Farewell, Friend

Released in 1968, Farewell, Friend, is a compelling and gritty French crime thriller that showcases the camaraderie and tension between two men caught in a dangerous situation. The film, directed by Jean Herman, centers around the magnetic performances of its leading men, French superstar Alain Delon and Hollywood tough guy Charles Bronson.

Farewell, Friend tells the story of Dino Barran (Delon), an Army doctor and former paratrooper, and Franz Propp (Bronson), a highly skilled but unorthodox mercenary. Both men have finished their service in the French Foreign Legion in Algeria and find themselves stranded in Paris just before Christmas due to unforeseen circumstances. Through a series of increasingly desperate scenarios, the pair soon find themselves embroiled in a high-risk scheme involving a mysterious safe located inside a corporate office.

The movie begins with Barran, austere and aloof, trying to catch a flight home to Marseille to reunite with his wife, however, he misses his flight and decides to stay with a friend for a few days. Meanwhile, Propp, rugged and brash, has a different plan in mind. His goal is to stay in Paris and find lucrative work, venturing into the city's underbelly to achieve his ambitions.

Their paths cross when Propp, desperately seeking a cohort for a perilous job, asks Barran to be his accomplice in this risky endeavor. Despite his initial reservations, Barran, drawn by a strange mix of curiosity and aimlessness, decides to join Propp. This daring act spurs the intriguing narrative, weaving a complex tale of camaraderie, rivalry, and the constant tension that unfolds amidst nerve-racking circumstances.

Bronson's performance as the gritty Propp, tinged with desperation, perfectly contrasts Delon's embodying of cool-headed and disciplined Barran. The disparity in their characters manages to emphasize their growing friendship and, at the same time, the dynamic tension between them. This riveting portrayal of their tumultuous relationship serves as the backbone of the film, driving the narrative forward.

The standout performances by Delon and Bronson are further enveloped in a tight script and Herman's expert handling of suspense. The viewer is left constantly on edge as the pair navigate through the dangerous path they have chosen. The film excels in creating an atmosphere of suspense and danger, augmented by François de Roubaix's atmospheric score, making the movie a thrillingly tense experience from start to finish.

Another notable performance in the movie is Brigitte Fossey. Despite limited screen-time, she turns in a memorable performance as a young woman who becomes unwittingly entangled in the duo's high-risk game.

Farewell, Friend, originally titled "Adieu l’ami" in French, is a noir-tinged thriller that adheres to the genre's tropes while delivering on an array of suspense-packed scenes and deep, engaging character development. The film is a thrilling exploration of friendship, risk, and morality, all held together by standout performances and tight, suspenseful plotting.

While the movie possesses typical tropes of heist films, with atmospheric tension, tight corners and nail-biting suspense, Jean Herman deftly steers the film in unexpected directions. It sets a labyrinthine plot against the backdrop of the gritty, wintry streets of Paris, using this landscape to punctuate the escalating tension. However, at its core, the film is about the bond between two hardened men, and the complexities, hostility, and unexpected warmth that radiates from their pairing.

Farewell, Friend is not just a typical crime thriller, but it carves out a unique space for itself within the genre. It brings a human element to the forefront, focusing on the hardened, and often rough, camaraderie between men pushed to their limits. The movie gives an insight into their desperate struggles and moral ambiguities, making it a unique and compelling piece of cinema.

Through Barran and Propp's camaraderie, the movie delves into deeper issues of friendship, loyalty, and personal values amidst the chaos of a crime-filled milieu. In the end, Farewell, Friend is a ride that balances emotions and suspense, casting a spell that leaves the audience contemplating long after the credits roll.

Overall, Farewell, Friend is a masterful blend of crime, suspense, and emotional drama, featuring stellar performances by Delon and Bronson. Its engaging narrative, suspenseful sequences, and emotional depth make it a memorable entry in the crime thriller genre. Anyone who appreciates gripping storytelling and outstanding acting needs to add this to their must-watch list.