Liam Madden’s Film Review: Mesrine

If you fancy a night in watching a DVD, then take a look at the selection available at Island Libraries. At just £1 per night, they’re a great bargain. Ed

Liam Madden's Film Review: MesrineReleased on DVD through the stylish and educational ports of excellence known collectively and consciously as Ventnor Library, hails ‘Mesrine’ starring France’s astounding and versatile tour de force – Vincent Cassel.

Surprisingly, very few French film stars manage to get past the initial barrier of appearing well recognisable in further film ventures on an international arena. The first crossover in English for Cassel was the profound and devastating ‘La Haine’ some years ago.

Since, he has appeared in parts throughout French cinema. Yet as the gangster ‘Mesrine’, he achieves seriously worthy acclaim as the media-titled ‘Public Enemy No.1’.

Double CD
Over the course of two DVDs, a story covering some ten to fifteen years never strains and never becomes a tiresome affair.

Excitement, although cautiously delivered, the intent behind ‘Mesrine’ is merely to educate and allows Vincent Cassel to show his talent and extreme dedication to what clearly is recommended method acting.

With very little to fault in ‘Mesrine’s’ continuous two part presentation.

The only exception is that there is very little that does not translate well to the screen and although there are very few French films that do not contain a gun or a beautiful actress, ‘Mesrine’ simply shrugs this stereotypical approach off.

However, although Vincent Cassel performs with the energy and gusto of a seriously admirable cause, of just how good an actor he can be was already understood from watching him in ‘La Haine’. God-willing he will crossover again, but not leave it too long from ‘Mesrine’s’ welcome release.
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