, the symbolism, the message so much more
So happy you went back to it my friend!
I’m currently in highschool and when I first watched this film, I seriously couldn’t breathe for the entire film, it had me on the edge of my seat!
I'm so glad you got to watch this. Every time I watch La Haine, i'm left feeling cold (in the best way possible). Its choatic, unapologetic, yet so sincere in regards to the characters and story.
This was filmmaking excellence!
@@JamesVSCinema if you dont mind, here's a Top 5 list for films to check out:
1. Citizen Kane
2. The Master
3. Le Samourai
4. 8 1/2
5. Apocalypse Now
@@nuworldremix I love all but Citizen Kane. I appreciate the movie for being iconic. Creating filmmaking techniques and progressing plot in a way that was only seen/read in novels back then. But I can't just come to fully love it as I love other movies on your list. My personal top 10
1) Les Quatre Cents Coups
2) The Godfather
3) Stalker
4) La Haine
5) 8 1/2
6) Apocalypse Now
7) À Bout de Souffle
8) Das Leben der Anderen
9) Rashomon
10) Agguire, the wrath of God
I just love how the movie doesn't take anyone's side. Everytime the main characters are offered a chance to be better, they throw it away. Everytime the cops could show good example, they just ignore the possibility and abuse their power. Everyone is a piece of shit in this movie.
greatest hood movie ever to me
this film is asking society the question of how long are we gonna do this sh** to people
its actually based on true events in 1993 when a kid was shot in paris by the police during an interrogation
the scenes in the beginning are actual footage of the civil unrest at the time
wasn’t the last unrest in paris and probably won’t be the last
edit: theres an awesome german hood film called “familiye”
isn’t known as well as la haine and is more about a broken family in the hood with no parents in sight
Yes I looked into that event after the film. How crazy now having that match America’s incidents.
Probably the best hood movie for a lot of people because it isn't full of murderers or people who get big dealers. Just friends from a borough the rest of the city doesn't see and hear.
Undisputed masterpiece, probably closer to Do The Right Thing than American History X to me. Gives off a hot-tempered energy like almost no other film. And the compositions :o
Yeah the authenticity oozes from this film. And I love it for that!
@@JamesVSCinema Have you seen "Do the Right Thing"?
Reminds me a loooooot of 1995's Kids, just the Parisian version.
Closer? Its better lol
@@TheFightHubb Better than what?
"C'est l'histoire d'une société qui tombe et qui au fur et à mesure de sa chute, se répète sans cesse pour se rassurer : Jusqu'ici tout va bien... J'usqu'ici tout va bien... J'usqu'ici tout va bien... mais l'important c'est pas la chute, c'est l'atterissage."
One thing I love about this movie is the way it captures the dynamic of the hood. When I was growing up, everyone knew each other around the hood. So when Vinz daps it up with people passing on the street, them walking up to people they already know and start talking, and especially that scene with the kid talking about someone famous. It really gives the feel that this was just a regular day for them, but no one knew it was going to be Vinz last day.
Yes it must have been intentional. Just like their conversations, "this Farida, no that other Farida , that other mohammed" or when Said is eating at Vinz's house, or when they act like at home with their friend Darty, really depicts well the french projects ' life
aha! Now this is a proper classic, no one smokes a cigarette as cool as Vincent Cassel
Ay it was a phenomenal watch Owen!
I'm jealous of how cool he looks 😭😭
I don't know if you noticed, but the movie ends the same way it starts, in the ending, Said closes his eyes and there's a bang, in the begginning, there's a bang and Said opens his eyes.
I just love how this is almost a no plot movie, this is just a day in the life of these friends, the only constant is the anger of Vinz and the eventual death of the boy in the hospital, and it all comes around in the end, where he finally knows the hates just creates more hate, but he's still a victim of classism and abuse of power. This is just a perfect movie to me.
Nice one man. I saw this when it came out in the cinema in Australia in the mid 90s. Was absolutely blown away by the film, absolute masterpiece.
Something I love about watching new films is coming back to see your reactions. Adds so much. Really appreciate you man
Much love, happy you can vibe!
26:07 same reaction we all had when we finished it in my high-school auditorium
The statue is called L'Écoute(Listen), it was bult to remind the people of Paris to pay attention to the world around them.
Its use in that scene is frankly brilliant, bravo
I studied this for my A-Level and I can safely say it’s one of the best films I’ve seen
yup, yup, you’ve sold me to sub to your Patreon James with this movie pick, always having the most FIRE movie selection and great insight as always
Wow that’s so awesome to hear, it seriously helps thank you!!
