Two thousandths changed the position of France on a cinematic map of the world. If before the comedy of Parisian filmmakers was comedy, now they confidently took up the militants. The list of the best French militants is opened by the Carrier (IMDb: 6.80), which blew up the world hire. Subsequently, the brutal Jason Statham continued to polish to a brilliance the image of a pedantic and neat driver of strict rules, but loyal moral principles, providing specific transport services on his precious Audi Eight in two sequels. The first two projects were directed by the talented director Louis Leterrier, in the third he was replaced by Olivier Megaton. In each part of the franchise, the creators followed clear rules that made the protagonist an indispensable professional. The relentless interest of the public prompted television to create an action television series based on the eponymous series of producer projects by Luc Besson.
With parkour on the screens
Then the best French action films were not without parkour - Pierre Morel famously jumped into the movie theaters “13th district” (IMDb: 7.20). The project, in which stunning stunts were performed live, without the use of graphics, surprised the viewer so much that the public immediately began to demand continuation. The story of police Damien and extreme hooligan Leito was continued after five years in a movie with the subtitle Ultimatum, which was shot by Patrick Alessandren. And after a five-year period, the public had the opportunity to appreciate the American remake of “Brick Mansions” directed by Camille Delamarr, which was the last work of Paul Walker. Which serves as evidence that the French franchises have become popular not only in their homeland, but also tenaciously entrenched in the box office of other countries of the world.
Another franchise
Not the last place among the best French fighters is the hostage series (IMDb: 7.80). This one of the most successful national projects was initially oriented to the outside world. The first tape was staged by the same Pierre Morel under the vigilant supervision of the ubiquitous Luc Besson. "Grinding" for American hire brought tangible results: the film exceeded its budget in the United States 5 times, and around the world, profits were ten times higher than the initial budget of the tape. The actor, who played the main role, had become accustomed to the image so much that he did not even try to get out of it, alternating the continuation of the franchise with participation in projects similar in atmosphere. Stories from the life of an ex-secret services agent, whose daughter is abducted, then his parents are threatened by his ex-wife, the audience liked it. Three films of the series together have collected more than a billion dollars at the box office. Now the French can rightfully be proud that they are not only laughing at their paintings, but also respected for their real strength.
Modern fairy tale in the spirit of "Beauty and the Beast"
But the legendary Leon has held a leading position in the top of the best French fighters for decades (IMDb: 8.60). Like "Underground", and "Nikita", and "The Last Battle", the author’s project of Luc Besson portrays harsh reality, but does not try to plunge the viewer into depression. On the contrary, he makes us believe that even in such a reality there is a place for true love, heroism and self-sacrifice. The picture after the premiere caused an ambiguous assessment. Those who felt the work of Besson constantly praised the production, noting the amazing acting skills, bold directorial decisions, expressive visualization. Other critics could not accept the girl in the center of the bloody massacre, so they deliberately underestimated the picture. But even the most categorical recognized the indisputable strengths of the film and the ingenuity of its creator.
Layered storytelling
The film directed by Olivier Marshall, director of the police past, “36 Orfevre Embankment” (IMDb: 7.10), critics position as a successor to the film noir tradition. At the same time, many reviewers point to the similarity of the atmosphere of the tape with the style of police films of the 80s with Belmondo or Alain Delon. This project was the second in the filmography of the director, the first was the detective drama “Gangsters”, which, together with “Embankment Orfevre 36,” can be safely ranked among the best French fighters. In his work, Marshall combined the narrative of typical American police fighters with a traditional French story about people on opposite sides of the law. The director retained the multi-layered narrative, due to which a tense story and a fascinating detective intrigue associated with the capture of a gang of rabid raiders, harmoniously combined with the disclosure of the complex characters of the characters. First of all, the main ones are rivals applying for the position of chief of police.
No less worthy projects
Often among the best French fighters, Gerard Kravchik’s film “Wasabi” (IMDb: 6.70) is mentioned, in which the inimitable Jean Renault plays the main role, as in Leon. What is more in the movie - comedy or action, it is impossible to determine exactly. The picture was shot dynamically, beautifully and brightly, and most importantly, fun.
Also in the list you need to include the tape “From Paris with Love” (IMDb: 6.50) from the director of the brutal “Hostage”. This film is full of ironic violence and grim philosophical thoughts. At the center of the story is an espionage story. The plot of the picture is very dynamic, but at the same time allows the viewer to gradually get acquainted with new details.
In the category of “best French fighters of recent years”, the candidate for leadership will be the work of Olivier Marshall “The Untouchables” (IMDb: 7.00). Although the tape does not contain anything extremely innovative, being a classic crime drama, Marshall strictly follows the established rules of the action movie: two leading actors in the lead roles; simple but catchy plot; real friendship; street shootings; furious hassles. Real male movie.
Bye dilogy
Two extraordinary French projects worthy of being called the best French fighters should be included in this list. This is the film Crimson Rivers (IMDb: 6.90) and its sequel with the subtitle Angels of the Apocalypse. In the original film, the postcard beauty of nature is surprising, the intense detective intrigue, which is supported by a number of successfully introduced episodes, excites.
And the director Olivier Daan, in the continuation of the mystical thriller, managed to lure parkour to the side of evil. He endowed mysterious monks with cross-country running skills.