22 Bullets (2010)

I am fond of thriller movies where dramatic events happen in the very beginning. And where you must follow the plot intensely, not just nodding and seeking clichés... There are lots of events and lines where it is not sure what the solutions will be.Jean Reno's character fills most of the scenes and all this is enjoyable to watch - he is one of the finest French contemporary actors. L'immortel, of course, is not as good and popular as Leon, or Ronin, where Reno has starred before, but it is still a highly recommendable action movie where fans of Luc Besson's work will not become disappointed.

Charley Mattei, a retired gangster from Marseilles, lives in a serene setting outside the city. Unfortunately for him, he must go, from time to time, to the old turf, now ruled by Tony Zacchia, a criminal that has sworn to eliminate Charley. Taking his young son, Anatole, for a ride into Marseilles, he lets the boy get out of the car to watch some street performers while he goes to park. In the underground garage, Charley is surprised by a gang that has come to take him out. He receives twenty two bullets in his body, but he is able to survive.The story goes back to three friends that swore to be friends forever. Charley and Tony Zacchia went to the wrong side of the law pursuing a career in violent crimes. Martin, the remaining friend, has gone to be a lawyer. Now bitter enemies, Charley and Tony are at opposite ends. After Charley is released from the hospital, he embarks in a dangerous course of revenge, taking care of the people that tried to kill him.Richard Berry, the French actor, has directed a few films. In this feature he also collaborated in the screenplay, which is based on a novel by Franz-Olivier Giesbert, we have not read. The premise of the film is something that is beyond imaginable. Imagine receiving, at close range, twenty two bullets in your body, and surviving the experience. Well, of course, only in movies and fiction, something like this could happen. In spite of the preposterous scenario, the film is not without its merits. The French title implies immortality, something that Charley possesses. Fans of the genre can rejoice at the way Mr. Berry staged the action. The scenic city of Marseilles is shown in all its beauty. The bigger than life Charley Mattei is played by Jean Reno, who has enjoyed a long career in the French cinema portraying guys like this man. Kad Merad is seen as Tony Zacchia, the friend turned bitter foe. Jean-Pierre Darroussin appears as Martin, a childhood friend who might not be really who he is supposed to be. Marina Fois plays Marie Goldman, a police detective mourning the loss of her husband to the mafia wars.

Jean Reno is...simply Jean Reno. If you do not like his acting, don't waste your time with this gangster film. If you do appreciate him and if you are familiar with the area around Marseille and, even better, if you like Marseille, this film is a must. If you know French and appreciate dialects, watch this film.The feel-good (in relative terms..there is nothing mentioned about PTSD here...) ending does not hurt, I was waiting for half the film for the revenge and for Charley Matteï do save his family.I was also wondering if the place on the coast where he hid was the same as used in "La Grand Bleue" (remember one of the first major films with Jean Reno?). Would be a funny wink if it was.

I have to say I'm not a fan of Besson's productions, but this one is a good surprise. If you're looking for a very clever plot, forget it. But if you want to enjoy beautiful views of the glorious city of Marseille and have a thrill at the gangster's atmosphere it used to live in, this is the one. Jean Reno is solid like usual, Kad Merad -such a good actor- doesn't find his comfort zone in the bad guy, Marina Fois is brilliant, what on earth is Richard Berry doing in his own movie where his role has no impact? Overall a good moment, not Borsalino or French connection, but i definitely recommend it. If you want to see more of this mysterious city, try to locate the following titles: Comme un aimant, Taxi, Un ange, FC 1 and 2, Borsalino 1 and 2, movies with Raimu...