One of my favourite movies ever, if not my favourite. Brilliant.
My favourite movie growing up. No one I've met has ever heard of it outside of my old friends, that was 20 years ago we watched it, can't believe the movie is 25/26 years old now. Will never lose it's impact.
its time for a rewatch james!
hi and thx for reacting to this master piece. by the way the skinhead is the writer, co-editer, and director of this movie Mathieu Kassovitz
This movie was a perfect depiction of 90's EU suburban life. Most of us grown up religiously lerning any line in the movie (jk, almost). It was so much talking of our true life and with a spectacular direction/photography. Also the music was spot on. It was really hitting hard all the right spots and you felt right there with the guys and their problems.
I'm so astonished it is not knew in the US nor even translated (i grew up on Italian version of it)
GRumwalsky is to this day a regular citation of mine :D
Came back to let you know it’s time for a rewatch JAMES!
Hahahaha my guy!!
This was the launching point for Vincent Cassel the opening music is Burnin and Lootin by Bob Marley. The film focussed on the French banlieues and reflected the social unrest among disillusioned youth. The film turns 30 next year. Kassovitz was 27 when he made the film.
One of my favorite films of all time. Glad to see you're showcasing lesser known and foreign films on your channel. I enjoyed your take on the themes and various cinematic techniques as well. You've got a really good eye.
I saw this film a while ago but I find this film great in so many ways. The camera movement, the editing, the dialogue and I love the way they give it this almost surreal feeling in parts yet the film still feels real and natural
French Cinema is without a doubt my favorite genre/style of storytelling narrative.
I still maintain that from the day I first saw this film shortly after its release, to today, it is one of the greatest films ever made. There is so much in this film that it is almost like every single frame could be used for an academic thesis, from the actual cinematography and camera work, to the socio-political storyline and the societal representations of the characters. Everything about it is a masterpiece. I'm so glad that you were moved by it (I say "moved" because "I'm glad you enjoyed it" doesn't really convey the actual experience of watching it). A bit of trivia - the neo-nazi that they kidnapped and beat up, and Vinz had the gun to his head, was actually played by the director, Mathieu Kassovitz. This is a great channel. Keep up the good work.
This will always be a French classic and it takes a lot from "The Battle of Algiers" which is considered to be one of the greatest films ever made... and I agree! Great review bro
Thanks so much! I fell in love with this film. Will definitely check the other one
Man I've been waiting for months for someone to react to this movie... I love it. I don't know if someone already told it in the comments but the statue around 24:50 is called "Ecoute" which means "Listen". It gives another context to the whole dialogue with Vinz not listening to the others in that scene
I first watched la haine in school in my French class. It's been one of my favourites ever since
I love how this film challenged my perception on what France was like as well
France in all the media I've experienced is pristine, soft, usually extremely classy and rich, a bit sensual even. This movie not only lacks those traits, but is the exact opposite of them.
Also, the fact that a character's death was A: offscreen and B: someone we never actually saw talk, but still had this much weight is the mark of excellent writing.
I watched this film months ago and I am happy you gotten the chance to watch it! This movie...This masterpiece reminded me so much when I lived in the southside of St louis. The hood, the memories and all that resonated so much in me and this was masterfully done well. I can't compliment the movie enough dude.
I’m super pumped you really dig this film as much as I did. It’s a close favorite
This movie was shown at a film festival, and the police turned their backs to it, displeased at the portrayal of officers. This movie is so, so important. I tell everyone to watch it
What a great review! When I first watched it with my brother we were so blown away we watched it again as soon as it ended. So many beautiful details in the film, like how each character is introduced by name first or Said opening his eyes and the sound coming on (start of the play), then closing his eyes (end of the play), the adherence to traditional french theatre rules (5 act structure, one location - Paris, 24 hours timeframe etc...), the joker, the moral one, the loose canon, a bit of deus ex machina, the poor Vs the rich, the state racism, the running gags, Cut Killer and on and on. Genius film.
RE: the old dude in the car theft scene he was there at the window for a while and heard them use Said's name, so that's how he knows it.
The director is the third cop who watches his colleagues torture Said and Hubert in custody.
Such a great film.
