Classe tous risques

"Classe tous risques" is a gripping French-Italian crime thriller film from 1960, directed by the talented Claude Sautet. The film boasts a star-studded cast, with its primary roles being undertaken by exceptional actors Lino Ventura, Sandra Milo and Jean-Paul Belmondo. The film was originally based on José Giovanni's novel of the same name, and it brilliantly portrays the tale of honor, deceit, and sacrifice rooted deep within the underworld of gangsters.

"Classe tous risques" introduces us to its protagonist, Abel Davos, portrayed by Lino Ventura. Abel is a seasoned gangster, hardened by the harsh realities of the underworld, and is on the run with his wife, children, and a loyal sidekick after conducting a daring heist in Milan. His escape journey starts with him trying to cross the French border, hoping to return to the streets of Paris, which have been his criminal playground for years.

However, reaching home isn't as easy as Abel had anticipated. On the attempt to cross the border, his family is caught in a volley of police bullets, leaving Abel devastated and desperate. Now, he finds himself in the paradox of wanting to secure his freedom while being determined to preserve his dignity and solidarity with his once faithful gang members.

Upon his return to Paris, Abel is faced with the fact that the underworld's loyalty and ties have changed. The same cronies who once stood by him now view him as a liability, leaving him alone in an ever-threatening world. Abel's life takes another turn when an audacious young hustler, Eric Stark, played by Jean-Paul Belmondo, unexpectedly steps up to help him.

"Classe tous risques" marks Belmondo's venture into more serious, character-driven roles. His performance as the gritty and bold Eric Stark shows his versatility and establishes his prowess in delivering perfectly struggled characters. Meanwhile, Sandra Milo takes on the role of Liliane, who gets entwined in the dangerous lives of Abel and Eric, providing an added dimension to this dynamic narrative.

Lino Ventura is convincing in his portrayal of Abel, lending real depth and complexity to his character. His take on the hardened criminal with an almost tangible sense of vulnerability adds to the movie's agonizing undertones. His complex relationship with Stark, as well as his failure to comprehend the changing dynamics of his old world, makes Abel's character fascinating and emotionally compelling.

Director Claude Sautet takes us through a scenic journey of 1960s France and Italy while navigating the unromantic, relatively unknown corridors of the crime world. The film's cinematography is expressive, painting the stark reality of Abel's life using authentic locations and native surroundings. Unlike many stereotypical crime thrillers, "Classe tous risques" doesn't merely use the urban chaos as a backdrop but includes it as an essential narrative dynamic, adding to the substance and structure of the story.

Particularly striking is the film's exploration of complex moral codes that exist within the criminal society. "Classe tous risques" sheds light on the humanistic side of its characters, showing a world where honor and loyalty often outweigh self-preservation. To further accentuate this effect, the film has moments of silence and poignant dialogues that adds a layer of emotional depth.

"Classe tous risques" stands out with its realistic depiction of characters, the committed performances of its cast, the brilliant storytelling, and a balance between action sequence and dramatic depth. It is a film that intelligently blends action, melodrama, and psychological insight, which will surely please not only crime thriller enthusiasts but also those who enjoy delving into multifaceted characters and relationships.