Frères ennemis

An interesting story, extremely well filmed, subtly showing the relationships and motivations of friends and family of some drug dealers in Paris. Surprisingly, many of the characters are likeable, despite their profession and behaviour, and the director keeps the pace moving by never allowing the viewer to choose sides. The story takes place within a 48-hour time period, lending a more frantic air to an already difficult situation. Great camera work and a lack of background music give the actors room to shine. Several scenes in the film allude to the situation at hand, characters speak as if the other person knows what they are talking about, just as in real life. Because, at times, the viewer is not clear, information has to be held on to, and meaning and impact become clear later. This is especially true of the ending. While there is plenty of action, and unpleasantly realistic at times, the film's strength is the pacing and subtle reveals.