The Connection

The Connection is an electrifying dive into the gritty underbelly of mid-20th century Marseille, based on the real events of the infamous "French Connection" drug trafficking operation. Directed by Cédric Jimenez, with a screenplay written by Jimenez and Audrey Diwan, this Franco-Belgian crime thriller proves to be an engrossing exploration of the violent years the infamous criminal empire straddled both sides of the Atlantic - from French poppy fields to New York's mean streets.

Set between the late 1960s and early 1970s, The Connection spotlights on the meticulous and ambitious magistrate, Pierre Michel, played masterfully by Jean Dujardin (Academy Award-winning star of The Artist). Pierre, a former juvenile delinquent, finds himself taking on more than merely the role of a judge, but instead stepping into a grueling and dangerous chase against the city's most notorious heroin dealer, Gaëtan Zampa (Gilles Lellouche).

The film's narrative unfolds in two parallel, and eventually intersecting, storylines following these two men. Benoît Magimel and Céline Sallette also contribute memorable performances as corrupt attorney Pierre Zanetti and Pierre's long-suffering wife Jacqueline, which further flesh out the intricate web of characters that populate this compelling period piece.

The Connection pays homage to the classic American crime dramas of the 1970s, borrowing a distinct visual aesthetic that colors the production with vintage authenticity. This is not just about utilizing retro cars, clothes, and music, but also saturating each scene with a gritty filter, echoing the neon haze that drenches iconic films like The Godfather and Serpico.

However, it doesn’t merely rely on nostalgia to charm its audience. The film establishes a strong identity of its own through the director's tight pacing, intense shootouts, and captivating, at times almost poetic, shot compositions. The haunting score furthermore draws the audience into the desperate and relentless struggle between law enforcement and organized crime.

The Connection deals with the universal themes of obsession and addiction, translating not only through the depiction of the drug users but also in the relentless dedication of Pierre Michel to bring down the network. It deftly examines the thin line that sometimes separates law enforcers from criminals, as both Pierre and Gaëtan sink deeper into their respective roles.

Beyond the lines of crime and punishment, The Connection also delves into the personal lives of its main characters and their relationships, as Pierre's dedication to his job further distances him from his wife and daughters while Gaëtan struggles to maintain his ruthless control over his empire. The film thus does more than just offer suspenseful action scenes, it provides a complex portrait of characters who, despite standing on opposite sides of the law, are bound by the same heart-wrenching sacrifices.

While The Connection does not shy away from piercing moments of violence, it avoids gratuitous scenes, focusing instead on the grim aftermath - the lives destroyed, the systems corrupted, and the society that suffers the repercussions. Through a nuanced lens, it sketches a picture of the time when drugs, money, and power were changing hands rapidly enough to blur the lines between heroes and villains.

The jump from the film's Cannes premiere to its international release has allowed The Connection to cement its place as a solid addition to the gangster genre, making its own mark while remaining a tribute to the classic style. It's sharp, stylish, powerfully acted, pleasingly cinematic, and a largely engrossing saga that probes the depths of the bleak world of international drug cartels that still permeates today.

Overall, The Connection serves as a potent reminder of the multi-faceted nature of the crime genre in cinema. It shows that whether you are on the right or wrong side of the law, when it comes to the world of crime, everyone is connected - and everyone pays a price. With its potent performances, compelling storyline, and authentic 70s aesthetic, The Connection is certain to appeal to the fans of hard-hitting crime dramas and historical thrillers alike.