Jim

domage que les dialogues sont modern . et que l'image de Jacques Mesrine soit deformer . et l'acteur principale personelement ne convient pas au role de Mesrine .

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Two great films

Two great films telling the life and crimes of legendary French criminal Jacques Mesrine. I'd never heard of him before these films came out but it seems he was a bit of a cult figure during the 60's and 70's, mainly due to his outrageous bank robberies and prison breaks.

The first film shows his rise (descent?) into the criminal world and is the better of the two. Vincent Cassel is brilliant in the title role and Gérard Depardieu was also surprisingly good as a gangster boss. It all looks and feels authentic. The only criticism is that it occasionally feels a bit rushed as it jumps from location to location and exploit to exploit. Although this made sections a bit episodic it means the film is fast paced and always exciting/entertaining.

The second film follows on from the first but as with any crime biopic (Blow, Goodfellas etc) the second half of the story is slower and not as much fun, as Mesrine suffers the consequences of his actions including estranged family members, more prison and ultimately his death. However the second film is still good, especially the final scenes which tie in brilliantly with the opening scenes of the first film.

Overall a great double bill - especially when you consider I watched them both back-to-back and was never bored or restless (even at a total time of nearly 4 hours).

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Very good but too long

This is definitely worth seeing as the actor is brilliant. The two films needed editing down by at least half an hour though and centrally, you never get to know why Mesrine was Mesrine. Plus, you never get to understand how, why or to what extent he politicized his campaign of rock n'roll crime. Overall, you end up wishing you could find out more about the real guy. This actor though, he's superb. Utterly captivating in the role with real depth - he just needed better writing. Watch this if you like things French, grit, prisons, escape, bandits. Mesrine has a refinement to it and nothing gratuitous happens violence-wise but there is the portrayal of horrific suffering in the French prison system.

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Powerful & Outstanding

In a nutshell this film is superb. Take your time to view both parts. Avoid watching all 4 hours in one go.
Vincent Cassell is without question one of the best actors in modern times. His dedication to the part is absolute. Backed up by a cracking supporting cast,script and direction, this is like a good meal, to be consumed by relishing every morsel and savouring all the flavours.
I had never heard of Jacques Mesrine until I saw this film and now I wonder why not. This is a story that at times beggars belief. Did this really happen? Did this guy really exist? Oui! Et Oui encore!!
This is a film you will see and want to see again. So, worth every penny. I won't say anymore. Judge for yourself and ...if you are put off by subtitles then get over it now!! Mesrine is a reminder of what really,really good cinema is about.

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Slightly dissapointed.

Enjoyed the film but would have enjoyed it more if it had have been fiction. Knowing it was mainly fact and having read other reviews prior to purchase, I have to say I really expected slightly better things from the main actor. Appeared to have formed his own opinion of how Messrine was going to be played and stuck fervently to it. Towards the end of the film I was not sure whether I was watching the actors ego trip or the subject. To that end, maybe it is worthy of 5 stars and not four which I have given it.