Bastille Day

Bastille Day, directed by James Watkins and co-written by Andrew Baldwin, is a high octane action thriller which hit the screens in 2016. The film stars the compelling talent of British actor Idris Elba, known for his performances in "Luther" and "The Wire", along with Richard Madden, the actor best recognized for his role in "Game of Thrones", and the captivating French-Canadian actress Charlotte Le Bon.

Idris Elba graces the screen as Sean Briar, a tough, reckless, and no-nonsense CIA agent who is stationed in Paris. He’s a force to be reckoned with. Unlike the standard suit and tie archetype of CIA agents, he is depicted as rough around the edges and unconventional in his methods. Richard Madden portrays Michael Mason, a conniving and charming pickpocket living in Paris. Charlotte Le Bon plays the role of Zoe Naville, a streetwise Parisian woman tied to the central plot.

The story unfolds with Mason targeted by the CIA when he unexpectedly steals a bag that contains much more than just a wallet. Inside the bag is a bomb, which detonates and wreaks havoc in the city of lights, and the unsuspecting thief becomes the primary suspect. This incident triggers a manhunt, leading Briar to the man who is believed to be responsible for the bomb.

However, as the pursuit intensifies, Briar quickly realises that Mason is just a pawn in a larger scheme. Drawing on his street smarts and elusive thieving skills, Mason becomes an unlikely ally to the embattled CIA agent. Together, they venture into the dangerous Parisian underworld to expose an intricate conspiracy hiding behind the bombing. What compounds the suspense is the rampant corruption reaching the top echelons of the French government. What was initially thought to be a simple act of terror turns out to be a facade for an elaborate coup.

The timing of the plot is impeccably set on the eve of Bastille Day – a national holiday in France, celebrated with heightened passion and large crowds, providing a tense backdrop to the escalating events. It also gives the movie its title, linking seamlessly with the narrative.

Bastille Day is a fast-paced thriller that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Its edge-of-the-seat car chases, adrenaline-fueled foot pursuits, and intense fight sequences set against the backdrop of the looming terrorist threat capture the audience's attention and are sure to get pulses racing. It effectively utilizes elements of the heist and buddy-cop genres to create an engaging and cohesive storyline. The chemistry between Elba and Madden's characters is worthwhile, and their teetering relationship, often filled with dry humor, is an anchoring element of the movie.

Director James Watkins succeeds in painting a vivid picture of Paris - from its beautiful rooftops to the grim and gritty underbelly. He expertly meshes the city's picturesque beauty with the dark and grim tension of the plot. The film's cinematography must be highlighted for its engaging representation of taut chase sequences and action scenes.

While Bastille Day received a mixed reception, it would be a mistake to dismiss it as a run-of-the-mill action flick. It is more than just an explicit display of explosions and car chases. At its heart, it's a story about two unlikely allies who must trust each other against all odds. It explores themes of corruption, power, and deception, and it does so in an entertaining and thrilling way.

Bastille Day has all the elements to hold your attention, right from the powerhouse performance of Idris Elba, to the thrilling storyline, dynamic action sequences, and the gripping portrayal of Paris on film. With a run time of around 92 minutes, this fast-moving thriller provides a punchy watch for anyone seeking a suspenseful and exciting cinematic experience.