Tightly woven gangland thriller. The pacing was upbeat. For a crime based gangster piece it also has soul. Really appreciate the angle this was aiming for even if it does miss the mark in some areas.
19 Reviews
Revenge and Friendship
richmatt-7629116 June 2020
Take away from the movie
vtucker-1076321 May 2021
When a drug deal goes wrong two lifelong friends cross paths in the projects of France. When the investigation comes around rumors and lies become life or death for these friends as they try to solve the incident themselves, while also clearing their names. The 2018 French film 'Close Enemies' directed by David Oelhoffen, was nominated for Best Film in the 75th Venice Film Festival however did not receive the award. Common themes that presented themselves in this film were that of betrayal and friendship. These two themes went hand in hand throughout this film because although the characters were friends and had deep ties to each other and each other's families, there was still betrayal that occurred. Throughout the film the mention of family and friends and the appearance of gatherings involving both of these friends' families shows the strength that friendship had to these characters. However, the plot of the film overshadowed the theme of friendship when more times than not the friends were betraying each other and their families. Manuel, the main character and involved in the Arabic mob was portrayed as the thug of the film. Although never mentioned Manuel seemed to be out for a vendetta, and one that was psychologically impacting his day-to-day decisions. Whereas Driss, who was the main cop was portrayed more as the heroic character even though they both ended up tied up in the same situation regarding their status to the community. His values were disappearing and became more corrupt as the film progressed. I would definitely recommend this film to others, more specifically to my friends. I would also recommend this film to those that I know have an appreciation for action packed and crime filled movies. This film had a lot of suspense and definitely was able to portray this storyline through a realistic point of view, while keeping the viewers attention. However, parts of it were too predictable and took away from the suspenseful moments and the impact that those moments had on the viewer.
Good drama but weak crime movie
gabriel_sanchez4 February 2021
It has been a while since I've seen a good crime drama movie. Frères ennemis (2018) would be in the list, although, not high in it.
Manuel Marco is trying to solve the mystery of who rat him and his partners out in a drug sale, leading to the death of his best friend Imrane. Things end up even eerier when an old friend shows up to give a helping hand.
The investigation element is kinda missing here. We don't see some detective work taking place to get facts straight. Driss, as he mentioned himself, knows everything about the drug world and is very informative. In fact, too informative.
Even though Manuel is trying to collect facts, it appears that Driss is always one step ahead, telling Manuel, and us, what is going on or what is the lead. Most information comes from facts that do not happen in-camera. They are just reported by someone.
I guess Rémi was not used correctly. His character had a lot of potential in the story but they couldn't fit him in with a better purpose.
The plot is OK. Nothing really major happens and, in the end, there is nothing you would not expect. The ending is very powerful, I will give it that.
I would say Frères ennemis (2018) is definitely recommendable. I can't say amusable to everyone.
Manuel Marco is trying to solve the mystery of who rat him and his partners out in a drug sale, leading to the death of his best friend Imrane. Things end up even eerier when an old friend shows up to give a helping hand.
The investigation element is kinda missing here. We don't see some detective work taking place to get facts straight. Driss, as he mentioned himself, knows everything about the drug world and is very informative. In fact, too informative.
Even though Manuel is trying to collect facts, it appears that Driss is always one step ahead, telling Manuel, and us, what is going on or what is the lead. Most information comes from facts that do not happen in-camera. They are just reported by someone.
I guess Rémi was not used correctly. His character had a lot of potential in the story but they couldn't fit him in with a better purpose.
The plot is OK. Nothing really major happens and, in the end, there is nothing you would not expect. The ending is very powerful, I will give it that.
I would say Frères ennemis (2018) is definitely recommendable. I can't say amusable to everyone.
Good; Not Great
Easygoer1012 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The 2 lead actors are extremely good. Unfortunately, there must some French censorship rules when it comes to drugs being used on screen. I've noticed this fact in several French films. For such a sexually liberated country, they are diametrically opposed when it comes to showing any kind of drug usage. I find this odd. The other strange thing is people cutting cocaine before they sell it by the kilo. This is atypical. Both of these issues hamper the authenticity of the film. It's a shame such good performances are wasted on a predictable plot. This screenplay needs help! Overall, I gave this film a 6/10 because of the strong acting. Worth a watch.
Slow Burn but Thoroughly Engaging
albertval-6956017 March 2022
It's your typical crime story with many of the characters ending up dead. What's atypical is the story's premise: 2 childhood friends end up at opposite sides of the law; one, a criminal, the
other a narc agent. The way the story brings them together is something the viewer appreciates albeit it takes some time to set it up.
