Director: Mathieu Kassovitz
Actors: Vincent Cassel, Hubert Koundé, Saïd Taghmaoui
PlotIn the aftermath of a riot in the suburbs of Paris, three young men grapple with their anger and frustration towards an oppressive society. Vince, a volatile Jewish youth; Hubert, a calm and reflective Afro-French boxer; and Saïd, a witty Arab with a mischievous streak, are friends from the same impoverished housing project. The tension in the neighborhood is palpable following the hospitalization of their friend Abdel, who was brutally beaten by the police. Feeling marginalized and disenfranchised, they navigate their environment, which is rife with police brutality, racial discrimination, and a lack of opportunity.
After discovering a police officer's lost gun, Vince vows revenge if Abdel dies, believing that the use of violence is the only language the police understand. While Hubert advocates for non-violence and aspires to a better life, his standpoint is constantly challenged by the harsh realities surrounding him. As the men traverse the city, their experiences and interactions progressively underscore the bleakness and entrapment of their social conditions. Their bonds are tested as they confront their own desires, the seductive power of violence, and the stark choices that face them. The simmering tension sets the stage for a critical twenty-four hours that threatens to alter their lives forever.
MoreWriters: Mathieu Kassovitz
Release Date: 23 Feb 1996
Runtime: 98 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: France
Language: French
Blu-ray
La Haine's stunning Blu-ray upgrade, with superb audio/video and user-friendly menu, is a must-have, REGION-FREE release.
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4K UHD Blu-ray
La Haine's iconic 4K release highlights its timeless impact & excellence.
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Blu-ray
La Haine, a seminal film in urban cinema, gets a Criterion release with stellar features. Essential viewing.
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