Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
French action film has graphic violence, drugs, sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Takedown
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Unsuccessful cop François Monge (Laurent Lafitte) stumbles across a dead body at a Paris train station at the start of THE TAKEDOWN. He wants in on the investigation, especially once it's sent up the food chain to the Criminal Division, where his old buddy and former partner Ousmane Diakité (Omar Sy) works. The two travel to the provinces to investigate the death, unexpectedly getting wrapped into a web of drug traffickers and White supremacists that appears to go all the way up to the local police captain and mayor.
Is It Any Good?
Despite some shortcomings in the story and an overly long running time, this French action movie provides entertainment, excitement, and two likable main characters from a 2012 prequel. The Takedown rightly banks on the congeniality and charisma of Sy and Lafitte, who have natural on-screen chemistry. Its dual setting is equally attractive, moving between Paris (including some striking overhead shots) and a provincial town at the base of the magnificent Alps. The action moves very fast and tries to stuff a bit too much into its two hours, leaving some plot points concerning the conspiracy incomplete. Even fans of subtitles might want to watch this movie dubbed to catch everything said and seen.
The film can feel like a flashback to blockbuster '90s-era action flicks, particularly in its masculine protagonist duo of disobedient but crime-busting cops with witty, rapid-fire repartee. The pointed ribbing between the men might not sit well with all audiences. But the political intrigue at the story's heart feels ripped from headlines, and any exploration of nationalism and racism in contemporary global settings should hold interest today, particularly shrouded in a crowd-pleasing package like this one.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about parallels between The Takedown and contemporary politics in France. What feels pulled from real life and what might be exaggerated? Where could you go for more information?
How does Monge underplay the sting or seriousness of the many racist barbs Ousmane receives? Does his dismissiveness contribute to the problem? How so?
How did the Parisians poke fun at the provincial folks and vice versa?
What camera angles or filming and editing choices most caught your attention in the action scenes of this movie?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 6, 2022
- Cast : Omar Sy , Laurent Lafitte , Izia Higelin
- Director : Stephane Kazandjian
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 119 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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