In 2001, we found Denzel Washington in Training Day as a rotten cop who imposed his questionable methods on young LAPD recruit Jake Hoyt, played by Ethan Hawke. A pitch that may be reminiscent of a French film from twenty years ago, Les Ripoux starring Philippe Noiret and Thierry Lhermitte.
However, in a notable contrast, because where the differences between the methods and concepts of the police profession lead to a frontal confrontation in the American film, the ambitious young man François Lesbouch ends up taking part in her shenanigans. A colleague, like him, became a “Ripu” in a French film.
Les Ripoux, released in 1984, was directed by Claude Zid, a filmmaker then well known to the French public, who had already produced several popular successes in the previous decade that have since become classics: L’Aile ou la thigh, Inspector. Labavure or again Les Sous-doués and its sequel.
This new film is a new hit, taking in nearly six million at the box office and winning three Césars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Nothing less was needed to turn this success into a franchise with Ripoux contre Ripoux in 1990 and Les Ripoux 3 in 2003.
The first film will be broadcast tonight on Arte, which prompted us to offer you a quiz on French detective films. With a simple concept: a policeman in an image, three sentences, which movie? It’s up to you to investigate!
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