Originally shot in colour, but printed on black and white at the director's request. Definitely the right choice
Great reaction, James, especially at the end :) I feel most sorry for Hubert. He was be the most reasonable guy and ended up being consumed by hatred. Greetings from Germany.
I love watching your videos on my favourite films. It’s like a little rewatch while hearing your thoughts on it too
I love rewatching this movie with someone who’s seeing it for the first time. Thank you for that.
I'm happy you found this masterpiece!
Masterpiece! Btw Mathieu Kassovitz (writer/director) is the skinhead :)
love that you loved this movie that much ;) great acting, great camera, great authenticity and story
I just watched this. The ending was really something. And the style and cinematography was really a work of art
One of my top 10 movies ever made, such a genious piece of cinema. Fun fact: the director Kassovitz also plays in the movie and he played the young skinhead they catch at night in Paris.
Happily surprised to see this upload today. I was literally thinking about recommending this after I watched your reaction to Portrait of a Lady on Fire yesterday lol.
Hahaha glad to have you here PG!
Since you just watched this one, another dope French movie I’d recommend is Amélie. It has pretty unique camera work and use of color. It’s also just a fun film all around 👍
This film was made 28 years ago and it's still relevant today.
Amazing reaction! I enjoyed hearing your insight on these different shots! Your reactions to how amazing the shots were exactly like mine when I first watched this movie! And that’s coming from a person who doesn’t speak a word of French. Great movie and great reaction 👍🏽
Good review. We saw this film when it came out in 1995, and it blew us away. This was an important film for me growing up as a 17 years old. One of my best films of all time, up there for me with Do the Right Thing.
I remember the first time I saw this film. It was for my 11th grade film theory class. We had come in during Spring break to watch some of the films that we were supposed to write a paper on for our main semester paper. This was the first one we watched. Being in my highschool's theater with somewhere between 50-75 of my classmates as we all were thoroughly engrossed in this film was an experience. Every tense moment you could hear all of us take in a sharp breath as we waited to see what would happen (especially during the Russian Roulette scene because we had seen Deer Hunter a few weeks prior and that was still fresh in our minds). It definitely helped that my school was in an area where movies like this are a lot more relatable due to most of my classmates being able to see themselves in the protagonists.
I ended up writing my paper on what is still one of my favorite shots. It was the part where Vinz was boxing in front of the television screens. While he's boxing, the televisions are playing footage of destruction and chaos. But when he stops fighting and turns to look at the screens, it switches to people smiling and dancing, but there are also now black bars covering the screen, showing how he's not able to get that kind of peaceful life anymore. 10/10 film in every regard
Camera work and tracking the guys' conversations as they move through the city is top tier. super intense emotions building up in me, tough to watch at the end as they zoom in and past the guys stand-off! Well made and powerful film. Great reaction, James!!
What a beautiful I’ll indeed, I was absorbed fully to the max with this one!
16:26 possibly my favourite shot ever
The Vertigo Effect
One of the best films of all time. Glad you reacted to this one pimp!
Much love brotha Brady!
As a generic consumer (never studied film a day in my life) 'La Haine' is brilliant. It's amazing how you can understand and experience the film in a completely different way as a film maker. Really cool. Keep it up!
The drunk guy heard Vinz say Sayid's name when they were arguing. Big ups from South Africa
The skinhead they are about to shoot is the director I believe
Yep, that's Kassovitz.
Yesterday I thought about requesting La Haine, and now today it’s here. I’m a psychic lmao. Def one of my all time favorite movies.
But if you haven’t seen Audition (Japanese movie from 1999 or 2000 idr) you should give it a watch whether on camera or off camera.
aka Odishon, he should start his path down Takashi Miike for sure
Favourite film of all time, great video
Excellent choice! Check out Cassavetes - A Woman Under the Influence.
Cheers!! Thank you!
This is my favourite movie of all time so far. When watching it for the first time, it took me about 30 minutes to realize it's in black and white. I was so captivated I didn't even notice the absence of color.
Grumwalski's story is basically about pride: he could've survived had he been next to his friends or had he decided to keep his pants down, but his pride killed him, pretty much like it would put the protagonists through so many problems (Snoopy, Police Officers, the Skinheads...)
I would rather say Vinz pride, meaning that his pride would eventually catch up to him and put him in dangerous situations.
