La Haine
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Based on 1 review
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La Haine
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that La Haine is a superb but very violent French drama (with English subtitles) that shines a light on societal issues including police brutality, immigration, and racism. Shot entirely in black and white, three friends -- Vinz (Vincent Cassel), Saïd (Saïd Taghmaoui), and Hubert (Hubert Koundé) -- wander the streets of the Parisian suburbs after a violent riot. The trio are all deeply flawed. They carry weapons, steal, and sell drugs. They are also misogynistic. But, to a degree, they are sympathetic, seemingly victims of a system not designed to help people from marginalized backgrounds -- Vinz is Jewish, Saïd is of North African descent, Hubert is Black, and all three are from lower-income homes. The trio are at the receiving end of racially-motivated police brutality as well as racist attacks by fascists. The language is strong and frequent, ranging from "f--k" and "s--t" to racist slurs such as "kike" and the "N" word. Characters can be seen smoking and selling drugs, as well as smoking cigarettes. Sex is referenced rather than shown, though often crudely and in misogynistic terms.
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What's the Story?
After a tense riot in the Parisian suburbs, LA HAINE follows three friends across 24 hours as they navigate their way around a society and a system that places all the odds against them.
Is It Any Good?
One of the most striking and powerful films in cinema history, this hard-hitting French drama was directed by Mathieu Kassovitz when he was just 27 years old. La Haine has an energy and anger that was reflective of its time, and what's more it remains disturbingly still pertinent today. Kassovitz's decision to shoot in black and white gives the film a timeless quality, and given it's about police brutality against marginalized communities, its relevance is sobering.
Earning the filmmaker the Best Director award at Cannes, it feels like a film that was made by someone young. Its unapologetic rawness and punk-like indignation toward the system makes it one of the most profound, political films in French history. The leading trio of performers are all exceptional, with Vincent Cassel's stunning turn as the angry Vinz bringing him to the attention of international audiences. La Haine is a film that everybody needs to see, at least once.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in La Haine. How did it affect you? Was it shocking that the police were often those responsible? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Discuss the racism in the movie. Could you see parallels between this film and the world we live in now? Is it upsetting that we haven't progressed enough in society today? How to talk with kids about racism and racial violence.
Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How did the movie portray drug dealing and drug use? Did you think it was an accurate portrayal? Were there consequences for those involved? Why is that important?
The characters are flawed and make big mistakes. Did you dislike them or sympathize with them? How might they be said to be victims of a system that is working against them?
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 1, 1995
- On DVD or streaming: April 17, 2007
- Cast: Vincent Cassel, Saïd Taghmaoui, Hubert Koundé
- Director: Mathieu Kassovitz
- Studio: Gramercy Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship
- Run time: 98 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: October 8, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Les Misérables
Powerful French drama has police brutality, strong language.
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Girlhood
French film offers bleak, affecting look at troubled teen.
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Dheepan
Powerful, violent movie about three Sri Lankan refugees.
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