Watch Mesrine: Public Enemy #1

Mesrine: Public Enemy #1 is a gripping French biographical action-thriller film released in 2008, starring Vincent Cassel portraying the life of notorious gangster Jacques Mesrine, fondly dubbed as France's public enemy number one during the late 1970s. Directed by Jean-Francois Richet, the movie delivers an impactful portrayal of Mesrine's criminal career through his daring escapades, wild chases, strategic heists, violent clashes, and romantic relationships.

The film begins with a scene depicting Mesrine's escape from the maximum-security prison of La Santé in Paris in 1978. Mesrine manages to escape with the help of his accomplices and later goes on to start a new crime wave. The narrative then pans to his life, starting with his stint as an Algerian war veteran and his return to France in the 1960s. Mesrine's character is portrayed as someone who is always in search of a thrill, and his boldness often gets him involved in dangerous activities. Mesrine meets his future partner, Jeanne Schneider, played by Ludivine Sagnier, at a music concert, and the two become inseparable.

As the movie progresses, it becomes evident that Mesrine is not afraid to challenge the police and take them head-on. He plots bank robberies and kidnappings, daringly escaping from the police without any harm. The movie also depicts how the police tried to use various methods to catch him, such as bugging his phone and following him everywhere. Mathieu Amalric plays the role of the French detective who is in charge of stopping Mesrine's crime spree. The film shows a tense relationship between Mesrine and the detective and how they are always at each other's throats.

Apart from his criminal activities, the film also captures the romantic side of Mesrine. His relationship with Schneider is portrayed as passionate but tumultuous, with Mesrine becoming increasingly unpredictable and violent towards her as the years pass. Mesrine also falls in love with Sylvia, played by Ludivine Sagnier in a dual role, who is a student nurse drawn to the bad boy image of Mesrine but suffers from the aftermath of their tumultuous relationship.

The film explores the psychological aspects of a criminal mind, portraying Mesrine as a likable but flawed character who is constantly seeking validation for his actions. It presents a balanced view of Mesrine's life, showing his rise to infamy and eventually spiraling down into self-destruction. The director skillfully depicts Mesrine's journey, from his initial days as a troubled soldier to his transformation into a charming and audacious criminal, from a man with a mission to a man who drifted from one crime to the other.

The acting in the movie is spectacular, with Vincent Cassel delivering a masterful performance as the titular character. He portrays Mesrine with an electric energy that makes him captivating and enticing, despite his violent and erratic behavior. He transforms himself seamlessly from a cocky young man to a hardened criminal while still maintaining his wit and charm.

The cinematography of the film is exceptional, capturing the gritty atmosphere of the 1970s in France. The camerawork amplifies the tension during action sequences and gives the viewers a visceral experience of the hair-raising chases and battles. The production design is also cleverly crafted, displaying a keen eye for detail, from the retro costumes to the colorful aesthetics of the 70s.

Overall, Mesrine: Public Enemy #1 is an enthralling biopic that delivers a thrilling cinematic experience. It's a must-see for fans of crime dramas and anyone who wants to witness an authentic portrayal of the infamous French villain Jacques Mesrine. The film's cutting-edge direction, riveting performances, and intricate storytelling make it a masterpiece of French cinema.

Mesrine: Public Enemy #1 is a 2010 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 72.