I highly relate to the way you think and your perspective on things in general. Great video and you're a great guy!
the DJ Kut killer scene was done with a remote controled helicopter and recorded in 5.1 surround sound, in the DVD version, you can hear the sound going from front left to front right to rear back to left rear etc.. really great. the trans-travelling scenes are amazing too.
the white dude has been - and maybey still is, i don't know - Monica Belluci's husband.
actually, we have some deep movie-makers over here in Europe. it's not the same kind of movie you American guy's do, but some are very interresting. English movie-maker are also quiet deep but in another king of deepness, a more social deepness.
What are the odds that I watch "La Haine" for the first time AND find this video 1 year to the date that you uploaded? I agree that this film is perfect...fully immersive, self-possessed, and aesthetically rich.
I can honestly said that only a handful of films have left me speechless in my seat. Films that have stuck in my mind for 20 years+. Films that I instantly mention when I have to recite the most powerful films I have seen.
I saw La Haine during a film festival. It was only due to seeing a clip of the mirror scene that I went. Never regretted it. One of my all time favorites
One of my all time faves. Glad to see you react to this one.
I first saw this film when i was about 18 years old back in 1996. I had the pleasure of seeing it in my local cinema thanks to the recommendation from a class mate at the time. She was French and told me that I would love it seeing how she knew I was into Hip Hop and movies like Do The Right Thing and that stuff. I can honestly say that I have held this film in the highest regard ever since. Recommending it to others and I even bought it twice, once on VHS and the 10th anniversary DVD in 2005. Its a masterclass. It introduced us to Vincent Cassell and Said Taghmaoui and Michael Kassovitz. It doesn't age and it seems to get more powerful as the years go on. I'm glad you gave it a watch and I knew it would be right up your street. Also, the girl that recommended this to me said that there is a lot of French 'urban' slang used that she even had a problem understanding so I think that again shows the authenticity that was achieved whilst making this film. And that scene with the DJ has always had my mind pickled, its too good. Oh yeah, I dig your channel.
Perfect movie, one of my favourite. The director appears on the documentary: Just for Kicks.
Funny thing: the building where they go meet Asterix is the building where Vincent Cassel parents live, in center of Paris.
Great reaction man! Love it! It's the only reaction to La Haine I ever saw on youtube!
Ay happy to hear it brother!!
This movie was fucking amazing, but there is just one thing I can’t get over: the characters. Every character, with the possibility of Hubert, were abusive to people outside of there class, while simultaneously being abused by everyone outside of their class. What makes this film feel so genuine is because everyone claims victim hood while being horrible to each other, like it said in the movie “hate breeds hate”
Watched La Haine this morning and thought, I hope James reacted to this, and here we are XD
I was wondering if you were getting around to watching La Haine. I love that you did and I'm really looking forward to your commentary! Thank you for your great and insightful work - Cheers from Germany!
Happy to hear that Kon and very happy to hear your thoughts on the commentary.
@@JamesVSCinema Haha, your reaction to the mirror scene at the begging is just pure joy! I think what you said at the begging incapsulates my fascination with film so very well: A filmmakers "job" is to see different sides and perspectives to one story. I also like your point about the movie feeling like it's in color through the use of amazing camerawork - it's something I've never thought about while watching La Haine but it really hits the nail on the head! As always: Very insightful and interesting listening to your reaction!
Edit: I remember watching this movie a long time ago. My reaction to the finale was kind of like your's. It is such a sudden gut punch that really sticks with you. Also the "so far so good" monologue is so depressing and on point. You can never unheard that stuff. Also it is gruesome how this message fits our time still.
This is probably the most important movie i've ever seen. I saw it back in 2001 when i was 17. Probably the best time for me to see it because of my age and my life at that time. I think it adds an extra layer of connection if you come from a European country and grew up with Hip-hop in a multicultural environment, racism and skinheads, riots and with a sense of society exclusion. It hit me hard watching the movie because it touched me in so many areas, i saw myself and my friends in that movie. Also all the hidden messages though out the film, the excellent cinematography, the relatable characters and superb acting, the scenes that said nothing but in the same time said everything. Just like that scene when they are just chillin in the park waiting and the young kid comes up to them and starts telling a story to a uninterested Vinz while Said is throwing small rocks at the kid. The kids persona, that young unfearful old man persona is so common in these kind of neighborhoods. That scene is so magical in so many ways and i just love how the director Mathieu Kassovitz (who also plays the skin-head) made the film so authentic by shooting scenes like that. I've seen it so many times through out my life and i always catch a new thing every time i see it. For instance i hadn't picked up on the mirror scene being shot with a double until i saw this reaction video. This movie is so important and timeless. In my opinion it should be shown in every schools in order to have kids debate and reflect on society and themselves.
