The Crimson Rivers

Directed by Mathieu Kassovitz

Conceived as a French answer to Hollywood thrillers like SE7EN, this big-budget policier is based on the best-selling novel by Jean-Christophe Grangé and features popular actors Reno and Cassel. The unusual element in this mix is Kassovitz, the hot young actor-writer-director renowned for auteur films like LA HAINE rather than blockbusters. On the same day, 300km apart, an experienced detective (Reno) and a young thief-turned-cop (Cassel) begin their investigations into two unrelated murders. But soon they find that their paths are crossing. They are forced to join together to solve the slew of grisly murders that ensue in an isolated university town perched high in the glacial Alps. Kassovitz brings his eye for the shot and his excellent ability with actors to this genre exercise, complete with car crashes, plot twists, and dangerous ice-covered mountain stunts.

Duration:
103 minutes

Country of origin:
France

Year of production:
2000