Watch Les patriotes

'Les patriotes' is a 1994 French drama film directed by Éric Rochant. The film stars Yvan Attal, Richard Masur, Allen Garfield, and Sandrine Kiberlain. The story of 'Les patriotes' follows a young Frenchman named Alain, played by Yvan Attal. Alain is a mathematics genius who is disillusioned with his privileged life in France. He has grown increasingly frustrated with the government's failure to address important issues facing the country. He decides to leave his life behind and join a group of political activists who are working to overthrow the government by any means necessary.

Alain's journey takes him to Moscow, where he makes contact with the KGB. Through his association with the KGB, Alain becomes involved in a plot to plant a bomb in France. This act of terrorism is meant to destabilize the government and pave the way for the revolution.

As Alain becomes more entrenched in his new life as a political operative, he begins to lose sight of his goals. He is torn between loyalty to his comrades and his desire for personal freedom. As the plot to plant the bomb unfolds, Alain's loyalties are put to the test, and he must make a decision that could have dire consequences for himself and those around him.

The film is a tense and thrilling exploration of political extremism and the personal sacrifices that it requires. The performances of the cast are uniformly excellent, with Yvan Attal delivering a standout performance as the conflicted Alain. Richard Masur and Allen Garfield are also great as the KGB agents who enlist Alain's help.

The film is visually impressive, with Éric Rochant using a gritty and realistic visual style to capture the mood of the story. The use of handheld cameras and natural lighting helps to create a sense of immediacy and tension that is perfectly suited to the material.

One of the strengths of 'Les patriotes' is its willingness to delve into complex political issues without taking a simplistic or one-sided approach. The film does not shy away from the darker side of political activism, nor does it romanticize the actions of those who engage in it.

Overall, 'Les patriotes' is a highly engaging and thought-provoking film that will appeal to anyone interested in political thrillers or French cinema. The film's exploration of extremism and loyalty is both timely and timeless, and its nuanced approach to politics is a welcome change from more simplistic portrayals in other films.