The Connection – Movie Review by Frank L.

Directed by Cedric Jimenez
Writers: Audrey Diwan (screenplay), Cédric Jimenez (screenplay)
Stars: Jean Dujardin, Gilles Lellouche, Céline Sallette

Inspired by the French Connection, the Connection is set in the early 1970’s in Marseille where the principal supply of heroin into the United States lay through the French port. Pierre Michel (Jean Dujardin), a promising youngish cop dealing with juvenile drug users, is promoted into a group wrestling with the source of the supply…the controllers of the trade. He is happily married to Jacqueline (Celine Sallette) who is fearful of the danger to which he now is exposed as he becomes ever closer to the centre of criminal octopus whose tentacles control the illegal trade and much else besides in and around Marseille. His bête noire is Gaetan “Tanny” Zampa, (Gilles Lelouche) is the brains of the outfit.

The backdrop is stylish new money which makes the lethal trade taking place in and around Marseille all the more obscene. It is fast moving, well dressed, a world that is very recognisable and with an obvious appeal. It is a racy environment but counterpointed with Pierre Michel’s domestic life. He represents good with a capital ”G” he is fearless in his determination to bring the trade to an end and place its purveyors out of harm’s way whether dead or alive. The confrontation between Pierre Michel and “Tanny” is highly charged and with an underlying seething aggression and mutual contempt. There is not room for the two of them on this planet. There are the inevitable raids and chases but there is a terrific dynamic as the reality of the ordinary domestic life of Pierre Michel is stands in stark contrast to the night club bling of Tanny’s.

Although it lasts for approximately two and a quarter hours, it speeds along at a terrific tempo. As a result it is the edge of your seat is from where this film is watched.