Matias Schoenaerts brings about a solid performance here as Manuel whose back is against the wall. Reda Kateb lends critical support to the engaging narrative.
It's initially slow burn but picks up speed and ends with an uncommon wallop.
Matias Schoenaerts brings about a solid performance here as Manuel whose back is against the wall. Reda Kateb lends critical support to the engaging narrative.
It's initially slow burn but picks up speed and ends with an uncommon wallop.
French Crime Movie with Matthias SCHOENAERTS
ZeddaZogenau8 February 2024
Two childhood friends find themselves on opposite sides of the law. An old story, but when it's told as freshly and as outstandingly acted as in this French PolAr thriller, it becomes extremely exciting.
Matthias SCHOENAERTS as a small gangster and Reda KATEB as an inspector engage in a gripping duel that is not without sadness about their former friendship.
The global streaming service NETFLIX has secured a highly recommended cinema film from France. The film also grossed $1.3 million in the box office.
The rapper Sofiane ZERMANI, who is notorious for his guerrilla videos on French motorways, also plays a small role.
Tasty genre food from our French neighbors, which was also invited to the Venice 2018 competition.
Matthias SCHOENAERTS as a small gangster and Reda KATEB as an inspector engage in a gripping duel that is not without sadness about their former friendship.
The global streaming service NETFLIX has secured a highly recommended cinema film from France. The film also grossed $1.3 million in the box office.
The rapper Sofiane ZERMANI, who is notorious for his guerrilla videos on French motorways, also plays a small role.
Tasty genre food from our French neighbors, which was also invited to the Venice 2018 competition.
Too Talky; Not Enough Action
lavatch27 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
In this gritty crime drama, there was an intriguing bonding between two old friends who chose different paths in life. One chose the path of drug-dealing, the other in upholding the law.
Manuel and Driss were two sides of the same coin. But the latter clearly had the greater moral compass. It appeared as though the film was based on a true story.
While there was an "in-your-face" cinematic style with extensive use of the hand-held camera, the pacing was sluggish. Part of the problem was that the characters were constantly running in and out of apartment buildings. But there was little in the way of action sequences.
There was far too much talk in this film. And the pacing dragged because the characters were just not very interesting.
Manuel and Driss were two sides of the same coin. But the latter clearly had the greater moral compass. It appeared as though the film was based on a true story.
While there was an "in-your-face" cinematic style with extensive use of the hand-held camera, the pacing was sluggish. Part of the problem was that the characters were constantly running in and out of apartment buildings. But there was little in the way of action sequences.
There was far too much talk in this film. And the pacing dragged because the characters were just not very interesting.
Dark deeds in Paris projects
Amadio31 January 2020
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.
One of the best French thrillers
Vindelander28 March 2021
I agree with most of the other reviews here. This is an outstanding film and has everything you'd want from a French crime thriller. Very powerful performances by by the the two leads and great supporting cast. Underrated at 6.3 currently.
We need more movies like this.
novitzkas1 February 2020
Taut French crime flick
searchanddestroy-13 October 2018
An authentic film noir from France as I crave for. Pulled by two promising actors: Mathias Schoendoerts, who has the perfect hoodlum face, lost man who faces his doomed destiny; and Reda Kateb, who is not used to crime movies, rather dramas. One of these men is a cop, the other a gangster. Both grew together. The last seconds are so powerful, so poignant. A pure fist in the face. A kind of MANHATTAN MELODRAMA scheme,the 1936 MGM production starring Clark Gable and William Powell.
Great movie!
anthonypvieira10 January 2022
First time ever rating a film. I saw the current rating of 6 and I found it totally unfair. This deserves way more attention. Netflix please stop filling the top 10 films with ridiculous titles and make us discover gems like these!
Wow - brilliant
fakhar-abbas919 February 2021
Really great film!
sabrinapaiuta14 October 2020
So happy to watch a realistic crime film was all very believable and very authentic apart from a couple of small errors. Acting was brilliant the actors looked and behaved exactly like real criminals. Can't believe this film hasn't got at the very least an 8/10 rating. Make sure you watch it in the original french dialogue with English subtitles it adds to its authenticity.
Strong movie
peterantonhorning16 February 2020
This movie is very underrated. Realistic, close to the skin filmed and strong acting.
It reminds me of the original strong movie Gomorra before it became a soap.
It gives a good idea how the french cité's must be for those who dream of a criminal career.
As dark as possible
saguessy8 October 2021
Wow !!
pacmagic-238913 October 2018
Very good movie🔥🔥
rainzinaf3 October 2018
Good movie
Krokodile7 February 2019
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