Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
La Haine is a 1995 French black-and-white drama film written, co-edited, and directed by Mathieu Kassovitz. The film stars Vincent Cassel, Hubert Koundé, and Saïd Taghmaoui. Set in the aftermath of a violent riot in the outskirts of Paris, it follows three young men from immigrant backgrounds as they navigate the tense and volatile environment of their neighborhood.
The Story Unfolds
The Aftermath of the Riot
The film begins with archival footage of riots and police brutality, setting the stage for the tension and unrest in the Parisian suburbs. We are introduced to the three main characters: Vinz (Vincent Cassel), a hot-headed Jewish youth; Hubert (Hubert Koundé), a black boxer who is thoughtful and peace-seeking; and Saïd (Saïd Taghmaoui), a North African Arab who provides comic relief but also acts as a mediator between Vinz and Hubert.
The Incident and Its Repercussions
The plot centers around the aftermath of a riot in which their friend, Abdel, is brutally beaten by the police and lies in a coma. Vinz finds a police officer’s gun lost during the riots and vows to use it to kill a cop if Abdel dies. This vow sets off a series of events that depict the characters’ struggles with identity, violence, and their place in society.
The Climax and Resolution
A Day in the City
The film follows the trio over the course of 24 hours. They travel from their suburban housing project into the heart of Paris. Their journey is filled with tense encounters with the police, hostile interactions with Parisians, and moments of introspection and humor among themselves. Each character’s personality and outlook on life are explored in these interactions.
The Tragic End
The climax of the film occurs when the trio returns to their suburb, only to be confronted by a group of policemen. In a shocking turn of events, Vinz is accidentally shot and killed by a police officer. The film ends with a poignant and ambiguous scene where Hubert and the police officer face off, each pointing a gun at the other, as Saïd closes his eyes. A gunshot is heard, but it is unclear who, if anyone, is shot.
The Conclusion
A Reflection on Violence
La Haine concludes with a powerful meditation on the cycle of violence and the impact of systemic oppression. The film does not offer easy answers or solutions, but instead presents a stark and realistic portrayal of life in the marginalized suburbs of Paris.
Movie Ending
La Haine ends on a tragic and ambiguous note, with the accidental shooting of Vinz and a tense standoff between Hubert and a police officer. The final gunshot leaves the audience questioning the outcome and reflecting on the film’s exploration of violence and societal tension.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in La Haine.
Type of Movie
La Haine is a drama and social commentary film that combines elements of crime and thriller genres, focusing on themes of violence, racism, and the struggles of marginalized communities.
Cast
- Vincent Cassel as Vinz
- Hubert Koundé as Hubert
- Saïd Taghmaoui as Saïd
- Abdel Ahmed Ghili as Abdel
- Souleymane Dicko as Hubert’s Brother
- Joseph Momo as the Policeman
Film Music and Composer
The film features a soundtrack that includes a mix of hip-hop, rap, and reggae music, reflecting the cultural background of the characters and the urban setting. The score enhances the film’s gritty and realistic atmosphere.
Filming Locations
La Haine was filmed in various locations in and around Paris, France, including:
- Chanteloup-les-Vignes: For the suburban housing project scenes.
- Paris: For the scenes depicting the characters’ day in the city.
Awards and Nominations
La Haine received numerous prestigious awards and nominations, including:
- Cannes Film Festival: Won Best Director (Mathieu Kassovitz) and the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury. Nominated for the Palme d’Or.
- César Awards: Won Best Film, Best Editing, and Best Producer. Nominated for Best Actor (Vincent Cassel and Hubert Koundé), Best Director, Best Writing, and Best Cinematography.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Mathieu Kassovitz was inspired to write the film after the death of Makomé M’Bowolé, a young Zairian who was shot by French police in 1993.
- The film was shot in black and white to emphasize the stark reality and to give it a timeless quality.
- The actors spent time in the actual housing projects to better understand their characters and the environment they inhabit.
Inspirations and References
La Haine draws inspiration from real-life events and the socio-political climate in France during the 1990s. The film reflects broader themes of systemic oppression, police brutality, and the struggles of marginalized communities.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of La Haine closely follows Mathieu Kassovitz’s original vision. Some additional content and behind-the-scenes insights are available in special editions and DVD releases.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The opening sequence with real footage of riots and protests.
- Vinz’s monologue in front of the mirror, mimicking Robert De Niro’s “You talkin’ to me?” scene from Taxi Driver.
- The trio’s journey through Paris, highlighting their alienation and the cultural divide.
- The tense standoff and accidental shooting of Vinz.
- The ambiguous final scene with the gunshot.
Iconic Quotes
- “Heard about the guy who fell off a skyscraper? On his way down past each floor, he kept saying to reassure himself: So far so good… so far so good… so far so good. But it’s not how you fall that matters. It’s how you land.” – Hubert
- “It’s about a society on its way down. And as it falls, it keeps telling itself: ‘So far so good… So far so good… So far so good.’ It’s not how you fall that matters. It’s how you land.” – Opening narration
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The recurring motif of the clock showing 10:38, referencing the time when the riots began.
- The graffiti and background details that reflect the socio-political messages of the film.
Trivia
- The film’s title, La Haine, means “Hatred” in French, reflecting the central theme of the story.
- Mathieu Kassovitz and Vincent Cassel collaborated on several films following the success of La Haine.
- The film’s gritty realism and social commentary have made it a classic in French cinema and a reference point for discussions on urban violence and police brutality.
Why Watch?
La Haine offers a powerful and unflinching portrayal of life in the marginalized suburbs of Paris, featuring standout performances by Vincent Cassel, Hubert Koundé, and Saïd Taghmaoui, and masterful direction by Mathieu Kassovitz. Its blend of intense drama, social commentary, and cultural relevance makes it a must-watch for fans of impactful and thought-provoking cinema.
Director’s Other Movies
Mathieu Kassovitz also directed:
- Assassins (1997)
- The Crimson Rivers (2000)
- Gothika (2003)
- Babylon A.D. (2008)
- Rebellion (2011)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Do the Right Thing (1989) by Spike Lee
- City of God (2002) by Fernando Meirelles
- Boyz n the Hood (1991) by John Singleton
- Menace II Society (1993) by the Hughes Brothers
- Gomorrah (2008) by Matteo Garrone
