Polisse

A very honest story about how nothing is easy in France at all. In the multitude of nationalities, ethnicities and religions, there are simply some people who are unable to accept even the most basic truths in life. And that’s why there is a special unit that is trying to help such people. And the fact that everything is quite realistic and at the same time based on real events turns this film into an even greater experience. In the first half hour, I wasn’t too fond of these characters, but after two hours they found their way into my heart. That made the ending all the more shocking. (28.11.2014)

An interesting semi-documentary insight into a police department tasked with protecting children from paedophiles and sexual predators, which in this case are usually their own fathers or grandfathers. It reminded me a bit of End of Watch, only set in France. It has a more TV look, but that adds to the authenticity and the daily work of the police is portrayed in detail, without any exaggerations and with all the problems. The interrogations of children and paedophiles, the arguments with colleagues or the insights into the personal lives of the police officers – this was the line I enjoyed the least. The acting is very good and the dialogue is chilling and uncomfortable. Some scenes are great, while some passages I found a bit boring. The ratings were tipping the scales for me as I watched, but then the finale came and it was decided. The final argument in the office among the colleagues was so brutal that it gave me chills. That was a proper acting tour-de-force. And the interrogation of the little boy who didn't want the gym teacher who groped him to go to jail because he liked him. Awesome! The final shot just underscores the whole depression and is properly shocking. Good film, anyone who likes crime dramas or anything with paedophiles should give it a chance. 7/10. (15.04.2023)