District 13

District 13, often referred to by its original French title "Banlieue 13," is a French action film released in 2004. It was directed by talented filmmaker Pierre Morel and produced by the renowned Luc Besson, who is also the screenplay writer. The movie stars Cyril Raffaelli, David Belle, and Tony D'Amario in lead roles. The film is noted for its depiction of parkour in a number of stunt sequences that were accomplished without the use of wires or computer generated effects. Hence, it is also considered a significant development in the "Parkour movie" genre.

Set in a dystopic not-too-distant future, beset with violence and crime, the film presents a compelling vision of a society on the brink of collapse. The film follows an alarming premise, where the French government has walled off some of its most crime-ridden cities, specifically the slums, to keep the rest of the city safe. These walled cities are in a state of anarchic chaos with law enforcement having virtually no control. One such city is the titular District 13, no longer a part of Paris and left to the chaos of ruthless gangs.

The plot revolves around two main characters. The first one is Leito, played by David Belle, a resident of District 13 who vehemently stands up to the criminal elements ruling the district. He's agile, strong, and a believer in justice. Belle, who is also considered one of the founders of Parkour, performs his stunts in the film, showcasing physical feats that are both astounding and thrilling.

On the other hand, we have Damien, portrayed by Cyril Raffaelli, an undercover cop who excels in martial arts. He is assigned by the secret services to infiltrate District 13 with a mission that could potentially save millions. A stoic loner, Damien is unaware that his mission will cross paths with Leito, leading to action-packed sequences filled with breath-taking Parkour chases, brilliantly choreographed martial art fights and dramatic plot twists.

Tony D'Amario plays the role of K2, a henchman for the dominant gang leader in District 13. He is distinguished by his dreadlocks and is notorious for his brutal tactics, serving as a catalyst for some of the film's high-intensity scenes.

District 13 superbly reflects a grimy aesthetic, from its desolate skyscrapers to its graffiti-lined streets, further enhancing the atmosphere of an area drowned in crime and poverty. The movie's setting and the imminent threat to society's fabric are major contributors to the buoyant tension that persists in the film.

The action sequences in District 13 are thrilling and visually arresting, thanks to the methodical incorporation of Parkour and martial arts. Director Pierre Morel and producer Luc Besson took special care in creating these scenes, transforming the urban landscape of District 13 into a Parkour playground. This sincere attention to detail, the inventiveness of action sequences and the raw spectacle of human agility imbued a new dynamism in the action film genre.

In addition to its riveting on-screen action, District 13 brings forward commentary on the socio-political aspects of urban ghettoization, crime, class divide, and governmental abandonment. The movie's underlying message about societal disparity, and the imagery of an apocalyptic urban environment, provide food for thought long after the film has ended.

Aided by a strong supporting cast and impressive cinematography, District 13 is undoubtedly a trailblazer in the contemporary action genre, defining a new form of screen action with the incorporation of Parkour. It is not just a film; it's a high-intensity spectacle, as satisfying in its action sequences as it is in its critique of contemporary urban realities. A must-watch for fans of the action genre and casual viewers alike.