Wow you are the only guy that reacted to this movie. Its been one of my favs for ages. If you want a trippy french flick with tons of weird and unique cinematogrophy, then I highly recommend the movie climax, from gaspar noe. Its his tamest film but also his best imho :)
Say a little prayer for Grunwalski, who died from embarassment on the way to the gulag....
Was he saying "So far, so good...so far, so good..." ?
Yeah such a shame..
Man I had the same exact reaction to the ending
Vinz says in the bathroom that they won’t turn a cheek he then dies to a shot to the cheek
Please watch the UK film "This Is England"
Great choice, or Dead Man's Shoes.
@@chrisbfreelance both good choices. Shane meadows is the man. So is Paddy considine.
Also Shame and Filth
That is a good film.
I think it’s time to come back to this film 29:34. I Deff wanted more of your thoughts on this one James for real 👌
Ahhh YES. LOVED this movie. "It's not the fall that matters, it's the landing"
I saw this with my friends at the time we were the age of the kids in the movie. First French film I ever saw (I'm from the Netherlands!)
Such a powerfull message/look into the world of troubled, misguided and confused young kids in Europe/elsewhere. Still relevant today!
That’s so awesome to hear you liking films such as these! Great job exploring these bodies of art! Cheers!
I loved this movie when i was younger. Still do. Haven't seen it in many years tho. Maybe I'll watch it again today!
La Haine, Boyz n the Hood and City of God are my favorite Hood films! Definitely do a reaction to Boyz n the Hood and City of God eventually!
said's opening his eyes at the beginning and his closing at the end suggests that he had a vision at the beginning of the movie that he only had a day to save his friends and his closing that his vision came true. The scene with the old man is about pride and coincides with Said's unwillingness to tell either Hubert or Vinz of the vision for fear of ridicule and being labelled a looney. They are even prevented from going home at night, so they still had an opportunity to postpone arriving at their fate however they still take the mornings first train home. Hubert himself has the same vision, the scene with his sister that he "hasn't got the time" to help is indicative of someone trapped by fate. He also closes his eyes, suggesting he knows he'll never leave the banlieue despite his ambitions.
Fuck yes! I love this movie! So happy you covered this film! Its such a gem, i love getting peoples perspective on it
Classic french film! Great choice this time around, a lot of themes still relevant today and the “banlieu” situation in Paris/France is really similar to projects in the US.
It’s so crazy seeing how relevant this is especially now
I love how you're getting in to some high end world cinema. Keep it up!
Always Eric!! Much love brother!
@@JamesVSCinema Watch the recent Les Misérables (2019). A great companion piece to La Haine (and obviously influenced by it). Oscar nominated for foreign language film last year.
17:55 Probably because he was a survivor of the holocaust, which is instantly recognizable as a european, but maybe not so much as an american.
The ending to this movie is like getting shot in the face yourself
It is by far one of my favourite movies in history. absolute masterpiece
this movie is my fav hands down, shook me to the core several times
I need to get this film NOW. It reminds me of taxi driver, American history x, the Irishman and joker.
Definitely correct! Get it!
One of the best movies ever, apparently it was shot in color and they put it in black and white in post. I wish they would release a colored version just for comparisons sake. Excellent reaction! It's always good to hear your thoughts on these movies!!
Absolutely amazing movie, two great actors began here, Vincent Cassel and Said Taghmaui . Life in the projects happens all over the world.
That scene with je ne regrette rien mixed in as it zooms in through the ghetto is one of my favourite scenes in cinematic history. If you liked this you might like British film Ill manors which has a great opening of events on a housing estate with traditional French music mixed in incidentally
Love this movie! One of the coolest parts for me is that dolly zoom effect when they are on the roof with the city zooming out in the background. Have you seen any Gaspar Noe movies? From a filmmakers point of view i think you would find his work interesting. I’ve seen Climax, Enter the Void and Irreversible and they are some amazing films. Irreversible is hard to watch tho just be warned
Hadn't noticed before, but the graffiti behind them at 9:20 says l'avenir c'est nous, meaning "we are the future" or "the future is us"
11:35 it's worth noting that most French nouvelle vague films, and many French films since, stick to a tradition of having unknown actors in them, to give them a better feeling of authenticity. Really allows the direction and the story to come first, without recognisable faces who can sometimes be distracting